Deep plane or SMAS
Chosen for your anatomy and goals. The aim is a refreshed appearance that still looks like you.
Before & after
LeeLift results
Real patient photos from Nuveau. Individual results vary.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Photos from nuveau.co · Results are individual and not guaranteed
- Board-certified Edward I. Lee, MD, FACS
- Signature LeeLift Deep plane or SMAS
- QUAD-A center On-site surgery suite
- River Oaks 3720 Westheimer Rd Suite 101, Houston
The procedure
About the Lee Lift
Dr. Lee’s signature LeeLift — from nuveau.co — uses deep plane or SMAS based on your needs, often as part of a fuller facial plan that still looks natural, not overdone.
Often part of a plan
When appropriate, complementary facial procedures (such as fat grafting, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or lip lift) may be planned together. Dissolving mesh may be used for some patients.
Face and neck
Many LeeLift plans include the neck. Facelift surgery at Nuveau generally focuses on the lower two-thirds of the face — customized in consult.
Candidacy
Who it may be for
From Nuveau’s facelift overview: people considering a lift often notice facial lines, wrinkles, sagging, or drooping of the jowls. Age alone doesn’t decide timing — skin elasticity and goals matter more. Ideal candidates are typically in good physical health, nonsmokers, with realistic expectations. At a consult, Dr. Lee reviews whether a surgical lift or another approach fits your goals.
Options discussed
Facelift approaches
Your consult determines which approach fits — including whether the signature LeeLift is right for you.
Mini facelift
Smaller incisions around the ears to elevate and tighten skin around the mouth and jawline for a subtler lower-face lift.
Mid facelift
Focuses around the cheekbones and jaw — addressing more of the mid to lower face.
Full facelift
Incisions typically along the hairline to the temples and base of the ears; tissues and muscles are tightened. May combine eyelid or neck work for advanced aging concerns.
Lower facelift
Addresses the neck, chin, and often lower jowls — sometimes with neck liposuction or complementary nonsurgical options discussed in office.
Educational summary of public practice content. Only a consultation determines candidacy and the surgical plan.
The journey
What to expect
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Anesthesia & time
Most facelifts are under general anesthesia and typically take about 2–4 hours, depending on the plan and any combined procedures.
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Recovery
Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common. Recovery varies; about 2–4 weeks is often discussed on the practice site.
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Results mindset
The practice frames the goal as softer, slightly lifted, and rejuvenated — natural rather than looking “decades younger.” Results vary.
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Next step
A consultation is how Dr. Lee and the Nuveau team match technique to your anatomy and goals — and the right place to ask questions.
Content adapted from nuveau.co/procedures/facelift. Not medical advice. Individual results vary.
Surgeon
Edward I. Lee, MD, FACS
Founder and medical director of Nuveau Plastic Surgery + Medical Aesthetics. Board-certified plastic surgeon offering a full spectrum of facial cosmetic procedures, including his signature LeeLift.