Facelift at 61: Houston Patient’s Natural Rejuvenation

Facelift Success Story Series by Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD | Case Study #6741

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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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The photograph didn’t lie, but it didn’t tell the truth either. When Rebecca* looked at herself in pictures from her daughter’s wedding, she saw a stranger, someone whose face carried exhaustion she didn’t feel, whose jawline had softened into something unfamiliar, whose neck told a story that didn’t match her energy.

At 61, she wasn’t trying to turn back the clock entirely. She just wanted her reflection to align with how alive she felt inside. That’s what brought her to my Houston office on a humid Tuesday afternoon, wedding photo in hand, ready to have a conversation she’d been rehearsing for months.

*The patient’s name was changed to protect their privacy. All medical details and photographic before and after results are from actual Patient Case #6741. Individual results may vary based on body type, surgical approach, and adherence to post-operative instructions.

Rebecca’s* Path to Facial Rejuvenation

What Rebecca* Wanted to Address

Rebecca* came to me with concerns that many patients in their sixties share, but with clarity about what she wanted that made our consultation refreshingly straightforward. She’d noticed progressive changes over the past decade: jowling along her jawline, deepening nasolabial folds, looseness in her neck that bothered her every time she caught her profile in a mirror. She wasn’t interested in looking drastically different or “done.” She wanted natural refinement that would let her look refreshed rather than transformed.

What struck me during our initial meeting was how specific she was about her goals. She’d done her research, understood the difference between surgical facelifts and non-surgical alternatives, and knew that at this stage of facial aging, surgery would deliver the comprehensive correction she was seeking. She wanted to address the mid-face, lower face, and neck in one procedure, a full facelift approach that would create harmonious improvement across all these interconnected areas.

Rebecca’s* Pre-Surgery Questions

Three concerns dominated Rebecca’s* mind as we discussed her upcoming procedure:

Recovery time and visibility: She wanted to know exactly how long she’d need to plan for recovery, when she could resume social activities, and how noticeable the healing process would be to others. This is one of the most common worries I encounter with facelift patients, and I appreciate the honesty, it allows us to set realistic expectations from the start.

Natural results: Rebecca* was adamant that she didn’t want to look “pulled” or artificially tight. She’d seen results on friends that made her hesitant, and she needed reassurance that modern facelift techniques prioritize natural-looking outcomes. I explained that my approach focuses on repositioning deeper tissue layers rather than simply pulling skin, which creates results that look like a refreshed version of yourself rather than a different person.

Scarring: Like most patients, Rebecca* wanted to understand where incisions would be placed and how visible scars would be long-term. I walked her through my incision pattern, carefully placed within the natural contours around the ears and hairline where they become virtually imperceptible once healed.

Customizing Rebecca’s* Facelift Strategy

The Surgical Approach for Comprehensive Rejuvenation

Rebecca’s* anatomy and aging patterns called for a comprehensive approach that would address multiple facial zones simultaneously. After careful assessment, I developed a surgical plan tailored specifically to her facial structure and aesthetic goals.

1. Full Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

• Deep plane technique to reposition the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer for long-lasting, natural results
• Extended incision pattern from temple hairline, around the ear, to the lower scalp to access all treatment areas
• Careful attention to maintaining natural contours and avoiding over-correction

2. Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)

• Tightening of platysma muscles to eliminate vertical neck bands
• Removal of excess skin to create a smooth, defined jawline and neck contour
• Submental incision to address central neck concerns

3. Face and Neck Liposuction

• Targeted removal of submental and jowl fat deposits
• Refined contouring to enhance the jawline definition created by the lift

This combination addresses the full spectrum of Rebecca’s* concerns. The facelift corrects mid-face and lower face laxity, the neck lift eliminates loose skin and bands, and the strategic liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits that wouldn’t be corrected by tissue repositioning alone. It’s a comprehensive approach that creates harmonious improvement rather than isolated corrections that might look disconnected.

