A Comprehensive Guide to Getting a Facelift in Dallas
Questions? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rihani today!
Schedule a ConsultationIf you’ve been exploring ways to tighten sagging skin, define your jawline, or smooth out jowls, chances are facelift surgery has popped up in your research.
And that makes total sense. Facelifts are among the most popular facial rejuvenation options, with over 13,000 procedures performed in the South Central US alone in 2023.
Still, it’s completely normal to have hesitations.
Maybe you’re unsure about the cost, recovery time, or whether the results will look natural or too obvious.
You might be wondering:
“Will I still look like myself after a facelift?”
“Can nonsurgical treatments like injectable dermal fillers or BOTOX® get me close to the same results?”
“How do I choose a plastic surgeon in Dallas I can actually trust?”
At the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute, we get it.
Choosing to undergo a surgical procedure is a big decision—and you deserve honest answers, not a sales pitch.
That’s exactly what Dr. Jordan Rihani offers.
He’s not here to push surgery on anyone. In fact, he regularly advises patients against a facelift when it’s not the right solution.
If he doesn’t believe surgery can realistically meet your aesthetic goals, he’ll tell you upfront.
But when you’re a good candidate for the procedure, Dr. Rihani brings years of experience, dual board certification, and a modern approach that prioritizes subtle, natural-looking results—not that “tight and pulled” look people often fear.
This guide will help you understand:
- How facelift surgery actually works
- What recovery looks like
- What to look for when picking the best plastic surgeon in Dallas
No complicated jargon. No pressure. Just the clear, honest information you need to decide what’s best for your face, your goals.
Ready to explore your options? You’re invited to schedule a free consultation:
- Call us at (817) 529-3232 or (817) 768-6346
- Fill out our Contact form
Visit us at:
- 800 8th Ave, #400, Fort Worth, TX 76104
- 521 W. Southlake Blvd, #175, Southlake, TX 76092
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, known medically as a “rhytidectomy,” is a surgical procedure explicitly designed to address signs of aging on the lower face and neck, including:
- Sagging skin on your cheeks
- Nasolabial folds or creases around your nose and mouth
- Lost facial volume
- Jowls or drooping skin on your jaw
- Double chin or excess skin and fat on your neck
Understand, however, that although a facelift is an excellent cosmetic procedure for facial rejuvenation and restoring self-esteem lost to the passage of time, it has some limitations.
It cannot:
- Stop the aging process
- Change your facial appearance fundamentally
- Remove fine lines Reverse the damage from sun exposure
- Correct facial skin discoloration
Despite these constraints, a facelift is still an effective surgical solution for achieving a more youthful appearance, especially if you want long-lasting results.
And if you work with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Jordan Rihani, one who uses specialized facelift techniques such as the deep plane facelift, you can be confident that the results will look as natural as possible.
Types of Facelift
Deep plane facelift? What’s that?
Well, here’s the thing: a “facelift” doesn’t refer to one procedure alone. In truth, it’s an umbrella term for any surgical technique that addresses facial aging.
Many cosmetic surgery options fall under this definition. However, not all of them are the same.
Depending on your aesthetic goals, budget, and schedule, one will be better than the others.
Unfortunately, there are many different types of facelifts, and while we’d be happy to discuss them all if you’re interested, doing so would require a separate, lengthier write-up.
But to give you an idea, here are some of the most popular ones:
Traditional facelift:
This type of facelift is often referred to simply as a full facelift. It involves creating incisions around the ears, hairline, and under the chin to separate the skin from the underlying tissues.
This technique allows the surgeon to tighten your facial muscles and reposition your skin, eliminating skin laxity (looseness) and making your face look younger.
Deep plane facelift:
Unlike the traditional facelift, which primarily focuses on the skin, the deep plane technique works on several elements of the face simultaneously.
That includes the skin, fat, and the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, which consists of muscles, ligaments, and fibers that influence how your face looks as you age.
