Face-Lift

Overview

A face-lift (rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at rejuvenating the facial appearance, specifically by reducing sagging skin, folds, and other age-related changes. It addresses areas such as the cheeks and jawline to restore a more youthful contour.

During a face-lift, skin on both sides of the face is carefully lifted, and underlying tissues are adjusted to enhance facial shape. Excess skin is then trimmed before suturing the flap closed. Often, a neck lift (platysmaplasty) is combined to refine the neck area by reducing fat deposits and loose skin.

A face-lift does not target fine lines, sun damage, or skin quality, which may require other cosmetic treatments.

Why it’s done

As individuals age, their facial skin loses elasticity, leading to sagging and redistribution of fat. A face-lift can help mitigate these changes, including:

  • Sagging cheeks
  • Excess skin along the jawline (jowls)
  • Deepening of the nasolabial folds
  • Sagging skin and fat accumulation in the neck (addressed with a neck lift)

However, a face-lift does not address superficial wrinkles, sun damage, or skin discoloration.

Risks

While generally safe, a face-lift involves potential complications:

  • Hematoma: Accumulation of blood under the skin, necessitating prompt surgical intervention.
  • Scarring: Incision scars are permanent but typically hidden within the hairline and natural facial contours. Treatment may include corticosteroid injections to improve scar appearance.
  • Nerve injury: Rare instances may lead to temporary or permanent nerve damage affecting sensation or muscle function.
  • Hair loss: Temporary or permanent hair loss near incisions, with options for surgical correction.
  • Skin loss: Rare risk of skin loss due to compromised blood supply, managed with medications and wound care.

Other risks include bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia, exacerbated by factors such as medications, medical conditions, smoking, and weight fluctuations.

How you prepare

Before a face-lift, preparation involves:

  • Medical history and exam: Discussing medical history, prior surgeries, medications, and lifestyle habits affecting surgery risk.
  • Medication review: Listing all medications, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs.
  • Facial exam: Evaluation of facial structure, skin quality, and desired outcomes through photographs and physical examination.
  • Expectations: Clarifying expectations regarding surgery outcomes and limitations.

Preparation also includes medication adjustments, hygiene instructions, dietary restrictions, and arranging for post-operative care.

What to expect

A face-lift is typically performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

Before the procedure:

  • Anesthesia: Depending on the extent, sedation with local anesthesia or general anesthesia may be used.
  • During the procedure: Elevating skin, adjusting tissues and muscles, and redistributing facial fat for enhanced contours. Excess skin is removed, and incisions are strategically placed.

Incision options include traditional, limited, or neck lift techniques, tailored to individual needs.

After the procedure:

  • Recovery: Initial days involve mild to moderate discomfort, drainage, swelling, bruising, and numbness.
  • Follow-up: Scheduled appointments to monitor healing, remove stitches, and manage recovery progress.
  • Self-care: Post-operative instructions include wound care, avoiding sun exposure, limiting physical activities, and using supportive garments.

Results

A face-lift provides a more youthful facial appearance, though results are not permanent due to ongoing aging processes. Typically, results last about 10 years before gradual changes may reoccur.