Surgical facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to counter the signs of aging in the face and neck by tightening underlying tissues, removing or redraping excess skin, and restoring a more youthful contour. For many patients, a well-planned facelift can restore definition to the jawline, reduce sagging jollows, and soften creases around the nose and mouth. The goal is not to create a frozen look or radically alter facial identity, but to produce a refreshed, natural appearance that harmonizes with the rest of the face. Because aging occurs in multiple layers, surgeons tailor each operation to the patient’s anatomy, skin quality, and personal aesthetic goals.
A good candidate for a facelift typically has realistic expectations, good skin elasticity, and overall good health. Age is not the sole determinant; some people in their forties may benefit from a mini or midface lift, while others in their sixties or seventies may prefer a full traditional facelift. Non-smokers often experience better healing, and individuals with chronic medical conditions should discuss with their surgeon how those conditions might affect anesthesia and recovery. Candidacy also hinges on the presence of neck laxity, jowling, or midface sagging that have not responded to noninvasive treatments alone. A thorough medical evaluation helps identify risk factors such as cardiovascular disease, bleeding disorders, or a history of keloid scarring.
There are several facelift options, each suited to different patterns of aging. A traditional facelift involves incisions along the temples, around the natural crease in front of the ear, and sometimes beneath the chin. Deep tissue layers are lifted and repositioned to restore definition to the jawline and neck, with skin redraped over the newly arranged contours. A neck lift focuses more specifically on sagging skin and fat under the chin and along the neck, often complementing a facelift. For less extensive aging signs, a mini facelift uses shorter incisions and typically targets the lower face with quicker recovery. In some cases, surgeons combine a facelift with midface lifting to address cheek sagging, restoring cheek volume and elevating the midface for a more balanced result. The technique chosen depends on anatomy, goals, and skin quality.
The procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia or strong sedation with local anesthesia, administered by an experienced anesthesiologist. The surgery duration varies with the extent of work but commonly spans several hours. During the operation, a surgeon lifts deeper tissues, repositions fat, removes or redistributes tissue, and trims excess skin before closing incisions with sutures or skin adhesives. Depending on the case, drainage tubes or temporary implants are not always necessary. The goal is to achieve a natural transition from the hairline to the neck, with minimal visible scarring that fades over time.
Recovery is a critical phase in facelift care. Patients usually experience swelling and bruising for two to three weeks, with most people taking time off work for the first week or two. Pain is generally manageable with prescribed medications, and cold compresses can help reduce swelling. Stitches or staples are removed within about a week, though some closures may be dissolvable. It is common to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and excessive bending for several weeks to protect healing incisions and avoid increased swelling. Most people begin to notice substantial improvement in the first month, with continued refinement over the next several months as swelling subsides and the skin settles into its new contour. Final results can be long-lasting, though aging continues, and some patients opt for touch-ups in the future to address changes that occur with time.
