The Rhytidectomy, more commonly known as a facelift, is surgical procedure created to turn back the clock on the visual signs of early aging, uncovering a youthful appearance. A facelift will tighten sagging facial tissues, jowls, and loose neck skin. By ensuring the underlying muscles are smooth and tight, the remaining tissues can be re-draped to create a refreshed appearance. The ideal facelift candidate will be in generally good health, looking to reverse the early signs of aging. Both men and women can benefit from a facelift. Dr. Vitenas can customize the Rhytidectomy technique to take years off the appearance for any ethnicity or skin type. The facelift requires a meticulous technique and a true artistic eye in order to achieve the best possible results. It must be performed with regard to producing the most pleasing, long-term aesthetic outcome. This is not the procedure to shop around for based on cost. You only have one face, and it is the first thing that people see when they look at you.
Dr. Vitenas has extensive experience and training in the latest facelift techniques. He is always careful to spend the time necessary to ensure a beautiful, natural and long-lasting result without the telltale look of surgery. Dr. Vitenas performs his Rhytidectomy procedures at the Houston Surgery Center. This accredited day surgery facility is in the same building as Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery, ensuring them procedure is both safe and convenient. He will use general aesthesia during the procedure. Taking between four and six hours to complete, the surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, although patients have the option of an overnight stay at Dr. Vitenas’ 23-hour recovery suite. 
The facelift procedure will begin with a thin incision placed above the hairline at the temples, extends inside the front of the ear, and ends behind the ear in the hairline. To achieve a natural, relaxed, and youthful look, Dr. Vitenas uses a dual-plane technique; this will address both the skin and the deeper tissues (SMAS) with multiple vector lifting and reshaping.
The recovery after a facelift will take from two to three weeks. Swelling and bruising are common, and may take three weeks or longer to fully resolve. There is normally no significant 
pain after the facelift, though patients can take medication to manage any discomfort they do experience.
Patients may experience some temporary numbness of the skin. The stitches are usually removed between five and ten days post-op. Most people are feeling good enough, and are comfortable with their appearance, so they can return to work in two weeks or less. Strenuous activities will need to be put off for four to six weeks, allowing the face time to fully heal.
Facelift FAQ:
Q. What is a facelift?
A Rhytidectomy, also known as a facelift, is a surgical technique designed to restore a younger, more refreshed appearance by improving sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose tissue on the neck. The procedure can effectively turn back the clock on visual aging, uncovering the lost youthfulness of the face.
Q. Who is the ideal candidate for a facelift?
Both men and women can make a good candidate for the facelift procedure. The ideal patient will want to look more youthful, be in overall good health, and understand the procedure.
Q. What can I expect from my facelift consultation appointment with Dr. Vitenas?
The consultation appointment provides time for Dr. Vitenas to go over your medical history, current medications, and discuss any questions that you may have. He will perform a quick exam of the facial tissues, and go over your aesthetic goals. Dr. Vitenas will then explain the facelift procedure and show before/after photos of recent Rhytidectomy patients. At this time, he will determine the exact price of your surgical procedure, as well.
Q. Where is Dr. Vitenas’ facelift procedure performed?
All facelift procedures are performed at the Houston Surgery Center. This private surgical center is located on the second floor of the Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery building. An extended recovery suite is located adjacent to the surgery center, as an overnight stay is usually recommended following a facelift.
Q. How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of a facelift will depend on the extent of correction involved, but will normal fall between $18,000 and $20,000. The price covers the anesthesiologist, surgical suite, doctor’s fees, and all follow-up care. There are different types of facelifts including short scar, macs lift, mid-facelift, and neck lift; each will have a different price range. Some patients also elect to have their brows lifted, excess skin removed for their upper or lower eyelids, and/or a combination of facial fat grafting to achieve a more youthful appearance. At your consultation appointment, Dr. Vitenas will determine the cost for your individual procedure.
Q. Is general anesthesia used during the facelift procedure?
Yes, Dr. Vitenas always utilizes general anesthetic for the facelift procedure.
Q. How does Dr. Vitenas preform his facelift procedure?
The facelift begins with an incision starting inside of the hairline at the temples, extneding to the front of the ear, and ending in the hairline behind the ear. For the most natural and relaxed look, Dr. Vitenas uses a dual-plane technique, which addresses both the skin and the deeper tissues (SMAS) with multiple vector lifting and reshaping.
Q. How long will my facelift surgery take?
A facelift will take between four and six hours to complete.
Q. Where will the facelift incision be made?
Dr. Vitenas will create small incisions starting at the temples in the hairline, extending inside the front of the ear, and ending in the hairline behind the ear.
Q – Does the facelift scar?
While the facelift incisions do result in scarring, these tend to be easily concealed within the hairline and natural creases of the face and ears.
Q – Is the facelift a painful procedure?
While the facelift recovery is not considered painful, Dr. Vitenas will prescribe pain medication to control discomfort during the healing process.
Q. How long does it take to recovery from a facelift?
Most patients find the recovery period after a facelift will take about two weeks.
Q. What can I expect during my facelift recovery?
In general, patients will see swelling and bruising following their facelift procedure. Temporary numbness may be seen along the incisions, although this should dissipate as the area heals. Mild to moderate discomfort can be easily controlled with medication.
Q. When can work or school be resumed following a facelift?
Patients are normally feeling comfortable enough to return to work in two weeks or less, following their facelift procedure.
Q. Can I exercise after a facelift?
Lifting, vigorous activities, and strenuous exercise should be put off for at least four to six weeks following your facelift procedure.
Q. When will Dr. Vitenas remove the stitches following my facelift?
Somewhere between the fifth and tenth post-op day, Dr. Vitenas will remove stitches during a follow-up visit.
Q. Are there any risks with the facelift procedure?
While Dr. Vitenas’ facelift is a safe procedure, there are always some small chance of complications following invasive surgery. Bleeding, infection, hematoma, nerve damage, and delayed wound healing may occur following surgery.
Q. Can I finance my facelift?
Yes, Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery accepts medical financing through CareCredit. The office also takes cash and all major credit cards. Contact a patient coordinator for more information on payment options.
