Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A facelift can reduce sagging skin on the face and neck, helping these areas to appear firmer and fresher. Your bone structure, heredity and skin texture all play a role in how many "years" a facelift can "remove" and, to some extent, influence how long it will last.
The surgeon performs a facelift operation one side at a time, working through incisions that are placed in the hairline, in front of or partially within the ears as well as behind the ears. The incisions are designed to keep the resultant scars as inconspicuous as possible. When necessary, removal of fatty deposits beneath the skin and tightening of sagging muscles is performed. The slack in the skin itself is then redraped and the excess removed. Most of your scars will be hidden within the hairline or within normal lines and creases around the ears. The scars usually can be concealed by the hair and with makeup.
After facelift surgery, you will experience temporary skin discoloration and some tightness or numbness in the face and neck. Healing is gradual, so expect to wait several months for optimal results. Since your skin will remain somewhat sensitive for a few months, protection from the sun, including daily use of sunblock, is essential. You can wear cosmetics shortly after surgery.
Many of the sutures dissolve, but those in the hairline must be removed. The patient will always need to be seen the following day for a dressing change and evaluation.

Facelift - Before and After Pictures

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Rhytidectomy patient shown before surgery with deep cheek folds, jowls and loose skin on the front and side of the neck.


Incisions are made on either side of the face from inside the hairline at the temples, in front of or partially within the ear, around the earlobe, in the crease behind the ear and into the lower scalp. The design of these incisions may vary from patient to patient and according to the surgeon's personal technique.


Loose skin is pulled up and backward, and the excess is removed.


The postoperative patient with smoother, firmer skin on the face and neck.

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