Kailey, 31 yrs old, Ear Lobe Repair
What Is Facelift Surgery?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of your lower face and neck by addressing common signs of aging such as wrinkles, loose skin, and volume loss. It is designed to target areas like the nasolabial folds, jowls, and marionette lines to restore smoother, more youthful contours. The specific facelift technique used will depend on your unique anatomy — including skin quality, degree of laxity, facial volume, and underlying bone structure.
At Dauwe Plastic Surgery, the facelift is one of the most sought-after procedures. Dr. Phillip Dauwe is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training and a deep understanding of the complex and delicate facial anatomy involved in facelift surgery. He has trained with some of the most respected surgeons in the world, and his refined technique produces beautiful, natural-looking results. Dr. Dauwe’s goal is to help each patient achieve a refreshed appearance that enhances their features while still looking like themselves.
Plan Your Procedure
- Average Procedure Time:
- 3–4 Hours
- Procedure Recovery:
- Overnight Stay
- Recovery Time:
- 3–6 weeks
- Post-op Appointments:
- Week 2 & 6; Month 3, 6, & 12
Patient Results
What Does the Facelift Procedure Entail?
No matter the issue you wish to correct, there are various aspects of a facelift that are critical to consider. Unnatural results are a product of improper facial analysis and applying a technique improperly. Dr. Dauwe will often recommend a combination of facial aesthetic procedures at the same time as the facelift in an effort to maintain facial harmony. For instance, it is very common for some patients to have an eyelid lift, brow lift, facial fat grafting, or laser treatment to complement their final results. The components of this surgery that Dr. Dauwe feels are important to consider are:
Facelift
The facelift places an incision along the contour of your ear, around your earlobe and down your hairline behind your ear. The tissues of your face are then carefully dissected, repositioned, and suspended with strong internal sutures. The skin is then trimmed and stitched back in place around your ear.
Facial Fat Grafting
Replacing lost volume is often an important component of this surgery. Dr. Dauwe will perform liposuction of any area chosen by you, and he will transfer a small amount of that fat tissue to the deep parts of your face to restore the youthful volume.
Neck Lift
A small incision is created below your chin to allow Dr. Dauwe to remove fat and tighten the muscles of your neck (plastysma). The neck lift can be the most important part of the facelift because it produces such dramatic improvements in the overall result.
Skin Conditioning
Dr. Dauwe always recommends addressing the inherent qualities of the skin too. Pigment variation, poor skin texture, and fine wrinkles can limit the overall result, so Dr. Dauwe employs a variety of lasers, chemical peels, and topical products to restore youth back to the skin before and after a facelift.
Other Procedures
If one area of the face is rejuvenated, but others are not, it can bring the face out of harmony and ultimately lead to dissatisfaction. This is why Dr. Dauwe may thoughtfully recommend other procedures to be done at the same time such as an upper or lower eyelid lift, mid facelift, brow lift, earlobe reduction, laser, fillers, or facial fat grafting. When multiple areas of the face are enhanced, the results are simply phenomenal.
“I had been considering a face lift but I was nervous. I decided to go get a consultation with Dr Dauwe because of his excellent reputation. As soon as I walked in his office all the staff made me feel welcome. Dr. Dauwe, Julie, Sara and Brea and the rest of the staff were very friendly, professional and helpful! He performed a face lift on me a few months ago and Im very happy with the results!!!! He did an amazing job. He is the only plastic surgeon I would trust for my future procedures and highly recommend! ”
“If you are waiting for the perfect doctor to do your facelift, you have found the right person. Dr Dauwe is not just good, he is the best!!! I am 63 and this is one of the best decisions that I've ever made. There was hardly any downtime and very very little pain. It looks so natural! I would also like to compliment the awesome staff. What a great group of ladies! So knowledgeable, kind and accommodating!”
What Can I Expect After Facelift Surgery?
Following your facelift procedure, we will monitor you overnight, after which you will be released to home. Prior to surgery, Dr. Dauwe or someone on his staff will make your follow-up visits and go over suggestions to help you heal faster. It’s normal to have bruising and swelling, slight to moderate pain, and soreness, which may be reduced by pain medication.
Dr. Dauwe asks that you avoid any activities that may raise your blood pressure for the first few weeks after surgery, and limit your dietary sodium intake, as this can lead to worsening of your swelling. Swelling and bruising are temporary and will improve in the weeks that follow. At 3 to 6 months, you can expect to see the long-term results after the swelling goes away.
What Risks Are Associated with Facelift Surgery?
Facelift surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, scarring, temporary changes in sensation or facial movement, and, in rare cases, the need for revision. At Dauwe Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dauwe takes every precaution to minimize these risks through advanced techniques, careful planning, and comprehensive aftercare. During your consultation, he will review your medical history, explain potential complications, and provide detailed guidance to support a safe recovery and natural-looking results.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
The cost of your facelift will depend on several factors, including the specific technique used, the complexity of your procedure, and whether any complementary treatments—such as a neck lift, facial fat grafting, or eyelid surgery—are performed at the same time. During your personal consultation, Dr. Dauwe will assess your goals, anatomy, and aesthetic concerns to create a fully customized surgical plan. When this is complete, a detailed breakdown of pricing will be provided so you know exactly what to expect.
While facelift surgery is an investment in your appearance and confidence, we understand that cost can be a concern. Our team is happy to discuss available payment options, including no-interest financing plans, to help make your procedure as accessible and affordable as possible. We are committed to providing exceptional care and results with transparency and support every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift
Which facelift technique is best for me?
What about wrinkle fillers and relaxers over facelift surgery?
Will my facelift results look natural?
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation
Cosmetic facial surgery can turn back the hands of time for your face and give you a rejuvenated appearance. Facelift surgery is meant to make you look and feel younger while maintaining a natural appearance. For more information, we welcome you to get in touch with Dauwe Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX to schedule your appointment with Dr. Dauwe.