Why This Multi-Layered Technique Works

The decision to combine these procedures stems from understanding how the face ages as a complete unit rather than in isolated sections. In my 25+ years performing facial rejuvenation procedures, I’ve learned that addressing only one layer, say, tightening skin without repositioning deeper structures, creates results that don’t last and often look unnatural.

Rebecca’s* deep plane facelift approach means I’m working with the structural foundation of the face, not just the surface. By repositioning the SMAS layer (the connective tissue that supports facial structures), we achieve lift that looks natural because we’re restoring tissues to where they existed in youth rather than simply stretching skin tighter. This technique also means results last significantly longer, typically 10-15 years rather than the 5-7 years some skin-only lifts provide.

The neck lift component was essential for Rebecca* because neck aging often progresses independently of facial aging. Addressing one without the other creates an obvious disconnect, a refreshed face sitting atop an aged neck, or vice versa. By treating both areas, we maintain the natural continuity that makes results look like rejuvenation rather than surgery.

Healing and Recovery: Rebecca’s* Experience

Days 1-3: The Reality of Early Recovery

Rebecca* was honest with me afterward, those first few days were harder than she’d anticipated, even though we’d discussed what to expect. Swelling and bruising peaked around day two, and while the discomfort was manageable with prescribed medication, she felt self-conscious about her appearance. This is the reality of facelift recovery: the first 72 hours require patience and trust in the process.

I saw her for her first post-operative appointment on day three. The swelling was significant but expected, distributed across her cheeks, jaw, and neck. She wore her compression garment as instructed, essential for minimizing swelling and supporting the healing tissues. We discussed the importance of keeping her head elevated (sleeping in a recliner for the first week), avoiding any strenuous activity, and following the detailed care instructions for her incision sites.

Week 1-2: Visible Progress

By day seven, when I removed Rebecca’s* sutures, the transformation was already becoming visible beneath the remaining swelling. The defined jawline was emerging, the neck appeared smoother, and her facial contours showed the lift we’d created. She still had bruising, now transitioning from purple to greenish-yellow as it resolved, but felt comfortable enough to venture out with strategic makeup and scarves.

Critical Recovery Rules Rebecca Followed:*

• No strenuous activity for three weeks (no exercise, heavy lifting, or activities that elevate blood pressure)
• Sleep elevated at a 30-45 degree angle to minimize swelling
• Avoid sun exposure on healing incisions for at least three months
• Follow scar care protocol once incisions were healed (silicone gel and gentle massage)
• Attend all follow-up appointments for monitoring and guidance

Weeks 3-4: Back to Normal Life

By week three, Rebecca* returned to most normal activities. Residual swelling was minimal and easily concealed with makeup. The incisions were healing beautifully, thin pink lines that would continue fading over the coming months. She told me she felt “like herself again,” but a significantly refreshed version. Friends commented that she looked rested and healthy, but couldn’t quite pinpoint what had changed, exactly the natural result we’d aimed for.

Months 2-3: The Final Picture

At her three-month follow-up, Rebecca’s* results had fully matured. All swelling had resolved, incisions had faded to nearly imperceptible white lines hidden in natural contours, and the final contours of her facelift were evident. Her jawline was crisp and defined, her neck smooth and youthful, her mid-face restored to a position that eliminated the tired appearance that had bothered her.

She brought updated photos to compare with the wedding picture that had initially motivated her, the difference was striking not because she looked dramatically different, but because she looked like herself again, the version she remembered from ten years earlier.

Rebecca’s* Transformation: Three Months Post-Operative

The documented results from Rebecca’s* case tells a clear story of successful facial rejuvenation. Her before and after photographs demonstrate the kind of natural improvement that makes facelift surgery so rewarding to perform.

Verified Outcomes:

• Elimination of jowling with restoration of crisp jawline definition
• Smooth, youthful neck contour with no visible bands or loose skin
• Lifted mid-face position that softened nasolabial folds
• Natural facial contours without over-tightened or artificial appearance
• Well-healed, barely visible scars placed in natural skin creases

Beyond the physical measurements, Rebecca* reported profound satisfaction with her decision. She told me at her final follow-up that the procedure had restored not just her facial appearance but her confidence in professional and social settings. She no longer avoided photographs or felt self-conscious about her profile. The investment, both financial and in recovery time, had delivered exactly what she’d hoped for.

