Facelift

Facelift or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure used to treat drooping facial wrinkles from the outer to the inner layers of the skin. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin along with the lifting and tightening of fat and the sagging superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). By fixing wrinkles and sagging surface skin, it naturally makes the face appear firmer, smoother, and younger.

Through the surgical lifting and tightening of the muscles and skin of the face and neck, a facelift can minimize wrinkles and sagging while restoring a more youthful appearance to the face.

Who is a good candidate for facelift?

People with drooping facial and neck skin

People with deep wrinkles on their forehead, eyes, and cheeks

People with drooping outer corners of their eyes or drooping eyebrows

People who desire to change their facial structure in order to appear younger

Facelift surgical techniques

Facelift surgery can be performed using a variety of techniques, each of which is appropriate for a particular set of issues and skin disorders, such as

Full facelift

Suitable for people with drooping facial and neck skin

Mini facelift

Suitable for people with less sagging skin, typically used on the jaw and cheeks

Brow lift

Suitable for people with wrinkles in their forehead and sagging eyebrows

Neck lift

Suitable for people with wrinkled necks and sagging skin on the neck

Surgical procedures

Anesthesia

In order to minimize pain during the procedure, the patient is put under anesthesia.

Incision

Depending on the technique, incisions are performed under the chin, beside the ear, or near the hairline.

Skin and muscle lift

The excess skin is removed and the muscles are tightened.

Surgical suture

The surgeon closes the incision using with dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures (depending on the doctor’s discretion).

Post-operative care

Apply cold compresses to minimize swelling

Sleep with an elevated pillow to minimize swelling

Clean the wound as advised by your doctor

Avoid strenuous exercise and activities

Take medication as prescribed by your doctor

Results

It may take two to three weeks for the wound to fully heal before the results of a facelift are apparent. Depending on each person’s skin type and level of care, the effects may persist for several years.