Guide to Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that can restore a more youthful appearance.

Key Facts

Facelifts are among the most popular facial rejuvenation procedures to help maintain a youthful, rested appearance.
This cosmetic procedure is proven to diminish those telltale signs that suggest a patient’s true age.
To achieve a full facial rejuvenation, a facelift surgery is often performed with other facial procedures.

Why Have a Facelift Procedure?

A facelift targets specific areas of the face that can change with age. If you show signs of aging in the following areas, then a facelift may be the right procedure for you:

Drooping or sagging in the mid-face, including around the cheeks, nose, and mouth.
Age lines below the lower eyes.
Deep lines that extend from the nose to the corner of the mouth (often referred to as “laugh lines.”)
The appearance of a double chin despite maintaining a normal, healthy weight.
A loss of muscle tone, which leads to loose, low-hanging areas, such as jowls.

Correcting issues that have developed due to aging can remove years from one’s appearance. Removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue can smooth facial features and restore a youthful glow.

To achieve a full facial rejuvenation, a facelift surgery is often performed with other facial procedures. A facelift can easily be performed at the same time as a brow lift or eyelid surgery, to help patients achieve their facial aesthetic goals.

Results

Pre-op Post-op

How is Facelift Surgery Performed?

The procedure often begins with an incision at the temples, just above the ear, that extends along the inside of the scalp in front of the ear to behind the earlobe.
For work in the neck region, an incision is made under the chin.
After the incisions are made, the skin is separated from the muscle and fatty tissue.
Excess fat is trimmed, and the surgeon shifts and tightens the underlying muscle and tissue.
Skin is then pulled and sewn back into place.

What Kind of Anesthesia is Used for a Facelift?

Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and occasionally done using IV sedation.

How Do I Prepare for Facelift Surgery?

If you smoke, stop. Smoking can impede healing and your overall health.
During your facial exam, your surgeon will review your facial structure, shape, skin health, and other factors to determine the best way to achieve your goals.
Speak with your surgeon about your expectations.

What Are the Risks Associated with Facelift Surgery?

As with any surgery, there may be complications associated with a facelift procedure. Long-term complications are rare, but in some cases, a facelift may cause changes in appearance that require additional surgery to address. The most common risks include:

Infection
Hematoma (blood collects under the skin, causing swelling and pressure)
Scarring
Nerve damage
Swelling
Bleeding
Blood clots
Hair loss

What is Recovery Like After Facelift Surgery?

As with any procedure, it’s important to follow the recovery instructions given to you by the surgical team, including any follow-up appointments. Important things to remember about your recovery include:

You will need to keep your head elevated for several days.
Swelling and bruising will subside after about two weeks.
Follow all instructions about any medication prescribed to you
Use saline eye drops and plenty of ice for post-surgery care.
Most people resume work and daily activities in about ten days to two weeks.

Will Others Be Able to See My Incision Scars?

After healing, the incision scars are inconspicuous and can usually be hidden by hair or in natural creases of the ears.

Next Steps

If you’d like to learn more about a facelift or other cosmetic procedures, our team at Columbia is here to help. Call us at (212) 305-3103 or request an appointment online. We accept a number of insurance plans, and our team can help confirm your coverage.