Facelift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, TX

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the visible signs of aging in the face and neck. (1)

As we age, our skin loses elasticity and collagen, leading to the development of wrinkles and sagging. Environmental factors like sun exposure, smoking, and stress also contribute to facial changes over the years. If you are experiencing symptoms of facial aging, you could be a candidate for a facelift procedure. Because your face is on display for the world to see at all times, it is imperative that you do your research and seek care from the best in the business.

Led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Dallas W. Homas and Dr. Lisa D. Brostrom, the team at New Image Plastic Surgery has established itself as a premier cosmetic practice in the San Antonio area. They have helped countless patients achieve the facial aesthetic results they desire through face and necklift rejuvenation.

To schedule a consultation at our San Antonio office, please contact Dr. Lisa Brostrom at (210) 607-6316. To reach Dr. Dallas Homas, call (210) 640-6310, or contact us online.

Homas, MD Gallery

Before and After Photos

Brostrom, MD Gallery

Before and After Photos

About Facelift Procedures

A facelift is a surgical procedure that addresses common concerns related to aging, such as sagging skin, loss of volume, and deep lines or wrinkles. Facelifts are one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States, and the number of facelifts performed across the United States has continued to increase over the past several years. (2)

Types of Facelift Procedures

New Image Plastic Surgery offers multiple options for patients when it comes to facelift techniques. Some of these techniques include:

  • Traditional Facelift: This method involves incisions in the hairline and around the ears that extend to the lower scalp. This allows the surgeon to tighten the facial skin and deep fibrous tissue. During the procedure, they can redistribute facial fat to sculpt a more youthful contour. This procedure is well-suited for patients with moderate to severe signs of facial aging.
  • Limited Incision Facelift: This technique involves shorter incisions that begin at the temple and continue around the ear. This type of facelift is used for patients with less loose skin and skin laxity issues, but the results are not as transformative as a traditional facelift.
  • Deep-plane Facelift: Deep-plane facelifts are an innovative technique that targets the deeper layers of facial tissues. The surgeon will target the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), a layer of tissue that connects the facial muscles to the skin. By lifting, tightening, and repositioning these deeper layers, patients can achieve natural, longer-lasting results. Fat grafting can also be performed to restore deficient facial volume that occurs with aging. (3)

Both Dr. Homas and Dr. Brostrom are experienced in performing these techniques and can help you decide which method might be best for you based on your individual goals.

Benefits

Facelift procedures provide many benefits, which explains their popularity. Some of the benefits associated with facelifts include:

  • Youthful Appearance: Facelifts effectively reduce both the deep tissue of the face and sagging skin and wrinkles, restoring a youthful appearance.
  • Improved Facial Contours: Enhanced definition of the jawline and cheekbones can define your facial profile.
  • Long-lasting Results: Unlike non-surgical methods such as fillers, Botox, and threads, facelift results last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment.
  • Customization: Patients can choose from various facelift techniques based on their specific needs and goals, allowing for personalized treatment.
  • Boosted Self-Esteem: Renewed confidence in one’s appearance can lead to improved overall quality of life.
  • Minimal Scarring: Experienced plastic surgeons like Dr. Brostrom and Dr. Homas ensure that incisions are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring.

If you are interested in seeing how you can experience some of these benefits for yourself, contact New Image Plastic Surgery online or call Dr. Homas at (210) 640-6310 or Dr. Brostrom at (210) 607-6316.

Ideal Candidates

Multiple factors contribute to whether or not someone is an ideal candidate for a facelift. Generally speaking, however, candidates who seek this procedure often include individuals who experience:

  • Sagging skin, particularly along the jawline and cheeks
  • Deep wrinkles or folds in the lower face and midface
  • Loss of facial volume due to age or other factors

Candidates should be in relatively good physical health, have realistic expectations about what they are able to achieve with their treatment, and understand the risks involved with this type of procedure. Dr. Brostrom or Dr. Homas will evaluate your concerns and ultimately determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a facelift during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

If you are interested in proceeding with your rejuvenation journey by pursuing a facelift at New Image Plastic Surgery, the best place to begin is by scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Homas or Dr. Brostrom. During this consultation, your surgeon will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history and aesthetic goals. They will also assess skin elasticity and facial volume deficiencies.

