Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, rejuvenates the lower two-thirds of the face by lifting and tightening sagging skin and underlying tissue. The procedure restores definition to the jawline, softens deep creases around the mouth, and smooths the cheeks, lower face, and neck.
Dr. Patt uses refined techniques that reposition tissue, rather than just tightening the skin, resulting in youthful-looking contours without a “pulled” or overdone appearance. His comprehensive approach often includes combining a facelift with other rejuvenating facial plastic surgeries and nonsurgical treatments to achieve balanced, long-lasting results.
By specializing exclusively in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Patt provides the most advanced care and superior, natural-looking facelift results. As a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and otolaryngologist (head and neck surgery), he is exceptionally trained to address all aspects of the aging face and neck.
Dr. Patt’s expertise in facial anatomy enables him to address the underlying causes of facial aging, restoring structure and balance rather than merely smoothing the surface. Decades of experience and refined techniques ensure that you’ll look naturally refreshed, rather than looking like you’ve had “work done.”
The best candidates for facelift surgery are individuals who want to look younger and more refreshed while maintaining a natural appearance. Common reasons for a facelift include:
Ideal facelift candidates are nonsmokers in good overall health who have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes and recovery.
In Dr. Patt’s skilled hands, facelift surgery is never a one-size-fits-all approach. He carefully tailors the procedure to your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. His customized facelift expertise includes a variety of techniques to address various concerns and stages of aging:
A full facelift addresses signs of facial aging from the midface to the jawline and neck. During surgery, Dr. Patt repositions the deeper facial layers (SMAS), removes excess skin, and refines contours to create lasting rejuvenation. This option is ideal for patients experiencing significant laxity, jowling, and deep wrinkles.
Recovery generally takes about 2 weeks, with continued improvement over several months as swelling resolves. Results can last a decade or longer, especially when supported by healthy lifestyle habits and a consistent skincare routine.
For patients seeking the most natural and long-lasting rejuvenation, Dr. Patt performs the deep plane facelift. This advanced surgical method releases and repositions the deeper facial muscles and connective tissues beneath the SMAS layer. By lifting from within rather than pulling the skin’s surface, this approach restores soft, refined contours while preserving natural facial expression.
The deep plane facelift is often considered the gold standard in facelift surgery due to its ability to correct sagging cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jawline laxity without visible tension. Dr. Patt’s approach delivers a refined, rested appearance with exceptional, long-lasting results.
A mini facelift, sometimes called a “short scar” or “weekend facelift,” is ideal for younger patients. Good candidates have mild to moderate skin laxity and prefer subtle rejuvenation with minimal downtime. The procedure focuses on the lower face and jawline, smoothing early jowls and tightening sagging skin through shorter incisions and faster recovery.
Dr. Patt’s mini facelift patients appreciate his discreet incision placement and ability to refresh their appearance while maintaining a natural look. It’s a highly popular choice for individuals in their 40s and 50s who want to delay more extensive surgery.
The mid facelift rejuvenates the area between the lower eyelids and the corners of the mouth, including lifting the cheeks and smoothing nasolabial folds. It’s an excellent option for patients whose primary concerns are flattened or sagging cheeks but who aren’t yet ready for a full facelift.
Because facial aging rarely occurs in isolation, Dr. Patt often recommends combining a facelift and neck lift. This approach tightens the jawline and lower face, addressing loose skin, banding, or excess fat beneath the chin. The result is a more elegant and defined profile.
As a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving Houston for 25+ years, Dr. Bradford Patt combines surgical precision with genuine care to help you look naturally refreshed and confident. Consistently recognized in the Super Doctors® Texas Hall of Fame and as a Texas Monthly Top Doctor, Dr. Patt performs procedures in a QUAD A-accredited facility where your comfort and safety are the top priorities.
Learn More About Dr. PattThis side-by-side comparison is designed to help you better understand the capabilities of each type of facelift. During your private consultation, Dr. Patt will discuss your options and recommend the approach that best aligns with your needs, facial anatomy, and aesthetic vision.
