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For patients wanting a more youthful visage, two of the most popular choices are facelifts and forehead lifts.Dr. Rivela’s top-notch surgical skills make him one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in practice. He was voted “Best Plastic Surgeon” by Woodlands Online every year since 2010.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift, or Rhytidectomy, is a restorative procedure designed to tighten sagging facial muscles, remove excess skin, and reduce the fat of the lower two-thirds of the face, creating a more youthful appearance. Providing lasting improvement for five to 10 years, patients find that the positive change in appearance also helps bring a renewed outlook on life and enhances day-to-day living.
A forehead or brow lift is designed to remove skin and tighten muscles of the forehead, thus helping to alleviate forehead lines, frown lines, drooping eyebrows, and “hooding” eyelids. It is often performed along with other procedures such as eyelid surgery or face lifts. Mini-face lifts can be a good option for patients with less advanced wrinkling and sagging. They are surgically less invasive with the added benefit of reduced healing time.
Your Consultation with Dr. Rivela
Your consultation provides an opportunity to interact one-on-one with Dr. Rivela. This is the time to ask and answer questions allowing him to set up a game plan for the optimal outcome of your surgical experience.
Be ready to discuss:
- Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
- Expectations and desired outcome
- Available Options
- All medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs that you are currently taking or using
- Previous surgical history
Dr. Rivela may also:
- Evaluate your general health status including pre-existing conditions and risk factors
- Examine your face
- Take photographs for your medical records
- Discuss your options and recommend a surgical course of action
- Discuss likely outcomes, risks, and potential complications associated with your surgery
MEET DR. RIVELA
With over 25 years of experience, Lucian J. Rivela M. D., F. A. C. S. is proud to offer some of the most innovative procedures available in cosmetic and plastic surgery, aesthetic treatments, and skincare. Dr. Rivela is board certified and is a member of both The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He and his staff are dedicated to helping you be your best confident, natural, and authentic self.
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Your Facelift Procedure
Often used in conjunction with brow lifts, eye lifts, or forehead lifts, the surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia but sometimes under local anesthesia with sedation. Facelifts typically take from 2-4 hours, but time will vary depending on what specific procedures are being performed and how many are being performed in the same surgery. Remember to book your surgery to give you an extra month of recovery, and two months for a deep facelift.
About the Procedure
Anesthesia General
Location of Operation Hospital or Surgery Center
Length of Surgery2-4 hours
Length of StayOutpatient (home same day)
Your Facelift Recovery Notes
About the Recovery Process
DiscomfortMild to moderate
Swelling & Bruising2-3 weeks
Bandages1-2 days
Stitches7-10 days
Driving2 weeks
WorkReturn in 5 days
Exercise2-3 weeks
Final Result6 months
Discomfort After: Mild to moderate. Anticipate 1-5 days of prescription pain medication. Tylenol is often sufficient in this treatment. If you have pain beyond what seems to be normal, it’s important to contact our office immediately to ensure there are no complications.
Swelling and Bruising: Improves in a couple of weeks. For deeper facelifts, it can take the swelling a little longer to go down. Reduce swelling by frequently applying cold compresses, and make sure to keep your head elevated at all times. Your face will feel a little tight for the first several weeks, and you can also expect some numbness.
Bandages: Will be applied after surgery and are changed in 1-2 days. Any surgical tubing will be removed then as well.
Stitches: Removed in 7-10 days.
Staples: Staples are typically applied at the hairline and will be removed in two weeks.
Make-up: With a little make-up, you should feel comfortable going out in public in about two weeks. Make-up should not be applied for at least the first week of recovery.
Work: If you have to return to work you should be physically ready in about five days.
Driving: May be resumed in two weeks if you have stopped taking prescription pain medication.
Exercise: Wait 2-3 weeks before doing any strenuous exercise.
Final result: Will be seen after the scars have matured, which will be about six months. To protect your investment and the health of your skin, always wear sunscreen – and don’t forget the rule: SPF should be 15 or higher.
Go see them, you will NOT be disappointed!
The entire team at Rivela Plastic Surgery is top-notch, knowledgable and compassionate. They made my facelift experience less anxiety provoking than it would have been otherwise. Dr. Rivela is such a kind man, and he delivered on everything he said he would with the surgery. Bye bye ugly marionette lines! I plan on going back for a few more procedures in the future. …Read More…Read Less
Facelift Cost
The cost of a Face Lift will depend on several factors. The price can be affected by body type, type of technique performed, surgical complications, and even allergies. Find out more by scheduling a consultation.
Schedule a Facelift Consultation
Interested in learning more about facelift surgery in The Woodlands / North Houston? Contact Rivela Plastic Surgery today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rivela. We look forward to offering compassionate treatment and excellent cosmetic plastic surgery solutions.
Facelift FAQs
How long does facelift last?
What factors should be considered when selecting a facelift surgeon?
Are there different types of forehead and facelifts?
How do I prepare for a facelift?
Who is a good candidate for a facelift?
What are the risks involved with having a facelift?
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