Facelift
(Rhytidectomy)
in Dallas–Fort Worth
Sun exposure, genetics, and time gradually loosen the skin and muscles of the face and neck — creating jowls, sagging, and deepened folds that can add years to your appearance. A facelift at DFWOMS restores a naturally youthful, rested look with results that last — at our Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis locations.
Turning back the clock on the lower face and neck
A facelift — medically called a rhytidectomy — is a surgical procedure that addresses the visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck by tightening the underlying muscles and connective tissue, repositioning descended fat, and removing excess skin. The result is a smoother, firmer, more youthful facial contour that looks natural — not pulled or overdone.
Children and young adults have smooth, round faces because fatty tissue is evenly distributed throughout the face’s natural contours. As we age, gravity, sun exposure, and the loss of skin elasticity cause the skin to loosen and sag — fat descends, muscles relax, and prominent folds develop around the chin, jawline, and neck. A facelift does not stop aging, but it reverses its most visible effects in a way that no non-surgical treatment can replicate, with results that last years.
Common signs of aging a facelift addresses
How a facelift is performed at DFWOMS
Every facelift at DFWOMS begins with a thorough evaluation of your medical history, facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. Photographs and, in some cases, computer imaging are used to plan and visualize the anticipated improvement. We take the time to understand exactly what matters to you — because our objective is always a result that looks natural and feels authentically like you.
A facelift is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia at our surgical facility. Premedication is administered for relaxation before the procedure begins. All anesthesia at DFWOMS follows our opioid-free protocols for a safer, more comfortable experience. Both options will be discussed in detail at your pre-operative appointment so you can choose the approach that best suits your comfort level and health needs.
Incisions are carefully placed inside the hairline at the temple, in front of the ear, around the earlobe, and behind the ear, ending in the scalp — following the natural contours of the ear and hairline so that scars are largely concealed. Through these incisions, the loose skin is elevated from the underlying tissue, the facial muscles and connective tissue (SMAS) are tightened, descended fat is repositioned, and excess skin is trimmed and re-draped. In many cases, fatty deposits under the chin and neck are removed simultaneously using liposuction for a complete neck rejuvenation. Fine sutures close the incisions precisely.
A facelift is often most powerful when combined
A facelift addresses the lower face and neck, but aging affects the entire face. For patients seeking a more comprehensive rejuvenation, a facelift is frequently performed in combination with other procedures — each addressing a different region of the face in a single surgical session.
What to expect, step by step
We evaluate your medical history, current medications, and overall health to confirm you are a suitable candidate. Your facial anatomy, skin quality, and degree of aging are assessed in detail. Photographs and computer imaging help us plan the procedure and show you the expected improvement. Pre-operative instructions are provided — including stopping aspirin and blood-thinning medications several weeks before surgery to minimize bleeding.
The facelift is performed at our surgical facility under IV sedation or general anesthesia. A small amount of hair may be trimmed around the ears and temples. Premedication is given for relaxation before the procedure begins. The surgery typically takes 3–5 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and whether additional surgeries are combined. The incisions are closed with fine sutures placed carefully to minimize scarring.
Staying one night in a recovery care center following surgery is recommended to receive specialized nursing care during the first critical hours of recovery. Bandages are applied to the surgical area and removed within a few days. Drain tubes, if placed, are typically removed within 1–2 days. Pain is moderate and managed effectively with our opioid-free medication protocol.
Sutures are removed within the first 5–10 days, sometimes in stages to minimize scarring. Swelling and bruising decrease significantly within two weeks. A feeling of tightness in the face is normal for several weeks. Sun exposure should be avoided for several weeks after surgery. Most patients return to normal daily activities within 2–3 weeks, though strenuous activity is restricted for 4–6 weeks.
Healing is gradual — final results are not fully visible until up to six months post-operatively as residual swelling resolves and the tissues settle into their new position. Scars fade quickly and are well-concealed within the hairline and natural ear contours. Most patients who have had facelifts are highly satisfied with their naturally refreshed, more youthful appearance. A single procedure achieves the desired results in the vast majority of cases.
Natural results, expert hands
Common questions about facelifts
Good candidates are adults who have visible signs of facial and neck aging — jowls, loose neck skin, sagging midface, or deep folds — and are in good overall health. Ideal candidates are non-smokers with good skin elasticity, realistic expectations, and a positive outlook. Facelifts can be performed at any age once signs of aging appear, though most patients are in their 40s through 60s. The best way to determine your candidacy is through a personalized consultation with our surgeons.
A well-performed modern facelift should look natural — people will notice that you look refreshed and younger without being able to identify exactly why. The “windswept” look of older facelifts resulted from techniques that pulled the skin laterally under tension. Modern SMAS-based techniques tighten the deeper muscle and connective tissue layer, allowing the overlying skin to be re-draped with minimal tension — producing a natural result that moves normally and ages gracefully. Our goal is always a result that is authentically you.
Facelift incisions are placed within the hairline, in front of the ear following its natural contour, around the earlobe, and behind the ear — positions specifically chosen because they are well-concealed. Scars fade quickly and are typically undetectable within the hairline. The scars in front of the ear, while more visible initially, become very faint over 6–12 months and are easily covered by hairstyle. With precise placement and closure, scarring is rarely a cosmetic concern for facelift patients.
Facelift results typically last 7–12 years, though this varies by individual. The aging process continues after surgery, but patients always look younger than they would have without the procedure. Factors that influence longevity include skin quality, genetics, sun protection, and lifestyle. Some patients choose to have a secondary or touch-up procedure many years later to maintain their results; others find that a single procedure provides lasting satisfaction.
Most patients spend one night in a recovery care center following surgery. Bandages are removed within a few days and sutures within the first 5–10 days. Swelling and bruising are most pronounced in the first week and improve significantly by 2 weeks. Facial tightness is normal and gradually resolves over several weeks. Most patients feel comfortable being seen publicly at 2–3 weeks and return to normal activities at that point, though strenuous exercise is avoided for 4–6 weeks. Sun exposure should be minimized for several weeks. Final results are evaluated at approximately 6 months.
Facelifts are cosmetic procedures and are not covered by insurance. We offer CareCredit and LendingClub financing to make the procedure accessible. Our team will discuss all financing options with you at your consultation so you can plan accordingly. We encourage you to contact us with any questions about payment options before your appointment.
Look as young as you feel.
Our oral surgeons in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis combine surgical expertise and artistic vision to deliver facelift results that are natural, lasting, and uniquely yours. Schedule your consultation at DFWOMS today.