Also known as rhytidectomy, a face-lift is a surgical procedure to tighten the skin and muscles of the face and neck.
Who is a Candidate?
- Have experienced a loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone of the face and neck.
- Have the appearance of jowls and deep creases between the base of the nose and the corners of the mouth.
- Have developed facial and neck wrinkles.
- Believe they lack youthful chin and neck contours.
- Think they have a tired facial appearance.
- A more rested and youthful contour to the face and neck.
Facelift Procedure Description
- Face-lifts range in size from "mini" to "standard" depending on location and extent of skin laxity.
- The operation is done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation, or under general anesthesia.
- Incisions are started within the hairline (or along the hair margin) above the ear, and extend down around the lobe. The incisions end in or below the hairline behind the ear. Once the incision is made, the subcutaneous layers and neck muscles are tightened, the facial skin is redraped and lifted, and the excess skin is removed.
Recuperation and Healing
- Patients go home with their heads and necks wrapped in dressings, which are usually removed the next day.
- Minimal initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.
- All sutures are removed within 10 days. Bruising and swelling decrease to "socially acceptable" levels in 10 to 20 days.
- The final result is evident in four to six weeks or sooner, with continued improvement for several months.
Additional cosmetic procedures done by the PAMF Cosmetic Surgery Department that would enhance the result are:
- Eyelid lift
- Brow lift
- Chemical peel
- Facial sanding (dermabrasion)
- Chin enlargement
- Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Cheekbone enhancement
- Augmentation/enhancement of lips
- Reduction of earlobes
Because this procedure is considered cosmetic, it is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.
The specific risks and the suitability of the facelift procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.