Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy) to Achieve a Natural, More Youthful Look

Face and Neck Lift Procedures Address a Wide Range of Facial Concerns

The expert facial plastic surgeons at University Hospitals have the advanced training to surgically correct and enhance the following cosmetic facial concerns:

• Deep creases around the mouth
• Sagging jaw line and/or jowls
• Loose skin of the neck
• Sagging cheeks

To create a well-balanced and rejuvenated appearance, facelifts can be performed in conjunction with other facial surgeries, including:

• Neck contouring
• Liposuction
• Eyelid surgery
• Brow lift surgery
• Chin implants & augmentation
• Forehead reduction surgery
• Laser skin treatments

Patient History and Examination

Consultation for facelift cosmetic surgery consists of an extensive evaluation and discussion. Our surgeons will evaluate the patient’s face, take detailed photographs for surgical planning, and discuss expectations and concerns. Then he or she will review the available surgical options and recommendations for the patient, including a discussion of possible risks or complications.

The extent of the procedure depends on the patient's individual needs. Our surgeons use a variety of facelift techniques that often include fat injections, depending on the condition of the face. The patient is provided with additional material for review at home. We strongly recommend a second visit before the operation to review the major points and answer all remaining questions.

Ideal Candidates for Facelifts

The best candidates for facelift cosmetic surgery are women and men in good health with moderate to severe sagging of the facial soft tissue and some residual elasticity of the skin. Those who are bothered by jowl formation or excess skin of the neck and loss of a clean jawline are also candidates for facelift surgery.

People with bleeding disorders, diabetes or smokers have a higher chance of complications such as skin loss and wound healing problems and may not be approved for facelift surgery.

Performing Facelifts

Facelift surgery is performed by various methods including removing unwanted fat and repositioning of the underlying tissues of the face. For the best outcome, it is important to find a surgeon who has performed many facelifts in the past.

Facelift cosmetic surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that takes three to four hours. They are most often performed under sedation but can be performed with local anesthesia and oral medications that make the patient more relaxed. Recovery takes two hours, and there may be mild pain that can be controlled with medications.

The incisions for a facelift typically heal very well and are well concealed. Downtime from facelift surgery is about 10 to 14 days for most patients and a moderate amount of swelling and bruising is to be expected for the first 2 weeks. Facelift surgery is typically not painful, and most patients report only mild to moderate discomfort for the first week after surgery.

In just one to two weeks, patients can return to work but strenuous activities will have to be avoided for three weeks after the surgery. The patients will also be advised to avoid consumption of aspirin and NSAIDS for three weeks before and a week after surgery.