A Facelift, also known as Rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens these facial tissues. A Facelift can involve removing excess skin, smoothing out folds or wrinkles, and tightening facial tissue. It doesn't include a brow or eye lift, although these might be done at the same time.

A facelift is only focused on the bottom two-thirds of the face and often the neck or décolletage. People get facelifts for lots of different reasons. A common reason is to help disguise signs of skin aging.

What’s the procedure for a facelift?

Facelifts vary depending on your desired results.

Traditionally, an incision is made in the hairline near the temples. The incision goes in front of the ear, down in front of and hugging the earlobe, then back to the lower scalp behind the ears.

Fat and excess skin may be removed or redistributed from the face. The underlying muscle and connective tissue are redistributed and tightened. If there’s minimal skin sagging, a “mini” facelift may be done. This involves shorter incisions.

If a Neck Lift is also going to be performed, the excess skin and fat will be removed. The skin of the neck will be tightened and pulled up and back. This is often done through an incision just under the chin.

The incisions often have dissolvable sutures or skin glue. In some cases, you might need to return to the surgeon to have stitches removed. The incisions are made in such a way that they blend with your hairline and facial structure. You’ll often have a surgical drainage tube after surgery as well as bandages wrapping your face.

Recovery

It takes about 2 to 4 weeks to fully recover from a facelift. You need to take this time off work. Bruising is visible for at least 2 weeks. It could take up to 6 to 9 months to see the full effect of the facelift.

You will not be able to drive for a number of days after the operation – your surgeon would advise about this. You will have to avoid showering and getting the bandages wet for the first 2 days, and avoid strenuous activity, saunas and massages for at least 2 weeks.

You also need to keep your head propped up with pillows for a couple of days while resting to reduce the swelling.

After about a week: Stitches are removed (unless you had dissolvable stitches).

After several weeks: Bruises, scars and redness should have faded.

After 6 to 9 months: The full effect of the facelift should be seen.

How much does it cost?

The cost of A Facelift can vary greatly from clinic to clinic and depending on the extent of the procedure. It is important to understand that pricing can vary based on the degree of enhancement required and the details of your surgical plan. Undergoing the procedure (or procedures) in phases can also impact the price. Your quote will include all the anticipated fees and costs associated with your procedure, including Doctor's surgeon fee, hospital costs, anesthesia fees and medication costs.
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