Refresh, Restore, Rejuvenate: The Power of a Facelift

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If you feel young at heart but notice the mirror telling a different story—sagging skin, hollow cheeks, and loose skin on your jawline (jowls)—you’re not alone.

Looking older than you feel is a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it.

If you’re here, you’ve likely heard about facelifts (rhytidectomy) and their ability to turn back the clock, but undergoing a surgical procedure feels like a big step.

The risks, recovery time, and cost may all weigh on your mind.

With so many nonsurgical options, such as BOTOX® (botulinum toxin) and injectable fillers, you may wonder if a facelift is really necessary.

And let’s be honest—you’ve likely seen results that look anything but natural. The last thing you’d want is a face that doesn’t feel like you.

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At the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute, we get it.

Led by Dr. Jordan Rihani, a double board-certified surgeon specializing in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, our approach is different.

Our philosophy? Empowering our patients with knowledge, not pressure.

We take the time to listen, evaluate, and ensure that a facelift procedure is indeed the right choice for you.

If it is, you can be confident that you’ll reclaim your youthful appearance with our signature ”lift up” facelift technique to enhance—not erase—your unique features.

The result? A refreshed, youthful version of yourself—never stretched, never artificial.

"A World-Class Facelift Experience with Dr. Rihani"

“I had a facelift with Dr. Rihani. WOW. [I] love it. Impressive. Dr. Rihani is the best facial surgeon in Fort Worth and DFW.

I did years of research to find the best doctor for a facelift, and I did! I asked for a natural look and got just that—a younger, softer me.

However, his surgical skills and gift are not the only impressive qualities [of] Dr. Rihani. [The Facial Plastic Surgery Institute team] is a class act all around.

Dr. Rihani does not rush you if you are not ready to go forward. He takes time to answer all questions in great detail. He [has] a phenomenal follow-up [system] and makes each and every patient his priority.

In summary, the care one receives at his office is nothing short of world-class. Thank you, Dr. Rihani and [The Facial Plastic Surgery Institute team]!”

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Continue reading to find out whether a facelift is the facial rejuvenation solution you’re seeking. 

Your confidence is our priority. Let’s explore your options together.

Schedule a consultation by calling (817) 529-3232 or (817) 328-8380 or filling out our Contact form. 

You can also visit the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute at the following addresses:

  • Fort Worth, Texas: 800 8th Ave #400, Fort Worth, TX 76104
  • Southlake, Texas: 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.

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Down Time

Let’s be honest—while the idea of getting a facelift can be exciting, countless questions may also come to mind, like “How much downtime will I need?”

It’s a valid concern. Whether it will affect work, family, or social commitments, being sidelined for an extended period isn’t an option for many.
Life doesn’t stop just because you decide to invest in yourself.

A facelift is a transformative procedure. But it’s also a surgical one. In other words, your body will need time to heal post-operation, usually two to three weeks.

That means two to three weeks of avoiding social gatherings, strenuous activities like intense workouts, and anything that may strain your face or neck, like driving.

When you entrust your procedure with our team, we’ll provide a detailed aftercare plan to expedite your recovery, including:

  • Taking pain medications:
    Our procedures involve general or local anesthesia, which wears off. For this reason, we advise patients to take pain management drugs and supplements after a facelift.
  • Getting enough rest and sleep:
    Your body heals most effectively when you rest. So, ensure you get adequate sleep and don’t overexert yourself after your procedure.
  • Ensuring gentle movement:
    While rest is critical after surgery, you should still move. Light activities can reduce the risk of complications, such as blood clots, infection, and pneumonia.

Recovery times can vary from one patient to the next. However, following our postoperative care instructions diligently can help ensure you’ll reap the rewards of the facelift results sooner.

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How It Works

To understand how a facelift works, we must first define it. Contrary to popular belief, a facelift doesn’t refer to a single procedure but any surgical intervention that aims to reduce signs of facial aging.

Unfortunately, that’s where it gets complicated. Since there are various types of facelifts, each involves distinct approaches to restoring a youthful facial appearance.

