Facelift

A facelift (rhytidectomy) can improve the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening of underlying muscles and re-positioning the skin of your face and neck. A facelift can be done alone or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or nose reshaping (rhinoplasty).

The newest facelift techniques can lift, restore and rejuvenate the face and produce a more long lasting, youthful and natural appearance with fewer signs that surgery has been performed. The surgery is done in the operating room and typically takes 2 to 6 hours. Local anesthesia with sedation and general anesthesia are used depending on the patient's circumstances and the surgeon's preference.

The best candidate for a facelift is a man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag but whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined. A facelift can make you look younger and fresher and it may enhance your self- confidence in the process but it can't give you a totally different look. Those who try usually are dissatisfied with the results.

As all surgery has some uncertainty and risk it is essential to consult a qualified plastic surgeon. Whilst facelifts can be free of major complications when performed by qualified plastic surgeons, individuals vary greatly in their physical makeup and their healing abilities, so no outcome is completely predictable.

It is vitally important to follow closely your surgeon's advice before and after surgery as it will reduce your risks of complications. Complications that can occur include hematoma (collection of blood under the skin), facial nerve injury (usually temporary), infection, reactions to the anesthesia and poor healing of the skin.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain supplements and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly. Importantly, after surgery get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing.

Recovery is limited by bruising and swelling and varies depending on the surgical technique used. Patients generally return to work in 1 to 4 weeks and are typically healed in 3 to 6 months although the complete healing process can range 8 to 12 months.