Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
The aging face exhibits characteristics that are common and predictable. Most notably, we lose volume in our cheeks and, as they begin to sag, we develop deep creases around the mouth and jowls. The misconception is that our skin is to blame for becoming loose. It's true that aged skin is less elastic. However, aging also happens at the underlying structural level. We lose bone, fat, and muscle volume in our faces. The skin now has less support and is not suspended in the same position. The treatment for this is, of course, a facelift. Unfortunately, the term is very broad, as not all facelifts are the same. Many commonly advertised ‘quickie’ facelifts address only the loose skin. These procedures do little or nothing to tighten or restore the deeper tissues of the face.
At The Artisan Center for Plastic Surgery in Katy, TX, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. B. Allen Rodgers provides personalized facial rejuvenation tailored to your unique anatomical needs. By addressing the deep foundational structures of the face rather than simply pulling the skin, Dr. Rodgers delivers natural, long-lasting results that never look artificial or over-tightened.
Surgical lifting and repositioning of the underlying facial muscle layer (SMAS) paired with targeted skin trimming and optional volume restoration.
3-to-4-hour outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia.
Smooths jowls, tightens sagging neck tissue, softens deep nasolabial folds, and restores youthful midface proportions.
Most patients resume light daily tasks within 10 to 14 days, enjoying a refreshed, naturally younger appearance as swelling resolves over several weeks.
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to correct visible signs of aging in the lower two-thirds of the face and upper neck. Rather than relying on temporary quick fixes, a true surgical facelift restores youthfulness by lifting the underlying SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer and redraping the skin naturally.
At The Artisan Center, we understand that different people need different types of facelifts. We offer options from non-surgical “Liquid Facelifts,” which use injectable fillers to enhance volume and subtly tighten the skin, to full surgical facelifts, which lift and tighten not only the skin but also the muscle layer of the face and neck. Some patients benefit from fat grafting, which can replace injectable fillers as a permanent solution to volume enhancement, either as a stand-alone procedure or at the time of their facelift. This is done by harvesting fat from the tummy or thighs with liposuction. The fat is then purified and filtered before it is transferred into the various fat compartments to rejuvenate the face.
Depending on your aesthetic goals and degree of tissue laxity, facial rejuvenation options include:
Lifts the deep facial muscle layer, tightens sagging neck bands, and removes redundant skin for complete lower-face and neck rejuvenation.
A targeted surgical option utilizing shorter incisions to address early jowling and mild lower-face skin laxity.
Combines deep muscle lifting, skin tightening, and fat transfer to restore lost structural fullness in the cheeks and temples.
Uses strategic injectable fillers and neurotoxins to smooth lines and restore temporary volume without surgical downtime.
Your facial rejuvenation path begins with an in-depth private consultation with Dr. Rodgers at our Katy practice. He evaluates your facial bone structure, skin elasticity, and deep tissue volume to design a custom surgical plan.
Your procedure is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Dr. Rodgers places discreet incisions hidden within the natural contours around the ear and extending into the hairline. Through these incisions, Dr. Rodgers elevates and tightens the deep SMAS muscle layer, securing it in a higher, more youthful position.
Any excess skin is gently redraped without tension and trimmed, preventing the "windblown" look associated with superficial skin pulls. If fat grafting is included, purified fat cells are injected into depleted facial compartments. The incisions are carefully closed with layered sutures to promote smooth healing and long-lasting results.
Facelift surgery directly addresses structural changes caused by aging, gravity, and volume loss, including:
Smooths loose skin and soft tissue pooling along the jawline to restore sharp definition.
Softens heavy creases extending from the nose to the mouth and down to the chin.
Elevates fallen cheek tissue and restores youthful fullness.
Tightens sagging "turkey neck" tissue and smoothes vertical neck bands.
Restores structural support lost through natural bone and fat depletion over time.
Deep Structural Support
Lifting the underlying muscle layer ensures your results look completely natural, soft, and unforced.
Comprehensive Lower-Face Refresh
Redefines your jawline, smooths the neck, and softens heavy facial creases in a single, coordinated procedure.
Discreet, Hidden Incision Lines
Incisions are meticulously placed in natural ear creases and hairline folds, where they fade into subtle, virtually imperceptible lines.
Long-Lasting Youthfulness
Addressing deep foundational tissues provides enduring results that age gracefully over many years.
You are generally a strong candidate for a facelift if you have noticeable sagging along your jawline, deep facial creases, or loose neck tissue while retaining reasonable skin elasticity. Ideal candidates are non-smokers in good overall health who hold realistic expectations about surgical outcomes.
A facelift may not be recommended if you have unmanaged medical conditions that impair wound healing or are unwilling to pause nicotine use before and after surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Rodgers will evaluate your facial anatomy and help you decide whether a full surgical facelift, mini facelift, or non-surgical liquid facelift best fits your goals.
Recovering from a facelift requires dedicated rest and gentle care during the initial healing window. Most patients take 10 to 14 days off from work and social activities to recover comfortably.
During the first few days, mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and a feeling of facial tightness are normal and managed with prescribed medication. You will wear a supportive facial dressing or light compression bandage for the first few days to support healing tissues. Light walking is encouraged right away to promote circulation, but heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and bending over must be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks to minimize swelling.
You will notice a clear refinement in your jawline and facial contours once initial dressings are removed. As post-operative swelling and bruising clear over the first 3 to 4 weeks, your refreshed, naturally younger profile emerges.
Incision scars hidden around the ears and hairline fade from pink to fine lines over 6 to 12 months. Because a structural facelift lifts the deep muscle layer, your results are long-lasting, turning back the clock while allowing you to age gracefully and naturally.
The most satisfying facial rejuvenation results honor the features that make you uniquely you. At The Artisan Center for Plastic Surgery in Katy, TX, Dr. B. Allen Rodgers combines his experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon with a thoughtful approach to facelift surgery, aiming to address visible signs of aging while respecting your natural facial proportions.
Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, learn about appropriate surgical options, and develop a plan around your needs and expectations.
Take the first step toward a more refreshed appearance by scheduling a personalized facelift consultation today.
A skin-only facelift merely pulls the skin tight, leading to an artificial "windblown" appearance and short-lived results. A SMAS facelift lifts and secures the deeper muscle layer of the face, providing natural, long-lasting rejuvenation without tension on the skin.
Incisions are carefully hidden within the natural folds surrounding the ear cartilage and inside the hairline. Once fully healed, facelift scars are extremely subtle and difficult to notice.
Because a structural facelift repositions the deep muscle layers, results typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. While natural aging continues, you will consistently look years younger than you would have without surgery.
Yes. Facelifts are frequently combined with fat grafting, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or brow lifts to achieve complete, balanced rejuvenation across the entire face.
A liquid facelift uses dermal fillers and neurotoxins to restore mild volume loss and smooth early lines, making it ideal for younger patients or those wanting no downtime. However, it cannot remove significant excess skin or lift sagging muscle tissue like a surgical facelift.
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