Facelift in Dallas
Facelift in Dallas
Facelift in Dallas
Aging is natural—but sometimes the way we look on the outside doesn’t reflect how we feel on the inside. Over time, skin loses elasticity, facial volume shifts downward, and definition fades along the jawline and neck. These changes are expected, but when they impact confidence, a facelift offers a thoughtful way to restore balance.
Dr. Joseph Kelling is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his natural aesthetic and meticulous technique. He focuses on deeper structural repositioning—not just skin tightening—so results look refreshed, not artificial.
Each procedure is customized to match your features, lifestyle, and goals. If you’re noticing changes in the mirror that don’t feel like you, a facelift may be the next step.
A facelift (or rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions sagging facial tissues to restore a youthful, rested appearance. Contrary to outdated perceptions, a modern facelift does not overly tighten the skin. Instead, it focuses on lifting the underlying SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) to naturally reposition volume and improve definition.
At Kelling Plastic Surgery, most facelifts also address the neck, as the two areas age together. Dr. Kelling uses techniques that reduce visible tension, avoid distortion, and preserve the unique character of your natural features.
Depending on your needs, a facelift can also be paired with other refinements, like laser skin resurfacing, a brow lift, or eyelid surgery, for a more complete refresh.
The facelift is performed under general anesthesia at a fully accredited surgical facility. Dr. Kelling begins with carefully placed incisions around the ears and along the hairline, where they are naturally concealed. For patients needing neck improvement, an additional incision may be made under the chin.
Once access is gained, the deeper facial layers are gently lifted and repositioned to a more youthful contour. Excess skin is trimmed—not overly pulled—and incisions are closed with precision to minimize scarring.
The procedure typically takes 4 to 5 hours and we prefer to keep you overnight so that you can start the healing process comfortably under the watchful eye of one of our expertly trained nurses. Patients return home the next day with a personalized recovery plan already in place.
A facelift is ideal for improving several visible signs of aging in the lower two-thirds of the face, including:
While a facelift won’t change your fundamental appearance, it can bring back the structure and lift that’s been lost, allowing you to look more like yourself again.
Restored Contours
Softens lines and lifts sagging areas for a rested, balanced look.
Improved Jawline and Neck Definition
Addresses jowls, neck laxity, and heaviness in the lower face.
Subtle, Long-Lasting Results
When performed properly, a facelift offers improvement that lasts 8 to 10 years or more.
Can Be Combined for a Comprehensive Refresh
Often performed with eyelid surgery, fat grafting, laser, or other treatments for full-face rejuvenation.
Discreet Incisions and Minimal Tension
Meticulous technique preserves hairline and ear shape, and prevents a “pulled” appearance.
You may be a candidate for a facelift if you are starting to notice sagging skin, volume descent, or loss of facial definition, and you want to restore these features in a subtle, refined way.
Ideal candidates are typically in their 40s to 70s, in good overall health, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
A facelift may not be necessary for patients with only early signs of aging or who prefer non-surgical options. During a personal, in-depth consultation, Dr. Kelling will guide you through your choice.
The recovery from a facelift usually takes 10 to 14 days for most public-facing activities, with swelling and bruising improving steadily during that time. Swelling from your surgery can persist for up to 6 weeks after surgery and incisions are not usually "camera ready" for 2-3 months after your surgery. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions, including how to sleep, care for incisions, and manage swelling.
Mild tightness may persist for several weeks and numbness can last several months, but most patients describe the recovery as manageable.
Dr. Kelling schedules close follow-up appointments to ensure your healing stays on track and your comfort is prioritized.
Facelift results begin to show once swelling resolves, with full results developing over 1 to 3 months. Expect to see smoother jawline contours, lifted cheeks, softened folds, and an overall refreshed look.
Importantly, you won’t look like someone else—you’ll look like yourself, just more rested.
With healthy habits and sun protection, most facelift results last for many years. Many patients share that improved appearance leads to renewed confidence in all aspects of life.
Dr. Joseph Kelling brings surgical expertise, an eye for subtlety, and a calm, confident approach to every facelift. Facial rejuvenation is one of his greatest passions and his training included a special emphasis on facelift surgery. This allows him to deliver the latest techniques in facelift surgery with masterful precision.
Your treatment plan is always personalized. Your experience is never rushed. And your results are meant to last.
At Kelling Plastic Surgery, facelift patients are treated like family—cared for with honesty, attentiveness, and a shared goal of creating a result that feels both refreshed and entirely natural. Schedule your consultation to receive personalized guidance tailored to your goals.
Yes. A well-performed facelift restores your natural features rather than changing them. You’ll still look like you—just more rested and defined.
Most facelift patients are in their 40s to 70s, but there’s no perfect age. It depends more on your anatomy and goals than a number.
A mini facelift typically focuses on the lower face and may offer limited correction. A full facelift addresses deeper tissues for more lasting and comprehensive results.
Yes. Many patients combine it with neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, fat transfer, or laser treatments for a more complete rejuvenation.
Results can last 8–10 years or more, depending on your skin quality, lifestyle, and aging process.
Incisions are placed around the ears and hairline for discretion. With proper care, they usually fade well and become difficult to detect.
Most patients return to social activities in about two weeks. Our team will provide specific post-op instructions and regular check-ins.
Discomfort is usually minimal and well-controlled with medication. Most patients describe the experience as more of a tightness than pain.
After a couple of weeks, you’ll be cleared for light activities, and most regular exercise can resume after 4–6 weeks.
Dr. Kelling also offers non-surgical treatments and can recommend alternatives if a facelift isn’t the right step for you right now.
