Aging of the face is inevitable. As the years go by, the skin begins to loosen on the face and neck. The jaw line softens into jowls and beneath the chin, another chin or vertical folds appear at the front of the neck. Heredity, personal habits, the pull of gravity and sun exposure contribute to the aging of the face. There is no ideal candidate for a facelift. Skin type, ethnicity, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing, bone structure and realistic expectations are factors that should be considered prior to facelift surgery.

Facelift Procedure

Incisions are hidden in the fold in front of the ear and behind the ear into the hairline. The skin plus a deep tissue layer (SMAS) are pulled to eliminate wrinkles. This is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited and licensed surgical facility. The surgery takes about 4 hours. A facelift is usually performed in conjunction with blepharoplasty (eye tuck) and chin liposuction. Botox or CO2 Laser Resurfacing, when performed in addition to a facelift, can enhance the rejuvenation results.

Recovery From Facelift

There may be mild bruising or discoloration for a week or two and this can be easily camouflaged. The incision lines usually heal extremely well. A pressure dressing is applied for a few days following the procedure. A drain to prevent fluid from accumulating under the skin is left in place for 1-2 days. Most patients stay overnight and are discharged the next day.