Take skin-only facelifts, for example. This type of rhytidectomy primarily involves tightening the skin on the lower face and neck. However, other types of facelifts may also work on the skin’s underlying tissues.

For instance, the deep plane facelift produces results by simultaneously repositioning the skin, fat, and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) or the muscular layer of the face.

In other words, the facelift process can vary depending on the procedure. Unfortunately, the intricacies don’t end there—every surgeon brings a unique twist to every surgery.

Dr. Jordan Rihani, for example, uses a “lift-up” technique instead of the traditional “pull-back.” This approach is more involved, requiring the replacement of tissues in their natural positions.

Whichever type of facelift you’re considering, the facelift process can be broken down into three steps, which are:

Creating incisions:

A facelift is often performed under local or general anesthesia (you’ll go to sleep), sometimes through IV (intravenous or within a vein) sedation.

This stage ensures that you won’t feel pain when the surgeon makes the incisions. Dr. Rihani creates these openings around your hairline and the ear. While there might be scarring, these scars can be hidden with makeup.

Repositioning the skin tissues:

This is where the magic happens. Depending on the type of facelift, this stage involves moving the skin, fat, or facial muscles—or all of them—to their natural positions.

This step may also involve removing the excess skin to reveal the rejuvenated look previously hidden underneath the droopy, saggy skin on your lower face and neck.

Finishing up:

The surgeon sutures the incisions once the tissues are repositioned. If you work with Dr. Rihani, you can be confident that this step will be performed meticulously.

He aims to avoid surgical results showing signs that you underwent a facelift. For this reason, he may recommend complementary procedures for a more comprehensive transformation, like a neck lift.

Call (817) 529-3232 or (817) 328-8380, or complete our Contact form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rihani and discuss how our facelift procedures work.

Side Effects

The idea of regaining your skin’s natural luster and elasticity can be exciting. However, like any surgical procedure, a facelift has potential side effects that people should consider.

The most common? Swelling and bruising around the incision sites—the cheeks, forehead, and neck. The good news is that these postoperative events will subside within a few weeks.

Unfortunately, while relatively uncommon, some complications occur after a patient’s facelift, such as the following:

  • Anesthesia issues
  • Skin discoloration and scarring
  • Facial nerve injury and reduced skin sensation
  • Prolonged wound healing and infection
  • Blood build-up in the incision site or hematoma
  • Temporary or permanent hair loss

At the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute, we prioritize patient safety. Dr. Rihani takes every precaution to minimize adverse events. He’ll be upfront if he doesn’t believe a facelift is worth the risks or will yield satisfactory, natural results.

Contact us to determine whether you’re a good candidate for a rhytidectomy.
During the consultation, we’ll discuss your concerns, answer questions, and craft a personalized plan that ensures your safety.

What to Expect

After undergoing a facelift procedure, it’s natural to feel anxious but excited. You’re probably eager to determine whether the operation was successful and the results were worth it.

Unfortunately, you may have to wait—at least for a while—since your face and neck will likely be swollen and bruised (and may even worsen) during the first three days after the operation.

You may also experience some numbness around your cheeks or the top of your head. The incisions may also appear slightly pink. But don’t worry. These aftereffects will fade over time.

By the end of two weeks, about 80% of the swelling will have decreased, and 90% of it will be gone by two months. The same is true for the numbness and scarring, which will vanish in the coming months.

Your recaptured youthful facial appearance will begin to reveal itself as these postoperative side effects disappear.

While the early stages after your procedure require some patience, the results are worth the wait.

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift (Rhytidectomy)?

If you’ve been considering a facelift, you’re likely looking to address signs of aging on your face and reclaim a youthful appearance. A facelift is one of—if not—the most effective ways to achieve that goal.

However, the benefits go beyond just making you look more youthful—facelifts offer several other benefits, including the following:

  • A self-esteem boost:

    Let’s face it. When you look good, you feel good. A facelift can help you feel more confident by accentuating your face’s natural contours.

  • Long-lasting results:

    Unlike nonsurgical facial rejuvenation options like BOTOX® injections, which only last around three months, a rhytidectomy provides permanent results.

    It’s true: A facelift won’t stop your face from aging. However, your neck will look better than before the surgical procedure.

