About the Facelift Procedure

Facelift surgery, also known as a “rhytidectomy,” is one of Dr. Goggin’s favorite procedures to perform. A facelift in Fort Worth at Westside Plastic Surgery can address the visible signs of aging that concern you the most while restoring a youthful and rejuvenated facial appearance. 

Over time, heredity, gravity, stress, and environmental conditions take a toll on our skin and cause us to look noticeably older. A facelift improves signs of aging in the face and neck, including fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, jowls, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds. At Westside Plastic Surgery, Dr. Goggin is dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals and desired results.

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What is a Facelift?

A facelift achieves the most significant improvement by eliminating  signs of aging in all areas of the lower face and produces a very natural appearance. During a facelift procedure, the facial muscles are tightened and sagging skin is removed to provide a more youthful appearance. In some cases, fat may be redistributed or removed with liposuction to provide the most aesthetically pleasing results.

A neck lift is often performed along with a facelift procedure. The surgeon tightens the neck muscles and removes sagging skin to produce smoother, more youthful-looking neck contours. The surgeon can also remove fat deposits in the neck during this procedure.

In many cases, facelift surgery is combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures including a brow lift, eyelid surgery, fat grafting, and laser skin resurfacing.

Facelift Before & After

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Facelift Testimonials

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Is a facelift right for you?

Candidacy for all procedures is on an individual basis. Any man or woman who has noticed the effects of aging  may be considered a good candidate.  A facelift in Fort Worth at Westside Plastic Surgery may be right for you if: 

  • You have fine lines and wrinkles on your face or neck
  • You have sagging tissues on your face or neck
  • You always appear tired, sad, or angry because of deep-set wrinkles
  • You appear older than you feel or older than your actual age

Benefits of Facelift

Some of the advantages of having facelift include:

  • Reducing lines and wrinkles on the lower portion of the face
  • Improving jawline definition by removing fat deposits that create jowls
  • Tightening loose skin on the neck for smoother contours
  • Elevating soft tissue that droops with age

Types of Facelift

Dr. Goggin uses expert techniques that rely on muscle and tissue manipulation to create a more natural lifting effect. This avoids creating a “pulled” look with the skin that tends to look more artificial:

  • The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) technique carefully repositions tissues below the skin to help reduce jowls and smooth out the texture of the skin without needing to pull the skin overly taut.
  • The deep plane facelift technique reaches muscles even deeper in the face to tighten and lift them for further rejuvenation. This approach can also reposition pads of fat for fuller cheeks.
  • The mini facelift is a modified version of traditional facelift that deals with early signs of aging —primarily loose skin and jowls along the jawline. Although patients prefer a shorter recovery and less invasive procedure, it is usually not appropriate for more moderate or advanced cases of aging.
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Results

Although facelift reverses signs of aging, it cannot stop aging altogether. The rejuvenating effects of facelift typically last about one decade before signs of aging start to reappear. To extend your results for as long as possible, follow Dr. Goggin’s skin care tips, which include moisturizing, avoiding sun exposure, and not smoking.

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What to Expect

Consultation

The Westside Plastic Surgery team is excited to meet you! At your consultation appointment, Dr. Goggin will review your medical history,  discuss your goals, perform a brief physical examination, and then provide you with his professional recommendations. He will spend time reviewing before and after photos, discuss a variety of treatment options, and answer any questions that you may have. He takes his time to create a personalized plan to reach your desired aesthetic outcome. His team will then provide you information regarding recovery timeline, cost of procedure, and financing options. Dr. Goggin is knowledgeable in the latest research, techniques, and advances in the field to provide you the best care possible.

Pre-surgery

Before your surgery, our team will give you a pre-operative packet with a list of instructions in preparation for your surgery. We will spend time reviewing these instructions with you to ensure that you are confident and comfortable before your procedure. Our goal is to provide education and be there for you every step of the way. Patients should be off all blood thinners 2 weeks prior to surgery. We advise strict smoking/nicotine cessation 6 weeks prior to surgery and 6 weeks after. 

Recovery Timeline

Dr. Goggin and the Westside team will give you specific information regarding aftercare to optimize your post-op recovery. Our team will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Recovery time can be variable between patients and surgeries. After facelift surgery, recovery is typically 2 weeks. Most patients will require assistance for the first 24 hours after surgery.  We recommend you drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy diet, and walk often to optimize healing.

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Facelift Excellence in Fort Worth

At Westside Plastic Surgery, we bring refined surgical expertise and modern aesthetics to the heart of Fort Worth. Dr. Goggin and our dedicated team provide a personalized, concierge-level experience from your first consultation through your final follow-up. Whether you're looking to smooth deep lines, lift sagging skin, or restore youthful definition, we’re here to help you look as vibrant as you feel.

