Facelift at 57 in Houston, TX: Petite Woman’s Facial Rejuvenation

Facelift Success Story Series by Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD in Houston, TX | Case Study #6776

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This is part of our series featuring real patient transformations at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery. Each case study provides an in-depth look at actual procedures, recovery experiences, and results from Houston patients who’ve undergone facelift surgery with Dr. Sam M. Sukkar.

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At 57, Rebecca* stood in front of her bathroom mirror and made a decision. The reflection staring back, jowls softening her jawline, deep nasolabial folds, sagging upper eyelids obscuring her eyes, no longer matched how vibrant she felt inside.

Two decades of Houston sun, gravity, and natural aging had taken their toll. She wasn’t chasing youth. She wanted to look as energetic as she felt.

That’s when she scheduled her consultation at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery.

*The patient’s name was changed to protect their privacy. All medical details and photographic before and after results are from actual Patient Case #6776. Individual results may vary based on body type, surgical approach, and adherence to post-operative instructions.

Rebecca’s Path to Facial Rejuvenation

What Brought Rebecca to My Houston Office

Rebecca* came to me with clear, specific concerns that many women in their late 50s share. At 4’11″ and 140 pounds, her petite frame meant facial changes were particularly noticeable, there was less structure to disguise volume loss and skin laxity.

Her primary frustrations centered on three areas: heavy upper eyelids that made her look perpetually tired, jowling along her jawline that blurred her once-defined profile, and deep creases from nose to mouth that aged her appearance significantly. She’d tried skincare, injectables, even laser treatments. Nothing addressed the fundamental issue: her facial tissues had descended, and no topical solution could lift them back.

Rebecca wasn’t seeking dramatic transformation. She wanted natural refinement, to look like herself, just refreshed. During our consultation, I explained that her concerns required structural correction, not surface treatments. Her facial anatomy was sound, her skin quality reasonable despite sun exposure, and her overall health excellent. She was an ideal candidate for comprehensive facelift surgery.

Rebecca’s Pre-Surgery Expectations

Recovery concerns topped Rebecca’s list. As a professional with limited time off, she needed realistic timelines. How long before she could return to work? When would swelling subside? Could she hide evidence of surgery?

Scarring worried her. She’d seen poorly placed facelift incisions on acquaintances and feared visible marks.

Natural results were non-negotiable. Rebecca emphasized repeatedly that she didn’t want to look “done” or drastically different, just rested and refined.

I addressed each concern directly. Recovery would require 10-14 days away from public-facing work, with residual swelling persisting for weeks. My incision placement technique hides scars within the hairline and natural ear contours. And after 25+ years performing facial rejuvenation procedures, my philosophy prioritizes subtle enhancement over obvious alteration. We weren’t creating a new face, we were restoring her original architecture.

Tailoring Facelift Surgery to Rebecca’s Facial Anatomy

The Multi-Procedure Approach for Comprehensive Rejuvenation

Rebecca’s transformation required four complementary procedures, each addressing specific aging concerns while creating harmonious overall results:

1. Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

• Deep plane technique to reposition descended facial fat pads
• SMAS layer manipulation for long-lasting structural support
• Skin redraping without tension to ensure natural appearance

2. Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Lift)

• Precise removal of excess upper eyelid skin
• Conservative fat repositioning to avoid hollowed appearance
• Incision concealment within natural eyelid crease

3. Buccal Fat Pad Removal

• Strategic removal of deep cheek fat for refined lower face contours
• Particularly effective for petite patients like Rebecca
• Subtle definition enhancement without creating gaunt appearance

4. Laser Peel to Under-Eye Area

• Resurfacing treatment for fine lines and texture irregularities
• Skin tightening complement to surgical corrections
• Careful intensity calibration for delicate periorbital skin

This combination addressed every layer of Rebecca’s concerns, from deep structural support (facelift SMAS work) to surface refinement (laser treatment). The buccal fat removal worked synergistically with the facelift to create definition, while upper blepharoplasty opened her eye area dramatically.

Why This Surgical Strategy Made Sense

For petite-framed patients like Rebecca, facial proportions require careful consideration. Her 4’11″ stature meant her facial features sat closer together, making even minor asymmetries or disproportions more noticeable. Standard facelift techniques wouldn’t suffice.

