Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)

A facelift, which is also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance of the face. During facelifts, excess skin or fat may be removed, and the remaining tissues lifted or tightened to provide an enhanced facial appearance. The overall goal of a facelift is to achieve a younger and rejuvenated appearance, typically to counteract visible signs of aging such as facial wrinkles.

What You Should Know about a Facelift

Facelift surgeries typically focus on the appearance of the lower portions of the face, such as the cheeks, jawline, and jowls. Most facelift candidates are 35 to 65 years old and are looking to counteract visible signs of aging, such as sagging or wrinkling facial skin, as well as laugh lines. A facelift can result in a younger and rejuvenated appearance by lifting facial skin to an elevated position, counteracting the effects of gravity. A face lift will not make you look like an entirely different person, but it can turn back the clock on aging.

Find out if you are a good candidate for a facelift.

How is Facelift Surgery Performed?

A facelift is considered a fairly invasive surgery, and requires general anesthesia. The first step during facelift surgery is the creation of an incision to allow the surgeon access to underlying tissues. This incision is usually made in front of the ears, although there may be other options depending on the targeted facial tissues. Face lift surgery can involve the removal of excess skin or fat deposits, the tightening or loosening of facial muscles to smooth wrinkles, the contouring of existing tissue, or the addition of cheek or chin implants to increase the volume of targeted facial areas. Depending on the goals of the procedure, this process can take anywhere from two to six hours.

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Facelift Recovery

Following a facelift, patients will experience some degree of soreness, tenderness, bruising, and swelling. The bruising may extend upwards into the eye area, giving you “black eyes” for about a week. As the tissues adjust to their new positions, you may experience some temporary numbness or tightness. During the recovery period, avoid disturbing the facial tissue, particularly the incision sites. Keep the head and neck elevated, and avoid vigorous scrubbing, brushing or blow-drying your hair, and other activities that may irritate tender facial skin. Follow recovery guidelines to reduce swelling and the overall healing time.

Most patients return to work within the third week, depending on the extent of their facelift. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks. The full results of your face lift will be visible in about three to six months, after all of the tissues have settled into their final positions.

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How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

The average surgeon’s fee is about $5,031, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This figure does not include the anesthesia or facility fees, which bring the total facelift costs closer to the $6,000 to $9,000 range. If you are considering undergoing a facelift, be sure to ask your surgeon about the total costs of the procedure, as well as the variables that influence this cost. If price is a consideration for you, inquire about affordable financing options offered through your surgeon’s office.

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