What is facelift surgery?

If you are bothered by signs of aging in your face, facelift surgery may be right for you. Technically known as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as: Sagging in the midface, deep creases below the lower eyelids, deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth, fat that has fallen or is displaced, loss of muscle tone in the lower face may create jowls, loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw can make even a person of normal weight appear to have a double chin.

Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a facelift are brow lift, to correct a sagging or deeply furrowed brow, and eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes.

What facelifts won't do:

As a restorative surgery, a facelift does not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process.

Is it right for me?

A facelift can only be performed surgically; non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time at which a facelift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery. Facelift surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires to to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Facelift surgery is a good option for you if: you are physically healthy, you do not smoke, you have a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance.

What to expect during your facelift consultation?

The success and safety of your facelift depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss: Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome, medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments, use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs, previous surgeries. Your surgeon may also evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors, discuss the options available to you for facelift and facial rejuvenation, examine and measure your face, take photographs for your medical record, discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment, discuss likely outcomes of a facelift and any risks or potential complications, discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used.

Preparing for facelift surgery

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, take certain medications or adjust your current medications, stop smoking well in advance of surgery, avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding. Special instructions you receive will cover what to do on the night before and morning of surgery, the use of anesthesia during your face lift, post-operative care and follow-up.

What happens during facelift surgery?

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during a facelift procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you. A variety of other procedures can further enhance the outcome of a facelift. They include facial implants, soft tissue augmentation to recontour the facial structure, resurfacing techniques to improve the tone and texture of facial skin, wrinkle reduction by injection.

Step 2 – The incision

Depending on the degree of change you’d like to see, your rhytidectomy surgery choices include a traditional facelift, limited incision facelift or a neck lift.

A traditional facelift incision often begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck. Underlying tissue is repositioned, commonly the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted. Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions. An alternative to a traditional facelift uses shorter incisions at the temples, continuing around the ear and possibly within the lower eyelids or under the upper lip.

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Once healed, the incision lines from a facelift are well concealed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the face and ear.

Step 4 – See the results

The visible improvements of a facelift appear as swelling and bruising subside. Your final result should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also help you feel more confident about yourself.

Neck Lift

Sagging jowls, loose neck skin and fat accumulation under the chin may be corrected with a neck lift. The neck lift incision often begins in front of the ear lobe and wraps around behind the ear ending in the lower scalp.

Facelift recovery

When your procedure is completed, a bandage could gently be placed around your face to minimize post facelift swelling and bruising. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin. You will be given specific instructions that may include: how to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Facelift results will be long-lasting

It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate and up to 6 months for incision lines to mature. Life-long sun protection will help to maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimizing photo-aging or sun damage. In addition, a healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.