I opted for deep plane facelift methodology rather than traditional SMAS application. Why? Deep plane technique repositions fat pads and muscles as a unified layer, creating more natural transitions and longer-lasting results. For Rebecca’s descended midface tissues, this approach restored youthful volume distribution without adding fillers.

The buccal fat removal decision stemmed from her specific facial anatomy. Some patients need volume addition in their 50s. Rebecca had retained fullness in her lower cheeks that, combined with jowling, created a heavy lower face appearance. Strategic removal refined her contours without creating the hollowed look that concerns many patients.

Upper blepharoplasty was essential. No amount of lower face lifting would address her hooded upper lids. By treating both areas simultaneously, we ensured balanced rejuvenation across her entire face.

The under-eye laser peel completed the picture. Surgery repositions tissues; lasers improve skin quality. The combination yields results neither achieves alone. Throughout my career performing thousands of facial procedures, I’ve learned that comprehensive approaches, addressing structure, volume, and skin quality together, deliver the most satisfying outcomes.

Rebecca’s Facelift Recovery: Patience Rewarded

The First Two Weeks: Managing Expectations

Rebecca left surgery with bandages, surgical drains, and significant swelling. I’m direct with patients: the first 72 hours test your resolve. You look worse before you look better. Bruising peaks around day two. Swelling obscures your new contours. Discomfort (not pain, we manage that with medication) makes rest essential.

Rebecca followed post-operative protocols meticulously: head elevated 30 degrees around the clock, ice packs rotated every 20 minutes while awake, minimal facial movement, and absolutely no bending or straining. Drains were removed on day two. By day three, she transitioned from prescription pain management to over-the-counter medication.

Weeks 1-2: Early Progress Emerges

Sutures came out on day seven for the eyelids, day ten for facial incisions. Rebecca reported feeling “presentable with strategic scarf placement” by day twelve, not camera-ready, but capable of brief public appearances if necessary.

Critical recovery rules for this phase included: No strenuous activity whatsoever. No direct sun exposure. Continued sleeping elevation. Gentle skincare only, no scrubbing, pulling, or rubbing. Patience with asymmetric swelling (completely normal as each side resolves at its own pace).

By week two, Rebecca saw glimpses of her new contours. The dramatic initial swelling had subsided enough to reveal a refined jawline and lifted midface. Her upper eyelids showed immediate improvement, no more hooding.

Weeks 3-8: Watching Transformation Unfold

Rebecca resumed most normal activities, work, social engagements, light exercise. Residual swelling persisted, particularly in the mornings. Makeup camouflaged fading bruises. She wore sunscreen religiously (non-negotiable for laser-treated skin).

The psychological shift during this phase fascinates me. Patients transition from recovery mode to appreciating results. Rebecca noticed strangers no longer asking if she was tired. Colleagues commented she looked “well-rested” without suspecting surgery.

Months 2-3: Final Results Crystallize

True final results after facelift surgery emerge around the three-month mark. Subtle swelling resolves. Tissues settle into their new positions. Scars fade from pink to barely perceptible white lines.

At three months post-op, Rebecca’s transformation was complete: sharply defined jawline, smooth nasolabial folds, bright open eyes, and refined lower face contours. The buccal fat removal created a subtle cheek definition that photographs beautifully. Her under-eye area showed improved texture and reduced fine lines from the laser treatment.

Most importantly, she looked unmistakably like herself, just the version from fifteen years earlier.

Rebecca’s Facelift Outcome: Natural Rejuvenation Achieved

Verified Results at Three Months Post-Procedure

Rebecca’s case exemplifies what comprehensive facial rejuvenation can accomplish when surgical planning matches patient anatomy. Her results included:

Structural improvements: Elevated midface tissues, eliminated jowling, restored jawline definition, and smoothed nasolabial folds.

Eyelid transformation: Upper lid hooding completely resolved, creating wider, more alert eye appearance without looking “surprised” or overdone.

Contour refinement: Buccal fat removal created a subtle lower face definition appropriate for her petite frame.

Skin quality enhancement: Laser resurfacing improved under-eye texture, reducing fine lines and creating smoother skin tone.

