A facelift is intended to give the patient a more rested and youthful contour to the face and neck. Good candidates are patients with advanced wrinkles in the face and neck. Especially those who have the appearance of jowls and deep nasolabial folds with sagging corners of the mouth.

Facelifts range in size from “mini” to “standard” depending on location and extent of skin laxity. The operation is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia with sedation. Incisions are made within the hairline (or along the hair margin) above the ear, extending down around the lobe and ending in or below the hairline behind the ear. The subcutaneous layers and neck muscles are tightened, the facial skin is redraped and lifted, and the excess skin is removed.

The patient goes home with head and neck wrapped in dressings, which are usually removed the next day. Minimal initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Sutures are removed within 7 days. Bruising and swelling decrease to “socially acceptable” levels in 1-3 weeks. The final result of a facelift procedure is evident in 4-6 weeks or sooner, with continued improvement for several months.

Special consideration is exercised in heavy smokers, poorly controlled diabetics and uncontrolled hypertension. Additional procedures that would enhance the result of a facelift are: Eyelid Lift, Brow Lift, Chemical Peel, Facial Sanding (dermabrasion), Chin Enlargement, Nose Reshaping (rhinoplasty), Fat Suction, and Laser Skin Resurfacing.