Facelift

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and The Woodlands, TX

Houston Facelift Surgery with Top Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ryan Couvillion

Facelift Surgery That Lifts Your Features—and your Confidence

If you’ve noticed sagging in your cheeks, jowls, or neck, and fillers no longer deliver the results you want, a facelift may be the next step. Dr. Ryan Couvillion specializes in facelift surgery that rejuvenates your appearance without erasing your identity. His approach blends advanced surgical skill with artistic precision, creating results that feel natural, elevate your features, and restore your confidence. 

When Fillers Aren’t Enough: Signs You May Be Ready for a Facelift

As we age, gravity, volume loss, and reduced skin elasticity can lead to:

  • Deep lines along the cheeks and mouth (nasolabial folds)
  • Sagging skin in the lower face and jawline (jowls)
  • Loose skin and vertical banding in the neck
  • A tired or “sunken” appearance despite feeling energetic

These changes can affect how others perceive your age, mood, and vitality, even when you feel great on the inside.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift is a plastic surgery procedure that lifts and repositions the underlying tissues and skin of the lower face, jawline, and neck. In general, a facelift addresses the tissues from the cheekbones down but not anything higher. Also, a standard facelift includes a necklift – this is a question that always comes up! Unlike others who may perform one-size-fits-all lifts, Dr. Couvillion customizes each facelift based on your anatomy and goals, focusing on deep tissue repositioning for long-lasting, natural-looking results.

Dr. Couvillion is able to customize your facelift surgery based on your anatomy and overall goals. He is able to perform multiple facelift techniques including SMAS or deep plane facelifts and will help you decide which one is right for you.

His facelift techniques include:

  • SMAS-layer lifting: Targets deeper facial tissues, not just skin, for better structure and longevity. This is performed either with a deep plane face and necklift or a SMAS lift, depending on the patient’s specific anatomy and goals.
  • Natural vector repositioning: Lifts in the direction of youthful volume, not straight back
  • Neck rejuvenation: Tightens underlying muscles and removes excess fat or skin as needed
  • Hidden incisions: Placed discreetly around the ear and/or hairline for minimal visible scarring
  • Re-volumize: Facial fat grafting can be added to improve overall shape and improve facial harmony.

Benefits of a Facelift

  • Restores definition to the jawline and neck
  • Lifts sagging cheeks and smooths deep folds
  • Creates a rested, more youthful appearance
  • Long-lasting results (10+ years)
  • Improves confidence and facial balance

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a great candidate for a facelift if you:

  • Are bothered by visible aging in the lower face and neck
  • Want more permanent results than non-surgical treatments can offer
  • Are in good health with realistic expectations
  • Want to look like yourself, just more youthful and rested

Preparing for Your Facelift

Before your procedure, Dr. Couvillion will walk you through every step during your personalized consultation. You’ll discuss your goals, review any medical considerations, and receive a custom surgical plan designed just for you.

To prepare, you may be asked to:

  • Avoid smoking or nicotine products for several weeks prior
  • Stop certain medications and supplements
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home and help the first few days after surgery

You’ll also receive a detailed pre-op packet outlining everything you need for a smooth experience.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

  • Procedure: Facelifts are an outpatient surgery performed under general anesthesia, typically taking around 3–6 hours.
  • Incisions: Dr. Couvillion will strategically hide any incisions around the ears and/or hairline.
  • Closure: We use fine sutures to support healing and minimize visible scarring.

After surgery, you’ll rest in a recovery suite before going home the same day. Dr. Couvillion uses gentle techniques and careful tissue handling to reduce bruising and swelling.

Your Facelift Recovery Timeline

  • Downtime: Most patients return to light daily activities within 10–14 days
  • Bruising & Swelling: Peaks in the first week, then improves steadily
  • Follow-Up Care: You’ll have multiple check-ins with Dr. Couvillion to ensure proper healing
  • Final Results: Start becoming visible in 6–12 weeks, with full refinement over 3–6 months

You’ll receive personalized recovery instructions, scar care tips, and access to Dr. Couvillion’s team throughout your healing journey.

FAQ

Will a facelift make me look “fake”?

No. Dr. Couvillion specializes in natural-looking facelifts that preserve your unique facial expressions and identity.

How long do facelift results last?

While nothing stops aging, results often last 10 years or more. You’ll always look younger than if you hadn’t had surgery.

What’s the difference between a facelift and fillers?

Fillers address volume loss, while a facelift repositions sagging tissue and removes excess skin. They serve different purposes and can sometimes be used together.

What if I just need a little lift?

A mini facelift or complementary procedure like a neck lift or fat grafting may be ideal—Dr. Couvillion will help you choose the right approach. You don’t have to settle for a face that doesn’t reflect how vibrant you feel inside. With Dr. Couvillion’s expert approach to facelift surgery, you can look refreshed, refined, and authentically you.

Look as Energized as You Feel

You don’t have to settle for a face that doesn’t reflect how vibrant you feel inside. With Dr. Couvillion’s expert approach to facelift surgery, you can look refreshed, refined, and authentically you.