Few can argue the fact that advancements in medicine and technology have improved the facelift procedure. It has evolved from a basic skin lift to a deeper and more complex lift. One thing, however, hasn’t changed: a facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure can help us feel better and increase our confidence. A facelift can correct a sagging midface, creases below the lower eyelids and along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth, fallen or displaced fat, loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw.

There are many types of facelifts available today, including the deep plane lift, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift, the endoscopic facelift, and the short scar facelift. There also are injectables, fillers and other less invasive procedures to help deter aging, but they are not a substitute for a facelift. Your surgeon can help you decide which the best is for you. No matter the type of facelift you choose, though, several components are the same.

  • Anesthesia – Some less extensive work can be done using local anesthesia, but most facelift procedures involve a combination of mild sedatives, mild intravenous and local anesthesia. There’s always a risk when put under anesthesia but, thanks to science, research and anesthesiologists who are well trained in preoperative medicine, you’re all but guaranteed to come through your facelift procedure just fine. Your surgeon will let you know if any pre-existing conditions make you a high-risk candidate, or ineligible, for a facelift or other cosmetic procedure.
  • Incision – Incisions made during a facelift procedure are always placed where they will fall in a natural crease; this is done so the incision is camouflaged during your healing period. Facelift incisions are typically made in front of and behind the ear; they may extend to the scalp. Advanced medicine and technology allow for a skilled surgeon today to perform extremely precise and natural-looking work.
  • Facelift Procedure – The facelift procedure itself is performed following the incisions. It involves various degrees of undermining of the skin, with the deeper layers of the face being “lifted.” Your surgeon will remove excess skin and he or she may remove some fat via liposuction. In other cases, your surgeon will reshape the skin and muscle tissues; the underlying muscle may be tightened with the skin, or separately. After the removal of excess skin, or the reshaping and tightening, your surgeon will re-drape the skin by suturing or stapling it in place. After surgery, a dressing to protect the areas where the incisions were made will be applied.