Once the surgeon evaluates you, he or she will create a personalized treatment plan designed to help you reach your unique goals. This discussion will also include information about anesthesia options, potential risks, recovery expectations, and answers to any questions you may have about the facelift procedure.

Preparation

Dr. Homas and Dr. Brostrom will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions to help you prepare for your facelift. While specific guidelines may vary based on your customized treatment plan, following these instructions carefully will help ensure the best possible results. Some common guidelines often include instructions for:

  • Discontinuing supplements and medications as directed, especially those with blood-thinning properties.
  • Ceasing nicotine usage several weeks prior to surgery.
  • Making arrangements for a trusted individual to drive you home and care for you after surgery.

Our team will be available to guide you through the entire preparation process to ensure you are excited and feel confident about your upcoming procedure.

Procedure

The details of each facelift procedure will differ for every patient based largely on the techniques utilized. In most instances, a facelift procedure will begin with the administration of anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The surgeon will then make precise incisions according to the type of facelift they are performing. Through these incisions, they will lift and tighten the underlying facial tissues, remove excess skin, and redistribute facial fat or perform fat grafting to create a natural-looking, more youthful appearance. Once they lift the deeper facial tissues and remove skin excess, they will close the incisions and apply an overnight dressing to provide mild compression overnight.

Recovery

Patients can expect swelling and bruising after their facelift, but these effects will gradually subside within the first couple of weeks. Normally, there is minimal discomfort after surgery. Most patients are ready to resume some light activities within a week or two, but you should avoid strenuous exercise and major social events until otherwise instructed by your surgeon. You will also have regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and optimize your results.

Results

You will begin to see the full rejuvenating effects of your facelift in the following weeks and months as your swelling begins to fade. Your facial contours will look more youthful, your skin will appear smoother, and your overall appearance will reflect a refreshed, natural look. These results normally last for years, especially when your treatment is performed by skilled professionals such as Dr. Brostrom or Dr. Homas and their team at New Image Plastic Surgery.

Secondary Procedures

Many patients choose to undergo additional procedures along with their facelift to achieve more comprehensive results, but this is entirely optional. Your surgeon will be happy to help you explore the plethora of potential options when it comes to additional treatments and provide expert recommendations based on your unique goals. Some of the most commonly performed treatments combined with facelifts include neck lifts, brow lifts, and eyelid lifts, but these are only a handful of the many potential options.

Cost of Facelift Procedures in San Antonio

New Image Plastic Surgery offers flexible financing options through trusted lending partners, making this procedure more accessible to qualifying patients. The total cost of your facelift will depend on factors such as the complexity of your surgery and the extent of correction needed. Your surgeon will provide a detailed cost estimate following your personal consultation.

FAQ

How long does a facelift last?

Results last on average eight to ten years, depending on factors like age, skin type, and lifestyle.

Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital after a facelift?

Typically, facelift patients go home the same day as the surgery unless other medical conditions necessitate an overnight stay.

Are there risks associated with facelift surgery?

Like any surgery, facelift procedures carry inherent risks, including bleeding, pain, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. A detailed discussion will cover these risks during your consultation.

When can I resume exercise after a facelift?

Patients should avoid any vigorous physical activity and exercise for four to six weeks to allow proper healing.

Can a facelift be performed with other procedures?

Yes, facelifts are frequently combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as neck lifts or brow lifts, for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Does a facelift include the neck?

Yes, facelifts are normally combined with neck lifts because the deep fibrous connective tissue of the face is continuous with the superficial muscle of the neck. You are encouraged to discuss your concerns during a consultation to explore your options further.

At what age is it best to consider a facelift?

There is no “best age” to start considering a facelift. Many individuals see the greatest benefit from a facelift in their 30s to 50s, when visible signs of aging—like loose skin, wrinkles, and jowls—start to appear. Ultimately, the ideal timing depends on personal factors such as skin elasticity, facial structure, and how advanced the aging process is.

How is a deep plane facelift different from a traditional facelift?

A deep plane facelift comprehensively targets deeper layers of the facial tissues to lift and reshape the face without relying solely on skin tightening. It also provides a more stable, long-lasting rejuvenation that often appears more natural than the results of a traditional facelift.

References

  1. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/
  2. ASPS. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
  3. Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/