This type of facelift restores lost facial volume, smooths out wrinkles, and offers a more comprehensive lift, resulting in a more dramatic—yet natural—improvement.
High SMAS facelift:
This type of rhytidectomy lifts the tissues connecting the skin to the SMAS layer to a higher position—its position before gravity took its toll—producing a youthful contour.
However, unlike the deep plane facelift, which releases and repositions the skin over the new suspended contours, a high SMAS facelift leaves the skin attached to the SMAS.
Endoscopic facelift:
This type of facelift involves making small incisions, usually within the hairline or behind the ears, through which an endoscope is inserted.
This thin tube with a camera inside provides surgeons with a clear view of the underlying facial structures, helping them lift and reposition the tissues to achieve a rejuvenated look.
The primary benefit of an endoscopic facelift compared to a traditional facelift is that it’s outpatient and minimally invasive.
If you’re unsure which option is best suited for you, a facelift consultation with a double board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Rihani can help you determine the best approach.
Factors like your bone structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals all play a role, which is why personalized treatment plans matter—what you’ll get with the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
If you want a facelift, many surgeons in Dallas will do it for you. However, Dr. Rihani isn’t like most plastic surgeons. Before performing a procedure, he ensures that patients are good candidates for it.
That begs the question, “Who is the ideal candidate for a facelift?” Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Every face is unique. That said, patients we perform on typically:
- Have addressable signs of facial aging:
Neck laxity, nasolabial folds, severe jowls—a facelift can fix many things. However, it’s not a fix-all cosmetic solution.
If you have other aesthetic concerns—ones that a facelift can’t solve—you might achieve more favorable results with different options, such as chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing.
- Have good physical health:
Dr. Jordan Rihani and the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute team prioritize safety. While facelifts are safe, undergoing one can still take a toll on your body.
Depending on the procedure, you can expect a recovery time of around two to three weeks. That’s why we only offer our procedures to facelift patients who are in good health.
- Have realistic expectations:
A facelift can help turn back the clock and make you look “10 years younger.” However, it cannot change how you fundamentally look.
For this reason, Dr. Rihani refuses patients who expect results that facelift surgery cannot achieve. But if you only want to look refreshed, you may be a good candidate for a facelift.
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But what if you’ve already had a previous facelift and are unhappy with the results? Fortunately, a revision facelift can help correct mistakes from a previous procedure.
However, you might not be the ideal candidate for a revision facelift if a previous surgery has left behind scar tissue, poorer skin elasticity, or thinner muscle layers.
These cases require expertise and further personalization—something a double board-certified plastic surgeon who has a keen eye for detail, like Dr. Rihani, can provide.
With him, you can rest assured that you won’t just receive any old facelift—you’ll be an active participant in finding the best one for your unique situation and aesthetic goals.
What Age Is Best for a Facelift?
Dr. Rihani has had facelift patients in their 30s and some even in their 60s. Conventional wisdom suggests that the “best” age to undergo a procedure is somewhere in this range.
However, the answer depends less on your age and more on your aging process. Everyone’s faces age differently—some people develop jowls early, others keep cheek volume into their twilight years.
So, the question you should ask yourself is not “Am I too young or too old for a facelift?” but “Am I ready for a facelift?”
To determine whether you really are, ask yourself:
- Do you want long-lasting results?
From BOTOX® to dermal fillers, various cosmetic options are available to improve your facial appearance. However, many of them are often temporary.
In contrast, a facelift technique like the deep plane facelift can give you a younger appearance for up to 15 years, possibly even longer, with an effective skincare routine.
- Is your skin still healthy?
Facelift surgery will result in swelling, bruising, and, of course, facelift incisions, which will take time to heal. If you have good skin quality, consider undergoing a procedure.
After all, healthy skin has better barrier function, improved hydration, and more structural proteins, such as collagen and elastin, that are essential for healing.
- Do you have the budget?
