As people age, the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun, and the stresses of daily life can be seen in their faces. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth (nasolabial fold). The jawline grows slack and jowls emerge. Folds and fat deposits appear around the neck. A facelift (rhytidectomy) is the name for a group of operations that address these issues. Surgery cannot stop the aging process. What it can do is "set back the clock," improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck.
A facelift can be done alone, or in combination with other procedures such as a forehead lift (browlift), eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or nose reshaping (rhinoplasty).
A facelift can improve the deep cheek folds, jowls, and loose skin around the neck that come with age.
A facelift can be done alone, or in combination with other procedures such as a forehead lift (browlift), eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or nose reshaping (rhinoplasty).
A facelift can improve the deep cheek folds, jowls, and loose skin around the neck that come with age.
Facelift - Rhytidectomy - At A Glance:
Procedure:
Improving sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, redraping skin. Most often done on men and women over 40.Length:
Several hours.Anesthesia:
Local with sedation, or general.In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient. Some patients may require short inpatient stay.Side Effects:
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin; tight feeling, dry skin. For men, permanent need to shave behind ears, where beard-growing skin is repositioned.Risks:
Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (usually temporary but may be permanent). Infection, bleeding. Poor healing; excessive scarring. Asymmetry or change in hairline.Recovery:
Back to work: 10 to 14 days. More strenuous activity: 2 weeks or more. Bruising: 2 to 3 weeks. Must limit exposure to sun for several months.Duration of Results:
Usually 5 to 10 years.
