Facelift Surgery

A rhytidectomy, more commonly known as a facelift, is a plastic surgery procedure that some people choose to undergo in order to reduce visible signs of aging. Facelifts are usually performed to counter the sagging appearance of the face and neck to look younger and boost self-confidence.

Procedure Details

The facelift procedure is performed through a discreet incision hidden in the hairline. During the facelift, the surgeon will separate the skin from the underlying facial structures and will tighten the muscles and tissues. The surgeon will then redrape the skin, remove the excess, and close the incisions by staples and sutures.

Procedure Results

While facelift surgery is a popular procedure that can help a patient look many years younger, it will not stop the aging process. Also, depending on the patient's individual appearance goals, other procedures, such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, or BOTOX® Cosmetic, may be used in conjunction with the facelift procedure to achieve the desired results.

Candidates for Surgery

Generally, a plastic surgeon will only perform a facelift procedure on patients that are physically healthy. It is also important for patients to have good skin elasticity. Patients who decide to undergo any type of cosmetic surgery will require a medical evaluation to check if there are existing conditions that may cause complications with the surgery. Although rare, complications from facelift can include excessive bleeding, infection, scarring, hair loss, facial nerve damage, skin disorders and discolorations, and cardiac or pulmonary problems.

Preparing for Surgery

Patients will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. Usually, smoking is not allowed one to two weeks prior to the surgery. Patients will also be given information on the different kinds of anesthetics used during the procedure. Typically, facelift surgery is performed using general anesthesia. Since most facelift procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, patients may go home after the surgery and they are given special post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and recovery.