Face & Neck Lift - Rhytidectomy

It’s not possible to stop the aging process altogether. Fortunately, it is possible to turn back the hands of time with a simple procedure known as a facelift. This surgery, known technically as rhytidectomy, is the third most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed today. While it cannot put a stop to the aging process, the surgery can help you to look your best by restoring a more youthful appearance.

Rhytidectomy, or facelift surgery as it is more commonly known, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to provide the face with a more youthful and refreshed appearance. During the surgery, excess skin is removed, underlying muscles are tightened and the skin is redraped. This helps to improve sagging facial skin, jowls and loose neck skin.

If you are considering a facelift, it’s important that you be in good physical health and that you have realistic expectations for your surgery’s outcome. Patients with a strong or well-defined bone structure and those with some elasticity left in their skin typically obtain the best results. The majority of facelift patients range in age from the forties to the sixties. Of course, patients of just about any age can undergo a facelift.

The surgical time for a facelift typically lasts between three to four hours, usually under general anesthesia by a board certified anesthesiologist. Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples and continue in front of and behind the ears. Working through the incisions, the skin is lifted and the underlying muscle and membrane are tightened. The skin is then pulled tight and any excess is removed. A small incision may also be made under the chin to allow excess fat from the neck and chin to be trimmed or suctioned.

After the surgery, the head is wrapped in bandages which may stay in place for 2 days days. Patients can expect the face to appear pale and puffy at first with some swelling and minor bruising present. Numbness and/or discomfort can also occur and pain medication can be prescribed to help relieve the discomfort. Stitches are generally removed during the first 10 days post op. It will take about ten to fourteen days before work and other normal activities can be resumed and two or more weeks before resuming more strenuous activities. Sun exposure will need to be limited for several months.