Face Lift

Facelift Surgery: Achieve a Youthful Look with Personalized Care

Every facelift procedure is designed uniquely to match your facial structure and goals. A thorough consultation with your surgeon is essential to ensure the best results.

What is a Facelift (Rhytidectomy)?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery aimed at reducing signs of aging by repositioning or removing skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the face and neck. Common aging concerns addressed by facelifts include:

• Sagging or loose facial skin
• Deep creases near the mouth
• Loss of facial fat or volume
• Drooping cheeks or jawline (jowls)
• Double chin or excess neck fat

While facelifts can restore a youthful appearance, they don’t halt aging or address skin texture issues like wrinkles or sun damage. Every procedure is customized, so your facelift will be unique to your face and aesthetic goals.

Types of Facelift Surgeries

Facelifts vary based on the areas treated:

• Traditional Facelift: Involves incisions around the ears, hairline, and under the chin. The skin and tissues are lifted and excess fat and skin are removed for a comprehensive rejuvenation of moderate to severe aging.
• SMAS Facelift: Focuses on tightening the muscles and tissues in the lower two-thirds of the face, especially for those with significant sagging in this region.
• Deep Plane Facelift: Lifts the muscular layer, skin, and fat as one, achieving comprehensive rejuvenation of multiple facial areas.
• Mid-Facelift: Concentrates on the cheek area by repositioning fat and tightening cheek skin.
• Mini-Facelift: Aimed at early signs of aging in the lower face and neck, it is quicker and less invasive than other types.
• Cutaneous Facelift: Targets only the skin of the neck and lower face for a more subtle lift.

Many patients choose to pair facelifts with additional treatments like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow lifts, or injectable fillers for a well-rounded facial rejuvenation.

Ideal Candidates for a Facelift

You may be a suitable candidate if you:

• Are in good physical health
• Have realistic expectations for results
• Don’t smoke and have a commitment to following pre- and post-operative care

Facelift candidates are typically between 40 and 60 years old, though age ranges vary based on individual skin elasticity and aging concerns.

Preparing for Your Facelift Surgery

In preparation for surgery, your surgeon may recommend:

• A health evaluation or blood test
• Adjustments to medications
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding specific foods or medications that could increase bleeding risks

Preparing a comfortable recovery area at home with supplies such as gauze, recommended ointments, and entertainment materials will aid in a smoother healing process.

What to Expect During Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgeries involve several steps:

• Anesthesia: General anesthesia or IV sedation is administered for comfort.
• Incisions: Based on your procedure type, incisions may be made around the ears, hairline, or under the chin.
• Procedure: Skin, fat, and muscle may be repositioned or removed for a natural, lifted appearance.
• Closing the Incisions: Stitches or skin glue will secure the incisions, with dissolvable or removable stitches used based on your surgeon’s plan.

Recovery and Results

Expect bruising and swelling for two to three weeks after surgery, though most patients feel better in a few days. A follow-up schedule will be set to monitor healing and remove stitches if necessary.

For a traditional facelift, recovery often requires two to three weeks, whereas less invasive facelifts may allow a return to work within a week. Avoid strenuous activities for about three weeks as advised.

Risks and Considerations

While facelift surgery is generally safe, all surgeries carry risks such as infection, anesthesia reactions, or nerve injury. Choosing a board-certified surgeon and maintaining open communication about goals and concerns are essential for the best experience.