Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Dr. White performs facelifts using strategic incisions positioned near the ears, hairline, and jaw — concealed within natural contours — to tighten underlying facial muscles, remove excess skin, and redistribute or augment facial fat for a refreshed, natural appearance. The procedure typically takes two to four hours. Recovery progresses quickly: initial swelling and bruising resolve within the first week, modest activity resumes at two to three weeks, and full recovery is achieved in approximately six weeks.

A facelift — medically termed rhytidectomy — addresses the most visible signs of facial aging: loose skin along the cheeks, jawline, and neck, diminished muscle tone, and loss of facial volume. At USA Plastic Surgery in Dallas, Dr. Steven J. White approaches facelifts as a comprehensive rejuvenation, not simply a skin-tightening exercise, integrating muscle repositioning and fat management to achieve results that look naturally refreshed rather than surgically altered. Dr. White's facelift technique begins with carefully planned incisions positioned in locations that leverage natural skin creases and hairline contours to conceal healing scars — typically near the ears and along the hairline at the temple and behind the ear, with extension along the jaw when addressing the neck. Through these incisions, he lifts and re-secures the underlying facial musculature (SMAS layer) with sutures, then removes redundant skin and closes the incisions under minimal tension. When beneficial, autologous fat is redistributed or augmented to restore youthful facial volume that has been lost to gravity and aging. Ideal candidates for facelift surgery are in good overall health with meaningful laxity in the lower face, cheeks, jawline, or neck. Dr. White notes that patients can begin to see meaningful benefit from the procedure in their late thirties to mid-forties when moderate looseness is present, though facelifts are performed across a wide age range. The procedure takes two to four hours depending on scope. Recovery is well-structured: acute swelling and bruising largely resolve during the first week, patients can resume modest social and professional activity within two to three weeks, and high-intensity physical activity is permitted after five to six weeks. Complete recovery and full appreciation of results occurs by approximately six weeks. Pricing is available after personal consultation with Dr. White. Patients from outside the Dallas area are supported through the practice's fly-in program, with partnerships at luxury hotels including the Ritz-Carlton Dallas and The Joule.