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FACELIFT PATIENT GUIDE

The Facelift: A Patient Guide

Why the face changes with age

Aging happens in every layer of the face at once: the skin, the fat beneath it, the supportive muscle layer (called the SMAS), and even the bone. Over time, the full, heart-shaped face of youth gradually becomes squarer as tissues descend toward the jawline and neck. A facelift lifts and repositions those descended tissues back to where they belong.

Lifting the skin alone tends to stretch back out and can look pulled. Modern techniques reposition the deeper support layer, which allows the skin to be redraped gently, for a result that looks rested, natural, and never "operated."

Your facelift options

Every face ages differently, so every lift is tailored.

Which lift is right for me?

At your consultation, Dr. Henderson will evaluate how much laxity you have, where the changes are most visible, your skin quality, and your overall health. Your plan may combine techniques, for example a facelift with a neck lift, to keep the face and neck in harmony.

Where your scars will be

Incisions follow natural creases and hide within the hairline.

1. Temple. Placed just along the hairline of the temple, which keeps your sideburn and hairline in their natural position.
2. In front of the ear. Follows the natural curve where the ear meets the cheek, often tucked along the edge of the ear.
3. Around the earlobe. Wraps just beneath the lobe so its natural shape is kept.
4. Behind the ear. Sits in the crease behind the ear, out of view.
5. Into the hairline. Extends into the scalp behind the ear to address loose neck skin.
6. Under the chin. A short incision in the natural crease, used when the neck is tightened.

• Full facelift: uses incisions 1 through 5, allowing the face and neck to be lifted together.
• Short-scar lift: uses only 1 through 3. The scar ends at the earlobe and nothing extends behind the ear.
• Neck lift: adds incision 6 under the chin, usually alongside a facelift.

Caring for your scars

Scars start pink and slightly firm, then soften and fade over the following 6 to 12 months. Protect them from the sun, avoid all nicotine, and follow your scar-care plan. If you have formed thick or raised scars in the past, please let us know at your consultation.

Recovery & results

Your recovery timeline

• 4 weeks before: Stop all nicotine and hormone therapy. Blood pressure must be well controlled.
• 2 weeks before: Stop blood thinners and anti-inflammatory pain relievers, as directed.
• Night of surgery: Rest with your head elevated, use cool compresses, and keep light dressings in place.
• Day 1: First check-up; drains may be removed.
• Days 4 to 8: Non-absorbable stitches are removed in stages; absorbable stitches dissolve on their own.
• Week 1: Swelling and bruising peak, then begin to settle. Comfortable around home.
• Week 2: Remaining bruising can usually be covered with makeup.
• Week 4: Most patients feel ready for social events.
• 3 to 12 months: Final contours refine and scars continue to soften and fade.

Timing varies from patient to patient. Your personal instructions always come first.

Call us right away if you notice

Swelling on one side that grows quickly, or pain that keeps getting worse instead of better; fever, spreading redness or drainage; or any trouble breathing. Do not simply take more pain medicine. These signs need prompt evaluation. For urgent concerns, call (903) 251-2765 day or night. For non-urgent questions, please call during office hours.

This guide is for general education and does not replace a personal consultation. Your treatment plan, risks and recovery will be discussed with you individually.