Facelift in Houston, TX | Murillo Plastic Surgery
Are you hoping to turn back the clock and rediscover a more youthful, refreshed version of yourself? At Murillo Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Carlos Murillo specializes in facelift surgery (rhytidectomy), a transformative procedure designed to lift sagging skin, redefine facial contours, and soften deep lines caused by aging, gravity, and sun exposure. The result is a naturally rejuvenated appearance that reflects how youthful and vibrant you feel on the inside.
Dr. Carlos Murillo leads our Houston-based practice with a reputation for surgical artistry and compassionate care. Known for his meticulous technique and personalized approach, Dr. Murillo customizes each facelift to harmonize with your unique facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. Patients from across Texas, including Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, and surrounding communities, trust Dr. Murillo to deliver elegant, lasting results with an unwavering commitment to safety, comfort, and aesthetic excellence.
To speak with our team or schedule a consultation, call (832) 582-8114 or reach out online. Murillo Plastic Surgery welcomes patients from all across the greater Houston area, including The Woodlands, Cypress, Katy, Sugar Land, and Pearland. We also care for women traveling from out of state and abroad.
What Is a Facelift (Rhytidectomy)?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a rejuvenating cosmetic procedure designed to restore a more youthful, refreshed facial appearance by lifting and tightening sagging skin, smoothing deep creases, and redefining the contours of the lower face. It’s especially beneficial for individuals experiencing visible signs of aging, such as jowls, loss of skin elasticity, and deep folds around the mouth and jawline.
By addressing both the skin and underlying facial structures, a facelift offers natural-looking results that enhance your features without altering your unique expression. Whether you’re seeking subtle refinement or a more dramatic transformation, this procedure can help you look as confident as you feel.
What Should You Expect During Your Facelift Consultation with Dr. Murillo?
At Murillo Plastic Surgery, your journey toward facial rejuvenation begins with expert insights, personalized care, and a deep respect for your aesthetic goals. We understand that choosing to undergo a facelift is a significant decision often rooted in the desire to restore confidence and reconnect with the vibrant version of yourself. That’s why we prioritize prompt consultations, often scheduling within one to two days of your initial inquiry, so you can begin exploring your options without delay.
During your consultation, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Murillo will take time to understand your motivation for surgery. With his extensive experience in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Murillo will carefully evaluate your facial anatomy, review your medical history, and determine the most effective surgical approach to help you achieve natural, elegant results.
Here are a few things you can expect from your consultation:
- Dedicated one-on-one time to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations
- Comprehensive facial evaluation, including full assessment of your skin’s elasticity, muscle tone, and underlying facial structure
- Education about facial surgery, including what your facelift entails, recovery timelines, and how it compares to other facial rejuvenation options like a neck lift or non-surgical treatments
- Supportive collaboration from our experienced staff to guide you through scheduling, financing, and post-operative care
Houston Facelift: How It’s Done
Step 1: Strategic Incision Placement
Dr. Murillo begins by designing discreet incisions, typically placed along the natural contours of the ear and sometimes extending into the hairline. These incisions are carefully positioned to remain hidden while allowing optimal access to the underlying facial structures.Step 2: Lifting and Repositioning Tissue
Through these incisions, Dr. Murillo gently lifts and repositions the deep layers of facial tissue, known as the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). Adjusting this foundational layer restores youthful contours to the cheeks, jawline, and neck while avoiding a pulled or artificial look.Step 3: Refining the Neck and Jawline
If you’ve decided to include a neck lift with your facelift, Dr. Murillo addresses laxity in the neck by tightening underlying muscles and removing excess fat. This step is especially beneficial for patients with jowls, a double chin, or banding in the neck area, helping to create a smoother, more defined profile.
Step 4: Redraping the Skin
Once the underlying structure is restored, Dr. Murillo carefully redrapes the skin over the newly lifted contours. Any excess is trimmed to ensure a natural, wrinkle-free finish that complements your facial anatomy.