  • A procedure customized to your aesthetic goals:

    No two faces are alike, and neither are two facelifts. If you are a good candidate for a facelift, a mini-facelift, for instance, is less invasive and quick to perform, making it perfect for subtle refinement.

    However, a traditional facelift is more suitable if you want more noticeable changes or to address more severe signs of facial aging. In short, as long as you’re a good candidate for the procedure, there’s a type of facelift for you.

  • An option complementing other procedures:

    A facelift can be combined with other methods, allowing for a more comprehensive transformation while minimizing downtime.

    In fact, many of our patients often get a neck lift with their rhytidectomy. If we deem you qualified for a procedure, the options are endless. Other people include “add-ons,” such as eyelid surgery, brow lifts, and liposuction.

  • Natural-looking results:

    Many plastic and cosmetic procedures can help you achieve your desired look. A facelift can do that, too, while ensuring you don’t appear “overdone.”

    That’s especially true in the hands of Dr. Jordan Rihani, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who uses advanced techniques to ensure dramatic yet natural improvements.

  • Remember, when you undergo a facelift, you’re not just getting a procedure to address signs of aging on your face—you’re investing in a more confident, youthful version of yourself.

What Are the Expected Results of a Facelift?

Results can vary from patient to patient. Some want modest alterations, while others desire a more drastic transformation worthy of a photo op on the red carpet.

With Dr. Rihani’s expertise in advanced facelift techniques, you can be confident you’ll get permanent, natural-looking results, regardless of what type of facelift you undergo.

Before any operation, he conducts thorough evaluations to ensure that patients are healthy and have no existing medical conditions that can impact the procedure’s success.

More importantly, he commits to determining the procedure that will deliver the most natural-looking outcomes.

He won’t shy away from saying “no” if he doesn’t believe a procedure will yield his target natural results, no matter how much you want it.

But don’t just take our word for it. Feel free to ask patients who have visited our clinic seeking a facelift and left looking 10 years younger than they are.

“I met with several doctors before meeting with Dr. Rihani. He was very honest—explained why he was suggesting each procedure and [why] I did not need some [that] others were suggesting.

I am a 50-year-old business professional who could see the sleepless nights on her face but [does] not want [the results] to look fake. Fortunately, I had always been told I looked younger than I am, but that seemed to hit a wall when the 50th birthday hit.

My goal was to look younger, refreshed, and [naturally beautiful] and to have no one be able to tell I had something done. Dr. Rihani delivered all my requests.

I have been asked so many times if I am getting more sleep, and when I meet strangers, they claim to be surprised by my age.

I am a very detailed person, and so is Dr. Rihani. However, I did not want all the details up front, but came with 1,000 questions afterward. He was there for every one of them.

[I’m] beyond thrilled, and I will be seeing him to [have] CO2 laser once a year as it completely changed the texture of my skin. I am a tough critic and would tell anyone not to look any further than Dr. Rihani.”

Check out our Testimonials page to see what you can expect from our facelift procedures.

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“When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?”

Recovering from a rhytidectomy is exciting. And why wouldn’t it be when what you’ll soon see in the mirror is a considerably younger you?
Of course, all of this will be possible once the swelling and bruising disappear.

Still, it’s critical to stay vigilant during the recovery period. Although most patients experience smooth healing, sometimes, unexpected complications can occur.

So, you must know when to contact your healthcare provider or surgeon. Here are some symptoms that merit immediate medical attention:

  • Oozing pus or bleeding through your bandages
  • Extreme swelling, pain, or fever
  • Accidental or premature suture removal

If you have any concerns—no matter how small—don’t hesitate to contact us.
We mean it when we say, “We’re committed to supporting you throughout your facelift journey.”

Choosing a Surgeon

Not all surgeons are created equal. Some are more equipped and experienced than others in providing the facial outcomes you desire. So, it’s essential to choose the right surgeon.

After all, it’s your face we’re talking about—you want to ensure you’re in the hands of someone skilled at facelifts who will focus on your unique aesthetic goals.

The question is, “How do you know if you’ve found a surgeon that meets that criteria?”