Although we offer financing options through CareCredit to make life-changing plastic and cosmetic surgery as accessible as possible, facelifts can still be quite expensive.
The cost of our deep plane facelift, for example, ranges from $30,000 to $50,000.
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Even if you answered “yes” to all of these questions, we understand if you still have reservations. A facelift is a big decision, and knowing whether it’s the right time can be challenging.
Fortunately, the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute is ready to provide you with the clarity and expert guidance needed to help you make an informed decision confidently.
How Is Facelift Surgery Performed?
If you’re feeling anxious about undergoing surgery, you’re not alone. A systematic review reported that nearly half of surgical patients experience pre-op anxiety.
One of the contributing factors is not knowing what happens inside the operating room.
That’s why it’s perfectly natural that you’d want to understand the surgical process, especially if you’re considering getting a facelift in Dallas.
Allow us to ease some of your worries. While the process can vary depending on the type of facelift, here’s what to expect once you decide to go under the knife:
Preparation:
If you choose to proceed with the facelift, we’ll provide you with detailed preoperative instructions, which generally include:
- Getting lab work so that we can determine if you’re healthy enough to undergo the procedure
- Pausing medication that may increase bleeding, such as anti-inflammatory drugs
- Curbing bad habits like smoking so that it doesn’t impact the operation’s final outcome
Anesthesia:
Our facelifts are performed under general anesthesia, which will put you to sleep. But for less extensive procedures, IV (intravenous) sedation with local anesthesia is an option.
Surgical technique:
Although the type of facelift dictates the process, facelifts generally involve creating incisions. Dr. Rihani places them discreetly, usually in the hairline and behind the ear.
He then repositions the skin to produce the desired results. Dr. Rihani uses a specialized “lift-up” approach to avoid putting unnecessary tension on the skin and producing a “stretched” look.
For some facelift techniques, Dr. Rihani may also lift the underlying tissues, such as the SMAS layer, and trim excess skin to deliver more dramatic improvements.
Finishing up:
Once the facial elements are in their desired positions, Dr. Rihani will close the incisions with sutures. He’ll then cover your face with dressing, which will be removed the following day.
While the general facelift process involves these stages, it’s essential to remember that your chosen surgeon’s skill and technique significantly influence the final result.
As a dual board-certified surgeon specializing in facial aesthetic surgery, Dr. Rihani brings focused expertise to every procedure, ensuring you achieve the natural, younger look you deserve.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
If you’re researching facelift options in Dallas, you may have heard about the deep plane facelift and how it can provide a more comprehensive lift compared to other types of facelifts.
The question is, “Why should you choose a deep plane facelift?” Here are some of the reasons:
- Natural-looking results: Many facelift techniques involve stretching the skin to produce the lift. Unfortunately, this approach often results in the “fake” look that you’re likely trying to avoid.In contrast, the deep plane technique treats the skin and its underlying tissues as a single unit, so there’s no unnecessary stretching—the skin naturally drapes over the repositioned contours.
- Same recovery as a traditional facelift: Despite being more extensive than other types of facelifts, a deep plane facelift doesn’t require a longer recovery time.Most patients need only two to three weeks of rest.
- Longer-lasting results: Because a deep plane facelift repositions the face’s structural layers, instead of only targeting the skin, its effects often last longer than other facelift techniques.If you undergo a deep plane facelift, you can expect to retain your reacquired younger appearance for around 10 to 15 years compared to the typical 7 to 10 years offered by traditional facelifts.
Fortunately, you don’t have to search very long for a qualified surgeon if you’re convinced that a deep plane facelift is the right choice for you. After all, there’s Dr. Jordan Rihani.
Not only does he routinely perform deep plane facelifts, but he also has extensive training with the procedure through prestigious facial plastic surgery fellowships under renowned surgeons:
- Dr. E. Gaylon McCollough
- Dr. Fred Fedok
What Is a Mini Facelift?
