What is a facelift?

A facelift, technically know as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck.

Sagging in the midface can create a deep crease below the lower eyelid (called a tear trough) and between the nose and mouth (nasolabial fold) that may make you appear tired and sad. Fat that has fallen or is displaced and loss of muscle tone in the lower face may create jowls (a jaw line that sags into the neck). Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw can make even a person of normal weight appear to have a "double chin."

A facelift is designed to correct all of these aging features, restoring a more youthful, rested appearance with uplifted contours and improved tone in facial skin and underlying muscle. Where desired improvement can be isolated to the midfacial region and where excess skin is less a factor, a limited incision lift may be an alternative to a traditional facelift.

As a restorative surgery, a facelift does not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process. Although you will continue to age naturally, aging will progress from the more youthful version of yourself that has been restored by a facelift. Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a facelift are brow lift, to correct a sagging or deeply furrowed brow, and eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes.

A facelift is best performed on adult men and women who feel that their outward facial aging no longer reflects the youth and vigor they feel physically and emotionally. Good candidates are:

Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing.

Non-smokers.

Individuals with a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind.

A facelift can improve the deep cheek folds, jowls and loose, sagging skin around the neck that come with age.

Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, follow the natural line in front of the ear, curve behind the earlobe into the crease behind the ear, and into or along the lower scalp.

Facial, neck tissue and muscle may be separated; fat may be trimmed or suctioned and underlying muscle may be tightened.

After deep tissues are tightened, the excess skin is pulled up and back, trimmed and sutured into place.

Most of the scars will be hidden within you hair and in the normal creases of your skin .After surgery, you'll present a fresher, more youthful face to the world.

Where do I begin?

A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step to learn how a facelift can improve an aging face and neck. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about facelift in a non-pressured environment, and will include:

A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your current
signs of aging

The options available to you for facelift and facial rejuvenation .

The likely outcomes of a facelift and the potential risks and
complications associated with the procedure

The course of treatment recommended by your plastic
surgeon

Your plastic surgeon will also answer all of your questions.

Evaluation

Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the outcome of a facelift. These will be carefully evaluated in consultation with your plastic surgeon. The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction require that you:

Honestly share your expectations

Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs

Commit to precisely following all of your plastic surgeon's instructions

Safety

By making the decision to consult with your plastic surgeon and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.

Your plastic surgeon is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery® or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada@. This certification designates surgeons who are specifically trained in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.

My facelift

A facelift is a highly individualized procedure. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your skin, muscle and bone structure and the specific conditions that contribute to your aging appearance. These factors are the most significant considerations in determining the appropriate technique or combination of procedures to best achieve your realistic goals. A facelift can only be performed surgically; non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time at which a facelift becomes appropriate. Most patients are reassured to know that a facelift will not change their basic appearance, but will restore it to a younger version of itself that will then continue to age naturally over time.

A traditional facelift restores the midface, jowls and neck, allowing excess skin to be removed. Where improvement is desired in the midface region alone and where excess skin is less a factor, limited incision techniques may be an alternative to a traditional face lift. Your goals, anatomy and your plastic surgeon's surgical judgment are all factors in determining the best approach to your individual case.

Procedures that may further enhance the outcome of a facelift may include: facial implants or soft tissue augmentation to recontour the facial structure, and resurfacing techniques to improve the tone and texture of facial skin. Wrinkle reduction by injection (Botox®) may be recommended prior to your procedure (to help underlying muscles fully relax before repositioning and tightening) or after (to help maintain results).