Step 5: Closing with Precision
Lastly, Dr. Murillo closes the incision with meticulous technique, often using layered sutures to support healing and minimize visible scarring. Dr. Murillo’s approach prioritizes both aesthetic harmony and long-term comfort, ensuring results that look refreshed and never overdone.Why Choose Murillo Plastic Surgery for Your Facelift in Houston, TX?
Choosing Dr. Carlos Murillo for your facelift means entrusting your appearance to one of Houston’s most meticulous and artistically gifted plastic surgeons. As a board-certified specialist and Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Texas at Houston’s Plastic Surgery department, Dr. Murillo brings a rare blend of surgical precision and aesthetic intuition to every facial rejuvenation procedure. His goal isn’t just to reverse the signs of aging but also to help you reconnect with the confident version of yourself.
Dr. Murillo’s approach to facelift surgery is deeply personalized. He takes time to understand your facial anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals, crafting a surgical plan that enhances your natural features without compromising your unique expression. Whether you’re seeking subtle refinement or a more dramatic transformation, Dr. Murillo designs each facelift to deliver elegant, long-lasting results that look like you, but more refreshed.
With privileges at 15 hospitals across Houston and the Greater Houston area, Dr. Murillo ensures that world-class care is always within reach. Fluent in Spanish and expanding outreach to the Vietnamese-speaking community, he fosters an inclusive, culturally sensitive environment where every patient feels seen, heard, and supported. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, Dr. Murillo and his team are dedicated to providing compassionate care that prioritizes your safety, comfort, and confidence.
Carlos Murillo, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Global & Multicultural Support – We welcome patients from all backgrounds and provide care in multiple languages with culturally sensitive communication.
Personalized Communication – Same-day email responses and attentive guidance from Dr. Murillo and the team keep you informed and reassured.
Efficiency & Professionalism – Immediate consultations and treatments are available, with thorough planning and patient education every step of the way.
Cosmetic & Reconstructive Expertise – From aesthetic enhancements to breast cancer reconstruction, we tailor every treatment to your unique needs and goals.
Patient-Centered Philosophy – To us, you’re more than a patient—you’re a person whose needs we value. Our goal is to help you look your best, feel your best, and thrive.
Ideal Candidates for Houston Facelift
Facelift candidates are typically individuals who are bothered by visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck, including sagging skin, deep creases, jowls, or loss of definition along the jawline that cannot be improved through skincare or non-invasive treatments alone. These changes often develop gradually due to aging, genetics, sun exposure, or lifestyle factors.
Ideal candidates should be in good overall health, with no medical conditions that could interfere with healing or anesthesia. Non-smokers, or those willing to quit before surgery and throughout recovery, are especially important, as smoking can impair circulation and compromise both healing and results. Candidates should also have realistic expectations and understand that a facelift is not about changing who you are but rather enhancing your natural features to reflect a more refreshed, youthful version of yourself.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Facelift at Murillo Plastic Surgery
On the day of your facelift, you’ll be greeted by our dedicated patient coordinator, who will guide you through final check-in and pre-operative preparations. Once you’re settled, Dr. Murillo will meet with you to review your personalized surgical plan, answer any last-minute questions, and make precise markings along your natural facial contours to guide the procedure with both technical precision and artistic finesse.
During this time, Dr. Murillo will walk you through the incision placement, how the underlying tissue will be lifted and repositioned, and how excess skin will be gently removed to restore youthful definition. He’ll also explain the suturing techniques and dressings that will be used to support healing and minimize visible scarring.
When everything is ready, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia or twilight sedation, depending on your treatment plan, allowing you to rest comfortably throughout the procedure. A facelift typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of correction and whether additional procedures, such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery, are included in your overall treatment plan.
After surgery, you’ll be transferred to a private recovery suite where our attentive nursing team will monitor you closely. Your comfort, safety, and dignity are our top priorities as you embark on your journey toward a refreshed, confident new you.
