Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)

What is a Face Lift?

A procedure that smooths the skin of the face and neck, tightens the underlying tissues and muscle, and removes excess skin. A facelift is performed on people who are feeling the effects of time on their looks and who want a more youthful appearance.

The Effect of a Face Lift

A facelift will help erase the years by tightening the skin around your neck and face. It also removes deep creases especially around the nose and mouth that are common with aging. It results in a younger, fresher looking face with tighter skin tone that lasts 5 to 10 years.

During your physical examination, your facial bone structure, underlying skin structure, skin thickness, texture, and elasticity as well as the extent of facial wrinkles and folds will be assessed. This information will be used to formulate a surgical plan and the goals of the procedure will be discussed. Generally, a facelift is a very versatile procedure, and your surgeon will explain the technique that he or she feels most comfortable with and that offers the lowest risk. Your plastic surgeon will select the surgical technique that he or she feels will obtain the best outcome for you based on your discussions regarding the outcome you wish to achieve.

Risks

All surgery carries risk, and you should be fully aware of the medical risks associated with this procedure before you consent to surgery. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you during your consultation, and you are encouraged to ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You will be required to sign a consent form before surgery stating that you have been informed of the risks involved; that you understand those risks; and that you accept those risks. This is standard hospital protocol and surgery will not be performed if you do not sign.

It is your obligation to inform your surgeon of key medical information that may influence the outcome of your surgery or may increase the level of risk. These include medications you are taking, history of disease, medical complications, etc.

Risks and risk rates vary from patient to patient depending on a range of factors. No two people are alike. The risks listed below are possible risks associated with this type of surgery and are mentioned regardless of how remote the possibility:

Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (usually temporary but may be permanent). Infection, bleeding. Poor healing; excessive scarring. Asymmetry or change in hairline.

Surgery

Time required: 2-3 hours
Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general

Post surgical side effects

Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin
Tightness around face
Dry skin

Face Lift Recovery time

Back to work: 10 to 14 days.
Strenuous activity: 2 weeks or more.
Bruising: 2 to 3 weeks.
Must limit exposure to sun for several months.