facelift

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at improving visible signs of aging in the face and neck by removing excess skin and tightening underlying soft tissues. It may target the lower face, jawline, and neck, and variations include a neck lift, a midface lift, or a full facelift.

Techniques vary. Traditional facelifts lift deeper tissues (often the SMAS layer) before redraping the skin, while deep-plane or vector-facelift techniques reposition midface tissues for a more natural results. Mini facelifts use shorter incisions for targeted rejuvenation. Surgeons may combine a facelift with a neck lift, brow lift, liposuction, or fat grafting, and some patients pursue non-surgical skin tightening or volumization as adjuncts.

Indications and candidacy depend on factors such as sagging jowls, neck laxity, deep nasolabial folds, and loss of jawline definition. Candidates are generally adults in good health with realistic expectations. Smoking, certain medical conditions, and poor skin elasticity can affect results and healing.

Procedure and recovery. Most facelifts are performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Incisions are placed around the ears and sometimes under the chin; deeper tissues are lifted and recontoured, excess skin is removed, and incisions are closed with sutures or clips. Recovery includes swelling and bruising for several weeks, with activity restrictions and gradual return to normal routines. Final results emerge as swelling subsides, with scars fading over time.

Risks and outcomes. Potential risks include infection, hematoma, nerve injury affecting facial movement or sensation, seroma, scarring, and the possibility of unsatisfactory results or the need for revision. Results are not permanent; aging continues, and longevity typically ranges several years, influenced by genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle.

Alternatives include non-surgical options such as dermal fillers, neuromodulators, laser or energy-based skin tightening, and thread lifts, which offer less dramatic but shorter-duration improvements.