Facelift procedures, help create a more youthful appearance by reducing and eliminating excess skin in the face and neck area. A very common procedure that was first performed over a century ago, facelifts (rhytidectomy) also improve one’s facial contour, ultimately creating a natural look that is unnoticeable to the naked eye. Facelift procedures create a natural look, contouring the face so a patient isn’t left with a pulled, pinched, or windswept look.

For the modern facelift, a small and unnoticeable incision is made along the sideburn and extends inferiorly just behind the ear cartilage, then curving around the earlobe, behind the ear and along the hairline posteriorly. After the incisions are made, the deep tissues are separated from the skin. At this point any excess fat may be removed and the underlying deep tissue, superficial musculoaponuneurotic (SMAS), is tightened and re-draped. The skin is then tightened and the excess is removed. This technique repositions the tissue to an elevated and more youthful state.

Facelift procedures can also be combined with Eyelid Surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, for creating a youthful appearance lasting for many years. Facelift surgery procedures can last anywhere from 3 to 7 hours, depending on the extent of work being done to the facial area and the accompanying procedures.

Following surgery, you may feel some mild discomfort, but this is temporary and will subside as the swelling decreases. It is recommended to keep your head elevated for reducing the swelling along with taking pain medications as prescribed.