The facelift

The facelift, also called rhytidectomy, smoothes wrinkles and tightens sagging facial skin and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, and re-draping the skin. It can be done in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as eyelid surgery, forehead lift, laser skin resurfacing and fat injection. This procedure lasts about 3 to 6 hours, and is performed under local or general anesthesia. You may have to spend the night in the hospital, depending on complexity and length of surgery.

Side effects vary, and include temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin, and a change in hairline. As with any surgery, there are risks involved in this procedure, such as infection and scarring. Significant complications from facelifts are infrequent, and injury to underlying nerves is extremely rare, but possible.

Most patients are back to work after two weeks. Duration of results varies with skin type and age, usually 5 to 10 years.

The information provided here is a general overview of plastic surgery procedures. Detailed information about the particular procedure that you wish to undergo will be provided during your initial visit with the surgeon.