Beyond the Physical Changes

Rebecca returned for her six-month follow-up appointment beaming. She’d recently attended her college reunion and received numerous compliments, not on “looking different,” but on “looking fantastic.” That distinction matters immensely.

She reported renewed confidence in professional settings, no longer self-conscious about photographs, and genuine satisfaction when catching her reflection. The psychological impact of feeling aligned with your appearance shouldn’t be underestimated.

What Made Rebecca’s Results Exceptional

Several factors contributed to Rebecca’s outstanding outcome:

• Patient selection and realistic expectations. Rebecca understood surgery’s capabilities and limitations. She sought improvement, not perfection.
• Comprehensive treatment approach. Addressing multiple aging concerns simultaneously created harmonious results no single procedure could achieve.
• Anatomically tailored technique. Rebecca’s petite frame and specific facial structure required customized surgical planning, not cookie-cutter methodology.
• Meticulous surgical execution. Deep plane facelift technique demands precision. Sloppy execution creates unnatural results or complications.
• Exemplary post-operative compliance. Rebecca followed every protocol without exception. Patient cooperation directly impacts outcomes, particularly in complex facial surgery where premature activity can compromise results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rebecca’s Facelift Journey in Houston, TX

Is combining facelift with buccal fat removal too much for one surgery?

Not for appropriately selected patients. Rebecca’s case required addressing both descended tissues (facelift) and excess volume (buccal fat removal) for balanced results. Combining procedures means one recovery period rather than two separate surgeries. The key is thorough pre-operative assessment to ensure you’re a safe candidate for longer surgical time. Rebecca’s excellent health and specific anatomy made the combination ideal.

At 57, will facelift results last, or will aging quickly reverse them?

Facelift surgery doesn’t stop aging, it turns back the clock then continues forward from that point. With proper technique, particularly deep plane methodology, results typically last 10-15 years. Rebecca will continue aging, but she’ll maintain significant improvement over her pre-surgery appearance for years to come. Sun protection, healthy lifestyle, and appropriate skincare extend longevity.

Why was laser treatment needed if the facelift addressed skin?

Facelift repositions skin and underlying tissues but doesn’t improve skin quality, texture, fine lines, sun damage. The laser peel complemented surgical lifting by refining surface appearance, particularly in the delicate under-eye area where surgical intervention is limited. Think of it this way: surgery handles structure, lasers handle surface.

Ready to Write Your Own Facelift Success Story in Houston, TX?

For years, Rebecca saw aging accelerate in the mirror. She felt vibrant and energetic but looked perpetually exhausted. After comprehensive facial rejuvenation, she finally looks the way she feels. Three months later, her results continue drawing compliments, the kind that don’t hint at “work done,” just acknowledge she looks wonderful.

Your concerns might differ. Perhaps you’re troubled by neck laxity Rebecca didn’t have, considering fat grafting for volume loss, or wondering if you’re “too young” or “too old” for facelift surgery.

But the fundamental truth remains: You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. Aging is natural, but you don’t have to accept every change it brings. If visible aging signs are affecting your quality of life, transformation is possible.

Schedule Your Personalized Consultation here, or call us today at (281) 940-1535 and take the first step toward your own transformation journey!

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About the Author – Meet Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD

Dr. Sukkar earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1992 after graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He then completed an intensive General Surgery Residency at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital before being selected for a highly competitive Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Northwestern University in Chicago, one of the most prestigious training programs in the country.

With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Sukkar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Houston Society of Plastic Surgery (HSPS). His dedication to innovation and continuing education has solidified his reputation as a leading expert in aesthetic surgery, specializing in breast surgery, body contouring, facial procedures, and non-invasive treatments.

Dr. Sukkar’s expertise has been recognized by Houston Magazine, naming him one of Houston’s “Top Docs for Women,” and he has been featured among RealSelf’s America’s Top Doctors. Committed to his patients, he prioritizes personalized care, ensuring every individual feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their aesthetic journey.

Contact Dr. Sukkar today to schedule a consultation, visit DrSukkar.com to learn more, or call us directly at (281) 940-1535.

Cover Image Illustration by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery.