Facelift
In Fort Worth, TX
Refresh Your Contours. Keep Your Character.
Facelift at New Leaf
A facelift addresses selected changes in the lower face and jawline. Planning starts with your facial structure, the changes you notice, and how surgery compares with other options.
A facelift repositions facial tissues to address selected signs of aging, including jowls and lower-face laxity. It may be combined with neck surgery when appropriate. It does not stop aging or treat every skin-surface concern.
Facelift Before & Afters
Original photographs from New Leaf’s published gallery. Individual results vary.
Explore more resultsOverview / Facelift
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, is a surgical facial rejuvenation procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck. A facelift can address concerns such as sagging facial skin, deep fold lines, jowls, and loose skin or excess fat in the neck.
Modern facelift surgery is not just about pulling the skin tighter. A high-quality facelift focuses on the deeper support layers of the face. These layers are lifted and repositioned to restore more youthful structure. The skin is then redraped carefully so the result looks smoother and more natural.
This deeper approach helps avoid the tight, stretched, or “windblown” look that many patients worry about. When properly planned, facelift surgery can soften aging while preserving expression, individuality, and normal facial movement.
Candidates / Facelift
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
Good candidates for facelift surgery are usually bothered by visible aging in the lower face, cheeks, jawline, or neck. They may feel that their reflection looks older, heavier, or more tired than they feel inside. Many patients have already tried injectables or skin treatments and are ready for a more meaningful structural improvement.
- Jowls or loss of jawline definition
- Loose skin in the lower face or neck
- Deep folds around the mouth
- Facial sagging that does not improve enough with injectables
- Good overall health for surgery
- Realistic expectations about results and recovery
- No current smoking or willingness to stop before and after surgery
Age alone does not determine candidacy. Some patients consider facelift surgery in their 40s, while others wait until their 50s, 60s, or 70s. The better question is whether the facial tissues have changed enough that surgery is the right solution.
Your Questions Belong Here.
Explore an individual plan with Dr. Candis Lovelace.
Procedure / Facelift
What Happens During a Facelift?
Facelift surgery may be performed with local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia depending on the extent of surgery, patient comfort, and medical considerations. Dr. Lovelace will recommend the safest and most appropriate option for your case.
Incisions are typically placed around the ears and within or near the hairline where they can be concealed as they heal. Through these incisions, the deeper facial support layers are lifted and repositioned. Excess skin is removed carefully, and the remaining skin is redraped without unnecessary tension.
Depending on the surgical plan, fat may be removed, repositioned, or restored to improve facial balance. The goal is to lift and refine the face while avoiding a tight or artificial appearance.
The procedure may take several hours depending on the complexity of the surgery and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time.
Recovery / Facelift
Facelift Recovery Timeline
Facelift recovery is gradual. The early recovery period usually involves swelling, bruising, tightness, and soreness. These symptoms are expected and improve over time. Follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions for dressings, medications, and activity restrictions.
The First Few Days
The first few days are focused on rest, swelling control, and protecting the incision sites. Patients are usually advised to keep the head elevated and avoid bending, lifting, or straining. Some patients may have dressings, drains, or specific wound care instructions depending on the surgical plan.
One to Two Weeks
Bruising and swelling typically begin to improve during the first one to two weeks. Some sutures may dissolve, while others may be removed in the office. Many patients feel comfortable returning to light, non-strenuous activities during this stage, although visible swelling or bruising may still be present.
Three to Six Weeks
By this point, many patients feel more like themselves. Swelling continues to improve, and facial contours become more refined. Strenuous activity and exercise may still be limited until Dr. Lovelace clears you.
Several Months to One Year
Facelift results continue to settle as swelling resolves and scars mature. Subtle changes can continue for several months. Final scar fading may take up to a year or longer.
Planning / Facelift
Facelift vs. Neck Lift
A facelift and a neck lift are closely related, but they are not the same procedure. A facelift primarily improves the lower face, cheeks, jowls, and jawline. A neck lift focuses more directly on loose skin, muscle banding, and fullness in the neck.
Many patients who think they need only a facelift also have concerns under the chin or along the neck. Likewise, some patients who ask for a neck lift may also need lower face support to avoid a mismatch between the jawline and neck.
During your consultation, Dr. Lovelace will evaluate whether facelift surgery, neck lift surgery, or a combined approach is the better option. The goal is to create a smooth transition from the lower face to the neck rather than treating one area without considering the other.
Before You Decide
Answers for your planning
Risks and Safety Considerations
Facelift surgery is a major cosmetic procedure and should be approached thoughtfully. As with any surgery, there are risks. These may include bleeding, hematoma, infection, delayed healing, scarring, asymmetry, skin loss, numbness, nerve injury, hairline changes, contour irregularity, and the need for revision surgery.
Risk can be influenced by medical history, smoking or nicotine use, medications, blood pressure, prior surgery, and the complexity of the procedure. This is why consultation, medical review, and pre-operative planning are so important.
Dr. Lovelace will review potential risks during your consultation and explain how they apply to your specific situation.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Fort Worth?
The cost of facelift surgery in Fort Worth depends on the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia, facility fees, surgical time, and whether other procedures are performed at the same time. A mini facelift, traditional facelift, facelift with neck lift, or combined facial rejuvenation plan may each have different pricing.
During your consultation, New Leaf Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery will provide a personalized quote based on your surgical plan. This allows you to understand what is included and what to expect before moving forward.
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
Facelift results are long-lasting, but they do not stop the natural aging process. Most patients continue to age from a more refreshed starting point. Skin quality, sun exposure, weight changes, genetics, and lifestyle can all influence how long results last.
Many patients enjoy meaningful improvement for years after surgery. Maintaining a stable weight, using sun protection, following a consistent skin care routine, and considering maintenance treatments when appropriate can help support the longevity of the result.
Facelift Incisions and Scarring
Many patients worry about facelift scars. Incision placement is an important part of facelift planning because the goal is to provide access for meaningful correction while keeping scars as discreet as possible.
Facelift incisions commonly begin around the hairline near the temples, continue around the ear, and may extend behind the ear into the lower scalp. The exact pattern depends on the amount of skin laxity, the neck involvement, and the technique used.
As healing progresses, scars usually fade and become less noticeable. Scar quality depends on many factors, including genetics, skin type, incision care, sun protection, and avoiding nicotine during healing.
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Meet the practice
Dr. Candis Lovelace, MD, FACS is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Her practice includes cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face, as well as reconstructive care.
New Leaf Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
4400 Heritage Trace Parkway, Suite 200
Fort Worth, TX 76244
817-380-1087
The office welcomes patients from Fort Worth and nearby communities, including Keller and Southlake. Contact the practice to plan your visit.
Prepare for your consultation
Bring your goals, relevant medical history, medication list, and questions about alternatives, risks, recovery, and costs. Ask which options are appropriate for you and what help or follow-up you may need.
Further reading
General patient education; an individual examination is needed for treatment advice. Content updated .