Here are some considerations when selecting a surgeon for your rhytidectomy:

  • Specialization matters: Facelift surgery is a complex procedure that requires a profound understanding of facial anatomy and advanced facelift techniques.

    Look for a surgeon specializing exclusively in facial plastic surgery or aesthetic facial procedures, such as Dr. Jordan Rihani of the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute.

    Authorities like the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) are excellent starting points to verify a surgeon’s credentials.

  • Experience is key: Not all surgeons who offer facelift procedures perform them routinely. An experienced surgeon like Dr. Rihani typically performs 75 to 120 rhytidectomies yearly.

    This level of expertise ensures you’re working with a medical expert who’s up-to-date on the techniques and can overcome any challenges that may occur during the operation.

  • Social proof: Any surgeon can discuss their unique facelift approach and how it can benefit you. However, the right expert to entrust your face and safety to will have proof to back those claims up.

    Take the time to review before and after photos and online reviews. These testimonies can provide valuable insights into a surgeon’s bedside manner, skills, and patient satisfaction.

We understand that choosing a surgeon adds another layer of decision-making. So, allow us to ease your burden. Why not Dr. Jordan Rihani and our experienced team?

Here’s what you’ll get when you work with the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute:

  • Personalized care: From the first appointment to the final follow-up, we’re committed to providing a seamless, stress-free facial rejuvenation experience.
  • Natural-looking results: Dr. Rihani’s lift-up-oriented facelift techniques ensure you’ll look like the best version of yourself—never overdone or unnatural.
  • Comprehensive support: We offer various services, including postoperative care instructions and adjunct procedures, to enhance your recovery and help you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Additional Details

It’s natural to want to know every little detail about facelifts, especially if you’re considering undergoing one. Fortunately, we’ll happily answer every concern you may have.

So, let’s address some of the most common issues patients have when considering a rhytidectomy.

One of the biggest worries people have about facelifts is scarring. The good news is that Dr. Rihani conceals his incisions in areas with natural creases, such as:

  • Temporal hairline (near the temples)
  • Along the top of the ear and under the earlobe
  • The tragus or the cartilage in front of the ear

These carefully placed incisions are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural features, making them unnoticeable unless you specifically look for them.

Every surgeon has a unique approach to facelifts. Dr. Rihani specializes in the deep plane facelift, which involves the deeper layers of your facial tissues, including the SMAS.

If you’ve already had a facelift and are considering another one, the answer is most likely “yes.” Dr. Rihani routinely performs secondary, sometimes tertiary, rhytidectomies.

Understand, however, that whether you’re a good candidate for a second facelift is another story.

Factors such as your skin’s condition, overall health, and available SMAS tissue can impact the procedure’s ability to produce natural-looking results.

If you have more questions, contact us. We’re here to answer all of them and provide the information and guidance you need to make a confident decision.

A Note From Dr. Jordan Rihani

Deciding to undergo a rhytidectomy is a significant step, and having questions is normal.
As someone specializing in facial aesthetic surgery, I aim to help you feel confident and informed throughout the process.

So, here are a few things to consider:

  • Your goals: What do you want to improve? Whether it’s sagging skin, jowls, or a tired appearance, we’ll work together to create a plan that fits your needs.
  • Your health: Good health is key for surgery and recovery. We’ll evaluate your medical situation to ensure you’re a good candidate for a rhytidectomy.
  • The technique: We offer several types of facelifts, including the traditional facelift, a mini facelift, and my specialty, the deep plane facelift. We’ll choose the one that’s best for you. My approach is all about getting natural-looking results.

I’d love to meet with you if you’re ready to explore your options. Let’s discuss your goals and create a plan that helps you look and feel your best.
Schedule a consultation with us today—we’re here to help!

Book an appointment by calling (817) 529-3232 or (817) 328-8380, or filling out our Contact form.

You can also visit the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute at the following addresses:

  • Fort Worth, Texas: 800 8th Ave #400, Fort Worth, TX 76104
  • Southlake, Texas: 521 W. Southlake Blvd #175, Southlake, TX

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Dr. Jordan Rihani