If you’ve noticed signs of facial aging that no longer reflect your energy or confidence, a facelift may be the next step. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Goggin to explore your options and learn how this transformative procedure can refresh your appearance—while still looking like you.

Facelift FAQ

Who is an ideal candidate for a facelift?

At what age do patients have facelift?

Where are the incisions for a facelift located?

Will there be a noticeable scar left behind?

What is recovery like?

When will I see the final results of my facelift?

How long do facelift results last?

Will I still look like me after a facelift?

How old is too young (or too old) for a facelift?

Does a facelift hurt?

Will I have visible scars?

What makes neck lift different from facelift?

Is there a non-surgical alternative to facelift?

Who is an ideal candidate for a facelift?

Ideal candidates for a facelift can have deep wrinkles or sagging skin on their face and neck.

At what age do patients have facelift?

Depending on a person’s genetics, sun exposure, and skin care routine, signs of aging can appear at different times. Most patients choose facial rejuvenation procedures in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, but some people in their 30s who already have visible signs of aging choose to act sooner, while some patients 70 and older who remain in good enough health to have elective surgery decide to have facelift later. What matters more than age is whether the patient wants to reverse signs of aging on the lower face and neck.

Where are the incisions for a facelift located?

The incisions for all techniques are easily hidden within the hairline. The incision begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear, and ends into the lower scalp. You may also have a small, well hidden scar on the bottom of your chin for access to tighten the neck muscles.

Will there be a noticeable scar left behind?

As with any incision made, there will be a scar left behind. However, incisions are meticulously planned and scars tend to heal exceptionally well. Facelift scars are strategically placed in areas such as the hairline or behind the ears to be as discreet as possible.

What is recovery like?

You should arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and assist you for the first 24 to 48 hours of recovery. As a rule of thumb, there is generally not a lot of pain after a facelift. Your surgeon will prescribe medications to keep you as comfortable as possible. Swelling and bruising may last from a few days to a few weeks. Most patients can return to work within two weeks.

When will I see the final results of my facelift?

Most patients see significant results from their facelift within four to six months, although subtle changes may continue to occur for up to a year after the procedure.

How long do facelift results last?

Facelift results typically last anywhere from 8 to 10 years, but this can vary depending on factors such as age, skin quality, lifestyle habits, and genetics. While the natural aging process will continue, many patients find that they look significantly younger for many years after their procedure.

Will I still look like me after a facelift?

Yes, a facelift is designed to enhance your natural features, not drastically change your appearance. The goal is to restore a youthful, refreshed look that still maintains your unique characteristics. A skilled surgeon will ensure that the results are subtle and natural-looking.

How old is too young (or too old) for a facelift?

There’s no specific age that's 'too young' or 'too old' for a facelift. However, the ideal age for a facelift is typically in your 40s to 60s, when signs of aging such as sagging skin and deeper wrinkles become more prominent. Younger patients with significant signs of aging may opt for a facelift earlier, while patients over 70 may be considered for surgery if they are in good overall health. The decision depends more on the degree of aging and the patient's health than age alone.

Does a facelift hurt?

Most patients report minimal pain following a facelift, as the procedure typically involves general anesthesia. After surgery, any discomfort can usually be managed with prescribed medications. Swelling and bruising may occur but tend to subside within a few weeks.

Will I have visible scars?

While there will be some scarring after a facelift, incisions are strategically placed in areas such as the hairline or behind the ears to minimize visibility. These scars typically heal well over time and become quite discreet. In some cases, there may be a small scar under the chin for access to the neck muscles, but it’s usually well-hidden.

What makes neck lift different from facelift?

Neck lift focuses exclusively on the neck region, whereas most facelift surgeries address both the lower face and the neck in one procedure. If your main cosmetic concern is the appearance of your neck, you may be a good candidate for neck lift, but typically dealing with loose jowls and sagging neck skin simultaneously is the best option for achieving a sleek, more youthful neck slope.

Is there a non-surgical alternative to facelift?

Patients hoping to avoid surgery may be able to mimic some of the benefits of facelift by having a 'liquid facelift.' This is a combination of strategic dermal filler injections that can restore volume to the lower face and minimize wrinkles. Fillers will not produce results that are as transformative as surgery, and injections are necessary every several months to maintain the results long term, but having no downtime after the treatment may make it an appealing option, nevertheless.

Facelift at Westside Plastic Surgery

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