Facelift Recovery
Recovery after a facelift is a restorative process designed to support your healing and comfort while revealing your refreshed appearance gradually and naturally. Most patients stay overnight, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual preferences. Light dressings are typically applied to protect the incisions, and in some cases, small drains may be placed to help reduce swelling and fluid buildup.
Before leaving our surgical suite, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, manage any dressings or drains, and navigate your first few days at home with ease. It’s normal to experience tightness, mild bruising, and swelling around the lower face and neck, but discomfort is well-managed with prescribed medication and cold compresses.
In the first few days, gentle movements and keeping your head elevated will help promote circulation and reduce swelling. Most patients begin to feel more comfortable within a week, and visible bruising typically fades within 10 to 14 days. While strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks, light daily tasks can usually be resumed as you feel ready.
Full recovery from a facelift generally takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your overall health and the complexity of your procedure. As the swelling subsides and incisions heal, your results will continue to refine and reveal a smoother, more youthful version of yourself with every passing day.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation at Murillo Plastic Surgery
Ready to rediscover a more youthful, refreshed version of yourself? Contact Murillo Plastic Surgery today to schedule your complimentary consultation for facelift surgery with Dr. Carlos Murillo. Conveniently located in the heart of Houston, our practice proudly serves patients from across the Greater Houston area and beyond. Whether you’re seeking subtle rejuvenation or a more dramatic transformation, we’re here to guide you with expert care, artistic precision, and genuine compassion.
Call us at (713) 791-1414 or complete our online consultation form to begin your journey toward timeless confidence, graceful aging, and beautifully natural results.
Facelift FAQS— Houston, TX
Will a facelift change the way I look or just make me look younger?
A facelift is designed to enhance your natural features but not change them. Dr. Murillo’s approach focuses on restoring youthful contours while preserving your unique facial identity, so you still look like you, only more refreshed.
How long do facelift results typically last?
While aging continues, most patients enjoy results for 8 to 10 years. Lifestyle, skin care, and genetics all play a role in longevity. Many patients choose non-surgical treatments over time to maintain their refreshed look.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes! Many patients opt to combine a facelift with a neck lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or fat grafting for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Dr. Murillo will help you decide what combination best suits your goals.
What’s the difference between a full facelift and a mini facelift?
A full facelift addresses deeper tissues and more extensive aging in the lower face and neck, while a mini facelift is less invasive and ideal for early signs of aging. Recovery time and results vary depending on the approach.
Will I have visible scars after a facelift?
Dr. Murillo places incisions along natural creases and hairlines to keep scars discreet. With proper care, scars typically fade significantly over time and are rarely noticeable to others.
Is there an ideal age to consider a facelift?
There’s no “perfect” age for a facelift. Candidacy depends more on skin laxity, facial anatomy, and personal goals than on a specific number. Patients typically range from their 40s to 70s, but Dr. Murillo tailors each plan to your unique needs.
How soon can I wear makeup after surgery?
Most patients can begin wearing light makeup around 10 days post-op after incisions have healed. Dr. Murillo will provide specific guidance based on your healing progress.
What kind of anesthesia is used for a facelift?
Facelifts are typically performed under general anesthesia or twilight sedation, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your comfort level. A board-certified anesthesiologist will ensure your safety and comfort throughout your surgery.
Will I need someone to stay with me after surgery?
You will most likely spend one night in the hospital for one-on-one patient care. After this, it’s recommended to have a trusted friend or family member stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery to assist with mobility, medications, and basic care, especially during the first few days. However, if you would prefer to stay longer in our facility, we can arrange for the care you will need.
How do I know if I’m emotionally ready for a facelift?
Dr. Murillo believes that emotional readiness is just as important as physical candidacy. During your consultation, he’ll help you explore your motivations and expectations to ensure you’re making the decision for the right reasons.