What is a facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery that helps reduce signs of aging on the face and neck. It can involve a combination of procedures such as a lower or mid facelift, forehead lift and, sometimes, eyelid surgery.

• A lower facelift addresses deep facial wrinkles, sagging jowls, and sagging in the neck.
• A mid facelift tightens the center of the face.

Facelifts can significantly rejuvenate the appearance, but they cannot reverse sun damage or eliminate all wrinkles.

Who is a candidate for a facelift?

If you are bothered by a combination of deep facial wrinkles, sagging jowls, drooping eyelids or loose skin and excess fatty deposits under your chin or on your neck, a facelift may be right for you.

You may be a candidate for a facelift if you:

• are in good overall health
• have realistic expectations about the results of surgery
• are a non-smoker and do not use any other nicotine products
• are able to take time off from work or other activities for recovery

What to expect when getting a facelift

Before your facelift

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
• Stop smoking or the use of any nicotine products.
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding and bruising.
• Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery and stay with you the first night following surgery to assure your safety.
• You may need to stay overnight in the hospital following the procedure.
• You may need to buy compression garments to wear after surgery.

During your facelift

• The doctor will make a cut (incision) along the temple area, near your ear, that extends along the front edge of the ear and curves around the back side of it.
• The doctor will then tighten the skin and the tissue under it and remove any excess skin.
• The doctor may make another incision under your chin to tighten the muscles of your neck.
• Facelift surgery takes anywhere from two to six hours.
• After surgery, you may have a drain near the incisions to remove excess fluid. The drain will be taken out in a day or two.
• You will probably be able to go home one or two hours after surgery. But you may have to stay overnight in the hospital or surgery center.

After your facelift

• Your face will be bandaged after the surgery. The dressings are usually removed one to two days later. If a drainage tube has been placed (usually behind the ear), it will also be removed at that time.
• If your doctor closed your incisions with staples or removable stitches, they will be taken out in five to ten days.
• Your doctor may prescribe medicines to relieve pain after the surgery.
• Expect your face to be swollen and bruised for possibly the first week or two.
• Your doctor may instruct you to keep your head elevated and still as much as possible.
• Numbness of the skin may last for months after the surgery and your skin may feel rough and dry for a few months.
• While it takes a couple of months for the face to feel "back to normal" in terms of texture, sensitivity and decrease of tightness, most people are ready to face the world in 10 to 14 days.
• Continuing daily sun protection and a healthy lifestyle will help extend the results of your facelift.

Benefits of a facelift

At WellSpan Plastic Surgery, we work closely with you to provide beautiful, natural-looking results.

Whether your goal is refinement of a specific area, an overall rejuvenated, more youthful appearance or more balanced symmetry, our experienced, caring team will meet with you to discuss in-depth your expectations, as well as your facial features and anatomy, so you are comfortable with your procedure and anticipated results.

The benefits you may experience include:

• A more youthful appearance - A facelift can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin, giving you a more refreshed and youthful look.
• Improved self-confidence - Feeling good about your appearance can do wonders for your self-confidence.
• A better quality of life - When you feel more comfortable in your own skin, you can enjoy life to the fullest.