The Elements That Made This Outcome Exceptional

Several factors contributed to Rebecca’s* outstanding result, and they’re worth highlighting for anyone considering facial rejuvenation surgery:

Realistic expectations from the start: Rebecca* understood that facelift surgery creates rejuvenation, not perfection. She wasn’t trying to look 30 again at 61, she wanted to look like the best version of her current self. This mindset allowed her to appreciate her results fully without disappointment over remaining normal signs of maturity.

Comprehensive approach: By addressing the full face and neck in one procedure, we created harmonious improvement across all areas. Isolated corrections, say, lifting only the lower face without addressing the neck, would have created obvious discontinuity.

Surgical technique matters: The deep plane facelift approach repositions deeper tissue layers, creating results that look natural because we’re working with the structural foundation rather than just stretching skin. This technique also provides longer-lasting results than more superficial approaches.

Meticulous post-operative care: Rebecca* followed every instruction precisely, wearing her compression garment, sleeping elevated, avoiding activity that could compromise healing, and attending all follow-up appointments. Patient compliance significantly impacts both the quality of results and the speed of recovery.

Appropriate timing: At 61, Rebecca* had significant enough aging changes to benefit dramatically from surgical correction, but skin quality that still had good elasticity for optimal healing. Timing facelift surgery when you have both motivation and appropriate anatomy creates the best outcomes.

Facelift Questions: Answers from Rebecca’s* Case

Can facelift surgery look natural after 60, or will it be obvious I had work done?

Absolutely, when performed with appropriate technique, facelift surgery in your sixties creates natural rejuvenation rather than an obvious “surgical look.” The key is using deep plane techniques that reposition facial structures to their more youthful position rather than simply pulling skin tight. Rebecca’s* case demonstrates this perfectly, her results show someone who looks refreshed and well-rested, not someone who’s had obvious cosmetic surgery. Friends notice improvement but can’t identify what changed, which is the hallmark of excellent facelift work.

How long does it take to really see final results after combining facelift with neck lift and liposuction?

With this comprehensive approach, you’ll see dramatic improvement immediately, but final results emerge gradually over three to six months as all swelling resolves and tissues settle into their new position. Rebecca* looked noticeably better by week two despite swelling, but the refined, final contours didn’t fully appear until month three. The incisions continue improving for up to a year as they fade from pink to white and become virtually invisible. Patience during this maturation process is essential, the results are worth the wait.

Is the recovery from full facelift, neck lift, and liposuction significantly harder than a mini facelift?

The recovery is more extensive than a limited procedure, but for patients with Rebecca’s* level of aging, the comprehensive approach delivers dramatically better results that justify the additional healing time. The first week is the most challenging period regardless of procedure extent, you’ll have swelling, bruising, and activity restrictions with any facelift. A full facelift adds perhaps an extra week of social downtime compared to a mini lift, but corrects areas that limited procedures simply can’t address. For someone with significant neck laxity and jowling like Rebecca* had, a mini facelift would have been inadequate and disappointing.

Ready to Write Your Own Facelift Success Story?

Rebecca* came to me carrying a photograph and a question: could she look like herself again? Not decades younger, not like someone else entirely, just like the person she recognized when she thought of her own face. Three months after her comprehensive facelift procedure, she had her answer.

Your concerns might be different. Perhaps you’re wondering whether you’re too old for facelift surgery, questioning whether results will look natural, or trying to understand the difference between deep plane facelifts and other techniques you’ve heard about.

But the fundamental question is the same: You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your own body. Aging is natural, but you don’t have to accept every change, especially when surgical techniques exist that can restore your appearance to match your vitality. If facial aging is affecting your quality of life, transformation is possible.

Schedule Your Personalized Consultation here, or call us today at (281) 940-1535 and discover what’s possible for your unique body and goals in Houston!

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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.