We understand if you’re not ready to undergo a facelift, whether due to concerns of costs, risks, or recovery. Fortunately, there’s a way to get the results of a traditional facelift without undergoing one: a mini facelift.
A mini facelift is just that—a pared-down version of the traditional facelift technique. Here’s what this type of facelift offers:
- Shorter recovery: Compared to a traditional facelift, which requires up to three weeks of recovery, a mini facelift only requires two.This quicker turnaround means you can get back to your routine earlier.
- Less invasive: Mini facelifts focus on specific key areas of the face rather than the entire face.This focused approach involves fewer, shorter incisions.
- More affordable: Because less work is involved with a mini facelift, it’s more affordable than a traditional facelift.
However, don’t mistake a mini facelift as an inferior procedure to a traditional facelift. Although it may not be as comprehensive, it can still give you a tighter, more youthful appearance.
Big results, mini approach.
To determine if a mini facelift is the best option for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can do so by calling (817) 529-3232, (817) 768-6346, or completing our Contact form.
“What Can I Expect During a Facelift Consultation?”
If you’re considering a facelift in Dallas, your consultation is the first step toward understanding your options. At the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute, it’s free.
Here’s how Dr. Rihani ensures your visit is informative and personalized:
- Comprehensive evaluation: Dr. Rihani will examine your facial structure, skin quality, and signs of aging.He’ll assess factors like skin laxity, volume loss, and muscle position.
- Goal-oriented discussion: We don’t just talk—we also listen. Dr. Rihani will give you the time to explain what bothers you most, whether it involves jowls, neck bands, or midface sagging.You can also discuss any previous facial procedures you’ve undergone, as well as your medical history. These conversations allow Dr. Rihani to pinpoint the best solution for your unique situation.But don’t worry. Dr. Rihani will also take the time to explain each technique and will even recommend alternatives if he doesn’t believe an option will deliver the desired results.
- Visualizing your results: Dr. Rihani will point out cases with similar facial features or aging patterns to yours, helping you visualize what facelift surgery can achieve.We won’t ask you to just take our word for it. We encourage patients to check our Before and After gallery to see what our procedures can do, which can help you set realistic expectations.
- Personalized plan and next steps: Dr. Rihani will provide you with a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals, along with detailed information about the procedure.The Facial Plastic Surgery Institute team will also discuss and review costs, recovery expectations, and scheduling. No pressure—you’ll have time to think and ask follow-up questions.
What Should I Look for When Choosing a Facelift Surgeon in Dallas?
There’s no shortage of qualified plastic surgeons in Dallas. But if you want natural-looking, long-lasting results, you need to choose a surgeon carefully.
So, how do you pick the “right” one?
Here are some factors to consider to help you find someone with the right facelift expertise who can help you get the outcomes you want:
- Credentials matter:
Certifications and specialized training in facial plastic surgery ensure that the surgeon understands the complexities of facelifts and facial anatomy. So, while it may sound obvious, you should pick a surgeon with relevant credentials.Here are some highlights of Dr. Rihani’s education and experience:- Board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Specialized training at New York University (NYU) School of Medicine and McCollough Plastic Surgery Institute
- Teaching roles at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he trained other surgeons
- Experience with specialized techniques:
Look for a surgeon who routinely performs facelifts. Experienced surgeons like Dr. Rihani perform facelifts around 75 to 120 times a year. - Recognition by peers and patients:
The “right” surgeon won’t need to market themselves—their patients and the community will do that for them. So, check your surgeon for awards and honors.Dr. Rihani, for instance, has been named a “Top Doctor” every year since opening his practice in 2015, an honor he’s earned by leveraging specialized techniques to enrich the lives of his patients.Alternatively, you can check what patients have to say about your surgeon. You can read patient reviews of Dr. Rihani and facelift success stories on our Testimonials page.
That said, the most essential quality that a plastic surgeon should have is a patient-centered approach. If a surgeon seems to be rushing your consultation or just proposes cookie-cutter solutions, consider it a red flag.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Dallas?
Over 13,000 facelift procedures were performed in the South Central US, which includes states such as Texas, in 2023 alone—a significant number, yes. However, that figure could’ve been more.
Many want to get a facelift. However, not everyone goes through with it. One of the reasons for this is the cost. Our deep plane facelifts, for example, hover around $30,000 to $50,000.
That begs the question, “Is getting a facelift worth it?” Here’s what you’ll get with that amount of money if you choose Dr. Rihani and the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute:
- High-quality care: Our expertly trained, experienced, and compassionate team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, from your initial consultation to your aftercare.
- Latest medical advancements: Dr. Rihani leverages the most cutting-edge facelift techniques, such as the deep plane facelift, to ensure he delivers natural yet dramatic improvements.
- Permanent results: While our facelift procedures won’t keep you from aging, they’ll definitely make you look better.
Don’t get us wrong. A facelift can be a significant investment, and we’ll be upfront if we don’t think it’s in your best interest. However, you simply cannot put a price tag on the confidence you can get from it.
What Are the Risks of Getting Facelift Surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, facelifts come with some risks. So, it’s perfectly normal to want to learn about potential complications before signing up for facelift surgery.
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. We’re committed to providing you with all the information you need to make informed decisions.
In that spirit, here are the possible risks of facelift surgery:
- Swelling and bruising
- Numbness or tightness
- Bleeding and scarring
- Facial weakness caused by nerve damage
- Hematoma or blood pooling under the skin
- Infections like pneumonia
Apart from the swelling, bruising, and facial numbness, which are normal and should be expected after your operation, serious postoperative complications are relatively rare.
That said, they’re still valid concerns. That’s why Dr. Rihani and the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute team take extra measures to minimize their occurrence, including:
- Hidden and minimal incisions:
Dr. Rihani places facelift incisions in natural creases to minimize scarring. His specialized facelift techniques are also generally minimally invasive, allowing for quicker healing. - Strict sterilization:
Our facelift procedures are performed in a germ-free environment using sterile equipment, reducing the chances of contamination and, by extension, infection. - Detailed aftercare instructions:
Dr. Rihani will provide you with a comprehensive post-op treatment plan to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible, including:- How to take care of your skin
- Medication to manage pain and discomfort
- Activity guidelines—what to do and not to do
If you don’t feel that a facelift is worth the risk, don’t worry. We also offer no-downtime options for rejuvenating your face, including BOTOX® and fillers.
Consult Dr. Rihani to determine which is best for you.
Schedule a ConsultationWhat Is Facelift Recovery Like?
If you’re planning a facelift, understanding the recovery process can help you set realistic expectations, especially when it comes to scheduling your life around the operation.
Although everyone heals differently, here’s a general timeline of what you might experience when you undergo a facelift with us:
First 72 hours:
After you leave our facility following surgery, you’ll wear a specialized compression garment to support healing. Dr. Rihani will remove it the following day.
You can expect swelling and bruising to occur, which often peak around day three. Some discomfort is normal, but we’ll prescribe medication to help you manage it.
Weeks one to two:
By the 7th to 10th day, you should notice a significant reduction in swelling. Most patients experience an 80% decrease by the end of the second week.
While we discourage patients from driving, you may begin engaging in some light activities at this point. Depending on your recovery, you may even be able to return to work.
Weeks three to six:
Most bruising will have resolved at this stage, though the facelift incisions may still appear slightly pink. Fortunately, in most cases, they’ll vanish in the next few months and can be hidden with makeup.
Beyond six weeks:
By two months, you should begin seeing the results of the facelift, with some patients reporting noticeable improvements to their jawline as early as the second week.
You can reap additional benefits by pairing a facelift with other procedures.
For instance, if an individual undergoes functional rhinoplasty, performing a septoplasty may also help improve breathing. People who need to correct wrinkles can also have laser resurfacing done.
We’ll discuss supplementary procedures in a later section of this write-up.
How Long Do Facelift Results Typically Last?
If you’re investing in a facelift, it’s natural to want to know how long your reacquired youthful appearance will last. After all, a facelift can cost a pretty penny in Dallas.
While no procedure stops aging permanently, most patients enjoy results for:
| Type of facelift | Results duration |
|---|---|
| Traditional facelift | 7 to 10 years |
| Deep plane facelift | 10 to 15 years |
| SMAS plication | 1 to 5 years |
| Ponytail facelift | 5 to 10 years |
| Liquid facelift | 9 to 12 months |
Do understand, however, that certain factors can affect how long you’ll reap the benefits of a facelift. The most significant ones are the following:
- Your genetics: Some people age gracefully. However, others aren’t so lucky, with signs of aging appearing on their faces much earlier.If you fall into the latter, your results may not last as long.
- Your lifestyle: Do you spend much time in the sun without sunscreen? Do you smoke?Certain lifestyle factors can accelerate facial aging and, by extension, lower your facelift’s mileage.
- Surgeon’s skill: When the skin is the primary focus of the lift, it relaxes, leading to some sagging as early as six months after surgery. That’s where Dr. Jordan Rihani comes in.For lasting results, he employs a graduated approach philosophy to facelift issues, addressing them according to how serious they are. He recognizes that each patient’s aging is unique. That means he doesn’t apply a single technique to everyone.Instead, he conducts a thorough assessment of your specific facial structure, degree of aging, and your desired outcomes, which he uses to tailor a treatment plan designed to deliver natural results.
“Can I Pair a Facelift with Other Procedures?”
Despite being able to address various signs of aging, facelifts have limitations. For one, they only target issues in the lower face and neck. For other areas of the face, you may need additional procedures.
Fortunately, that’s one of the many great things about a facelift—you can combine it with other plastic and cosmetic procedures for even more significant improvements, such as:
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to remove under-eye bags and hooded eyelids
- Brow lift to reduce fine lines on your forehead
- Fat grafting to restore lost facial volume
- Neck lift and liposuction to supplement the results of a facelift
- Rhinoplasty (nose job) to address functional and aesthetic issues of the nose
At the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute, these procedures are carefully tailored to complement your facelift, ensuring your operation delivers dramatic yet harmonious, natural-looking results.
Schedule a consultation to discover the exclusive facial procedures offered by Dr. Rihani that can enhance your facelift results.
Call us at (817) 529-3232, (817) 768-6346, or complete our Contact form.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Jordan Rihani
This comprehensive guide hopefully answers many of your questions about facelifts in Dallas. However, we understand if you have more. After all, undergoing a facelift is a significant decision.
Fortunately, we’re happy to give you the answers you need to make an informed decision. All you need to do is reach out.
Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jordan Rihani by:Calling (817) 529-3232 or (817) 768-6346
Filling out our Contact form
You can visit the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute at the following addresses:
800 8th Ave, #400, Fort Worth, TX 76104
521 W. Southlake Blvd, #175, Southlake, TX 76092
Take the first step toward a natural-looking refresh—one that preserves your unique beauty. Dr. Rihani and the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute team are ready to help you explore what’s possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift Surgery
If you’re researching facelifts, reviewing before-and-after photos is one of the most valuable steps you can take. These galleries do more than showcase results—they help you:
- Understand how different techniques address specific concerns
- See what’s possible for facial structures and aging patterns similar to yours
- Evaluate a surgeon’s style, technique, and skill
To see what patients in Dallas have achieved through Dr. Rihani’s specialized facelift procedures, feel free to check our extensive Before and After page.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re looking for a surgeon in Fort Worth, Texas, who prioritizes his patients and delivers natural-looking results that enhance your unique facial features, Dr. Jordan Rihani is your man.
Contact the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute today to schedule your consultation.
