Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck. A facelift incision usually begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear, and ends in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls, and neck. Underlying tissue is repositioned, and deeper layers of fat and muscle are also lifted. Skin is redraped over the lifted contours, and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to lift neck tissue.
Facelift surgery is right for you if you are in good health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of your surgery.
You’ll meet with a plastic surgeon during a one on one consultation. They will examine your facial features and make sure facelift surgery is right for you. They will also outline the full pre and postoperative process so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
When you check in to the surgery center, you will fill out a few forms before entering the surgery preparation room. Once changed into your surgery gown, a nurse will insert an IV and begin a saline drip to prepare your body for anesthesia. When it’s time for surgery, you will be taken into the operating room and then given medication through your IV so that you are unconscious during surgery. It will feel like you’ve only been asleep for a few minutes, but the full surgery will take 3-6 hours depending on your surgical plan. You will wake up from surgery in a comfortable recovery room surrounded by our attentive postoperative team. It will take about an hour to fully recover from anesthesia.
Your surgical team will provide detailed after care instructions following your facelift surgery. It is very important to follow these instructions. Failing to do so can result in serious postoperative complications.
A bandage will be placed around your face to minimize swelling and bruising. Small tubes may be present to draw off any excess blood and fluid. Do not apply excessive force, abrasion, or motion to your face and neck while you are healing. For at least three weeks following facelift surgery, you will experience swelling and mild to moderate pain which can be managed by prescription pain medication. It will take at least eight weeks to fully recover from surgery, and you must avoid strenuous physical activity during this time.