| Technique | Focus Areas | Ideal Candidates | Key Benefits | Recovery & Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Facelift | Midface, jawline, and neck | Patients with significant laxity, jowling, and deep wrinkles | Comprehensive rejuvenation that repositions deep tissues (SMAS) and removes excess skin for smoother, firmer contours | About 2 weeks of initial recovery; results often last 10+ years |
| Deep Plane Facelift | Cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline | Patients seeking the most comprehensive and long-lasting facelift | Releases and repositions deeper facial layers beneath the SMAS for soft, natural movement and dramatic enhancement | Similar recovery to a full facelift; results are exceptionally long-lasting |
| Mini Facelift | Lower face and jawline | Younger patients (typically 40s–50s) with mild to moderate laxity | Shorter incisions, faster recovery; ideal for early signs of aging | Minimal downtime; subtle results that can delay the need for a full facelift |
| Mid Facelift | Cheeks and midface (between lower eyelids and mouth corners) | Patients with flattened or sagging cheeks who are not ready for a full facelift | Restores youthful cheek volume, lifts midface tissues, and softens nasolabial folds | Recovery varies; results are long-lasting and can be enhanced with complementary procedures |
| Facelift With Neck Lift | Lower face, jawline, and neck | Patients with facial sagging and loose or banded neck skin (turkey neck) | Comprehensive rejuvenation for face and neck; improves jawline and neck contour | About 2 weeks of initial recovery; long-lasting, refined profile and smoother neck |
While facelift techniques for men and women share many similarities, male facelift surgery requires a specific approach. Dr. Patt carefully considers facial hair patterns, including whether a patient has a beard or goatee, when planning incision placement. Because men often have fewer options for concealing scars, he thoughtfully positions incisions to blend with natural hair-bearing areas whenever possible, helping them heal discreetly.
Muscle repositioning is also tailored differently for men. Rather than creating softer contours, Dr. Patt focuses on enhancing a strong, defined jawline and neck, which are key features of a masculine appearance. This individualized approach enables male facelift patients to appear refreshed, rejuvenated, and masculine without looking overdone or losing their natural facial character.
For patients seeking the most comprehensive transformation, Dr. Patt’s signature Natural Lift represents a “Precision Facelift” because it offers full-face rejuvenation for truly harmonious results. This tailored approach combines a facelift with other rejuvenating procedures to restore youthfulness from the forehead to the neckline.
Your customized Precision Facelift surgery may include:
By addressing multiple areas in a single surgery, Dr. Patt’s signature lift delivers a seamlessly refreshed appearance with balanced proportions and minimal scarring. This holistic approach exemplifies Dr. Patt’s philosophy of facial harmony, where artistry and precision work in concert to reveal a fully refreshed, younger version of yourself.
On the day of your facelift surgery, you’ll arrive at our QUAD A-accredited surgical facility, meet with Dr. Patt to review your plan, and undergo the 4-to-6-hour procedure under anesthesia. The actual length of your surgery depends on the extent of correction. After surgery, you’ll be discharged with surgical dressings, and you’ll follow Dr. Patt’s clear postoperative instructions designed to help you manage your comfort and healing.
Most facelift procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. However, our patients also have the option of receiving private overnight care and monitoring. While every recovery varies based on the surgical approach, here’s a general overview of facelift recovery stages and milestones:
Dr. Patt, his dedicated patient coordinator, and our caring team provide detailed recovery guidance, including instructions on how to sleep comfortably after a facelift, when to resume driving, and other essential details.
Whether you choose a full, deep plane, or mini facelift or a neck lift, your cost in Houston depends on your surgeon’s skill level, whether you combine your surgery with complementary procedures, and other unique factors. During your consultation, Dr. Patt will provide a detailed quote tailored to your treatment plan. Many of our facelift patients take advantage of the flexible financing options we offer to make the procedure more convenient and affordable.
Everyone deserves to feel confident and love the way they look! That's why we offer flexible financing plans, such as PatientFi and CareCredit®, designed to make your dream procedure more accessible, regardless of your budget. Our team will walk you through your options and help you find a plan that feels comfortable, so you can focus on what matters most: your dream transformation.
Explore Patient FinancingResults from a full or deep plane facelift typically last 10 years or longer. While aging continues naturally, most patients experience long-lasting improvements and appear younger than their chronological age. Our facelift patients also enjoy a renewed sense of confidence that lasts for years!
You may benefit from a facelift in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or 70s, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skin quality. The right time is when you’re ready for more lasting rejuvenation, whether that means moving beyond nonsurgical options or opting for surgery for the most effective results. Dr. Patt’s customized facial rejuvenation options address concerns at every stage of the aging process.
You won’t have noticeable scars from a facelift with Dr. Patt. He uses advanced techniques and precise incision placement, typically hidden along the hairline and natural creases around the ears, to ensure scars are discreet and fade beautifully over time.
If you’re ready to restore a brighter, more youthful appearance, blepharoplasty with Dr. Patt may be the right solution. Explore your facial rejuvenation options by completing the online form to request a personalized consultation with Dr. Patt. Or, you can call our office to schedule an appointment.
