Facelift

Conveniently located to serve Houston, The Woodlands, and Sugar Land

Aging often shows first in the face, from loose skin and deep folds to sagging around the jawline. For many, these changes make them look older than they feel. Dr. Fred J. Bressler offers facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, to help patients in Houston, The Woodlands, and Sugar Land look refreshed with results designed to last.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that reduces visible signs of aging by tightening underlying tissues, removing excess skin, and repositioning fat. This facial lift focuses on the mid-face, jawline, and neck, where sagging often appears most noticeably. Variations include a mini facelift for more subtle changes and non-surgical facelift options that rely on injectables or energy-based treatments for patients not ready for surgery.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate?

The facelift procedure is suited for men and women who:

Notice sagging skin, deep creases, or jowls
Are in good overall health
Do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery
Have realistic expectations for surgical results

Patients in their 40s to 70s often benefit most, but candidacy depends on individual anatomy and goals.

How the Facelift Procedure Works

Facelift surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on the extent of correction and patient preference. It allows you to remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the operation.

Dr. Bressler begins by making discreet incisions along the hairline and around the ears, where scars are easily hidden. Through these openings, the deeper layers of facial tissue and muscle (known as the SMAS layer) are gently lifted and repositioned to restore a firmer foundation. Excess skin is then trimmed, and fat may be redistributed or removed to refine the contours of the cheeks, jawline, and neck.

A mini facelift may be recommended for patients with early signs of aging. This less invasive technique involves shorter incisions and focuses mainly on tightening the lower face and jawline, leading to a quicker recovery. A facelift can also be performed with an eyelid lift or brow lift to create more balanced facial improvement.

Recovery Timeline and Results

Most swelling and bruising ease within 1–2 weeks, and patients often return to social activities after 2–3 weeks. Subtle refinement of facial contours continues over the next several months as tissues settle.

Here are some recovery tips to follow:

Keep your head elevated while resting
Use cold compresses to minimize swelling
Follow all post-operative instructions closely
Avoid strenuous activity until cleared by Dr. Bressler
Attend all follow-up appointments to track progress

Mild discomfort is expected but usually well-managed with prescribed care. Results are long-lasting, though natural aging will continue gradually.

Cost and Financing Options

The cost of a facelift at The Bressler Center for Facial Plastic Surgery and Skin Care varies depending on the extent of surgery, additional procedures, and anesthesia. While most facelifts are elective and not covered by insurance, reconstructive elements may sometimes qualify.

Our practice accepts cash, checks, and major credit cards, with financing available through programs like Chase Health Advance to make payments more flexible. The Bressler Center also accepts most types of insurance covered under Houston Methodist Hospital, and patients should confirm directly with their provider to verify if Dr. Bressler is in-network.

Why Choose Dr. Bressler for Your Facelift

At The Bressler Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX, facelift surgery is the most popular procedure. The practice is led by Dr. Fred J. Bressler, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He has dedicated his practice exclusively to facial procedures, giving patients the benefit of focused expertise and consistent results. It makes him one of the best facelift surgeons in Houston.

As the founder of The Bressler Center, Dr. Bressler has completed advanced fellowships in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His reputation is built not only on surgical skill but also on his personalized approach. Each facelift consultation is designed to give patients clear information about their options and what outcomes they can reasonably expect.

The practice also features a fully accredited surgical suite, combining safety, comfort, and specialized care under one roof.

Questions and Answers About Face and Neck Lifts

What signs or changes in my face would a face or neck lift address?

You may notice that your jawline is not quite as sharp and defined as in the past. Bands are coming down your neck from your chin. The angle of your neck has become more obtuse and less defined. A good test to see if the look of a face and neck lift appeals to you is to take a hand mirror and lie down flat in bed. Look at your jawline and neck in this position, and this may give you a better idea of what a face/neck lift can do for you.

What can I expect when considering a facelift or neck lift?

Everyone’s face and neck age differently. You may have read or heard about different types of facelifts. The minilift (mini facelift), weekend lift, or lunchtime lift are some examples. These trendy names and techniques are marketing tools and do not delineate exactly what this lift will do for you.

There are also options like a mid-facelift and lower-facelift that focus on specific areas of the face. Some places may also offer a non-surgical facelift, often called a liquid facelift. This treatment involves using facial fillers to restore lost volume and produces mild results that are not permanent.

Have yourself be evaluated by a trained facial plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Bressler, who can recommend the type of lift best suited to your needs. For example, a patient with prominent neck bands and a less defined neck angle may not benefit from a mini facelift alone and could achieve better results with a more comprehensive face and neck lift. The key is open communication. You and your surgeon should agree on what is most important to you during the facial rejuvenation process.

Can I get large-volume filler injections instead of a facelift?

Recently, a new term has entered the facial plastic lexicon. “Deflation” describes the appearance that many individuals notice in their cheeks, temples, and areas below their eyes. A filler can help improve this appearance to a certain degree. However, a filler is not a substitute for a face/neck lift, blepharoplasty, or brow lift.

To achieve the volume necessary to correct this deflated appearance, a surgeon must use multiple syringes, a procedure that can become quite costly. At The Bressler Center for Facial Plastic Surgery and Skin Care, we believe that injectable fillers can complement facial rejuvenation surgery. This procedure can reshape the face and redrape lax skin and tissue. Once your face has healed, we can use the filler postoperatively.

Is a rhytidectomy permanent?

Rhytidectomy results are long-lasting, often 10 years or more, but the natural aging process continues. Many patients notice they continue to look younger than if they had not had surgery.

Can I combine a facelift with other procedures?

Many patients combine a facelift with eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or injectables for a more comprehensive result. For example, pairing a facelift with eyelid surgery can address sagging skin around the eyes, while a brow lift can smooth forehead lines and elevate the brow for a refreshed look. Injectables may also soften wrinkles or restore volume in areas not treated by surgery.

Combining plastic surgery procedures can create more balanced results while minimizing the need for multiple recovery periods.

Call Now: 713.441.3223

Before and After Images

Actual Face and Neck Lift Patient Results

Facelift Houston

Before

After

Click here to view more face and neck lift results achieved by Houston facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Fred J. Bressler.

Rediscover a Younger You with a Facelift

If sagging skin, jowls, or deep folds are changing the way you look, a facelift may be the right solution. Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS, offers advanced facelift procedures for patients throughout Houston, The Woodlands, and Sugar Land, delivering results that cater to your needs. Contact The Bressler Center for Facial Plastic Surgery and Skin Care today to schedule your facelift consultation. Call us at 713.441.3223 or fill out the online form below.