All Procedures
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Useful information for patients on facelift procedures – lifting sagging facial skin, jowls and loose neck skin.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to help restore a more youthful facial appearance by lifting and tightening sagging skin and tissues. It is commonly performed to improve signs of aging such as:
- Loss of definition along the jawline and neck.
- Deep folds around the mouth and nose.
- Drooping cheeks or jowls.
- Loss of definition.
Depending on the individual, the procedure may also include a neck lift to enhance contour under the chin and along the neckline. Incisions are usually placed along the hairline and around the ears, making them less visible.
During surgery, deeper facial tissues are repositioned, and excess skin and fat are removed, before redraping the skin. This creates smoother, more defined facial contours while maintaining a natural appearance.
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, facelifts are considered safe and effective. However, as with all surgery, there are risks that should be discussed with your surgeon.
Who Is It for?
A facelift procedure is typically considered by patients who:
- Show visible signs of facial and/or neck aging who are otherwise in good general health.
- Have realistic expectations about results.
Some conditions, such as high blood pressure or clotting disorders, may require additional medical assessment before surgery.
Preparation
Before surgery, patients usually undergo:
- A detailed medical history and physical examination.
- Smoking cessation.
- Temporary withdrawal of medications including blood thinners (as advised by the surgeon). This is usually 1 week prior to surgery.
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
How Long Is the Procedure?
Typically takes between 2 and 3 hours.
Anesthesia
Do I Need Anesthesia?
Most often performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Local anesthesia may be possible in smaller procedures.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
May be performed as a day surgery or with an overnight hospital stay, depending on whether other treatments are performed simultaneously.
Additional Information
Several conditions may apply after the procedure:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Numbness (usually temporary)
- Mild discomfort or tightness
- Itching
- Scarring (typically well concealed)
- Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
- Nerve Injury (usually temporary)
- Infection
- Skin necrosis (especially in smokers)
- Asymmetry
- Hair thinning or loss along incision lines
- Abnormal or thickened scars
- Possibility of revision surgery
A compression dressing is usually applied for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Patients are advised to keep their head elevated during rest or sleep for the first few nights to reduce swelling. Driving and showering should be avoided for the first 48 hours. Stitches are usually removed approximately after 1 week.
Most patients can return to light activities or work within 7 to 14 days. Swelling and bruising typically improves within 2 to 3 weeks. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 3 weeks.
While improvements are noticeable within a few weeks, the outcome can usually be appreciated between 3 and 6 months postoperatively.
Facelift results are long-lasting but not permanent. While the procedure reverses many signs of aging, it does not interrupt the natural aging process.
Healthy lifestyle habits, good skincare can all help maintain results over time. Complementary treatments or minor touch-up procedures may be considered in the future.
Please note: Individual results vary from patient to patient due to varying factors such as age, skin quality, bone structure, and overall health. To understand what results you can expect, please consult with a qualified aesthetic plastic surgeon.