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A facelift is a common procedure that is used for the cosmetic enhancement of the face. When opting for a facelift, excess skin is removed for a more youthful appearance. Reshaping the face can create a new structural look, especially when removing jowls.

What Is A Rhytidectomy?

A rhytidectomy is just the medical term for facelift. This type of skin removal practice tightens loose skin that primarily forms around the jaw line. Unlike injectable fillers, a facelift can thoroughly remove deep creases around the nose and mouth. For those who have excess, hanging skin beneath the chin, a rhytidectomy can also improve the neck area.

What Can A Facelift Do?

A Facelift can create a more youthful look to aging, sagging skin. By removing excess skin around the face, underlying tissues can be tightened. Reshaping the face in a way that leaves bone in tact is a safe way to create more definition while eliminating deep lines.

The 4 Main Components To A Facelift

1.) Remove. By removing excess facial skin, loose skin around the jaw line can be reduced. 2.) Tighten. Tightening underlying muscular support will help create a full-looking face. 3.) Suspend. While suspending facial fatty tissues, the platysma musculature can tighten without excess fat. 4.) Lift. After a facelift, the corners of the mouth will lift and decrease deep lines.

What Does The Process Look Like?

A facelift is often performed in an outpatient setting. Patients are given local or general anesthesia and sedatives so that they will be asleep during the entire procedure. Once fully sedated, a surgical incision is made in front and behind the ear. This is usually not noticeable. Although a facelift is surgical, it only takes approximately 5 hours to complete. After the procedure is completed, it may not be safe to operate a vehicle. Depending on the medication and state of the patient, a backup driver is advised. Combining a facelift with other facial cosmetic surgeries is common in the United States. Eyelid surgery can be performed while the patient is already sedated. In addition to facelift modification, “mini-facelifts” also exist. These can be performed with a smaller incision around the ear, but cannot remove excess skin around the neck. Depending on the type of facelift and/or combination of additional procedures, the healing time may vary from patient to patient. After the procedure is completed, the patient is usually prescribed pain medication for any tenderness afterward. Some bruising and swelling is to be expected, but will dissipate after a couple of days. The recovery period usually takes two weeks and normal activities can be resumed after four weeks.

Who Can Get A Facelift?

Both men and women can and do opt for facelifts. In the United States, it is the fifth most common type of cosmetic surgery for men. Frequently both men and women seek facelift professionals when they see obvious signs of aging or want to remove excess skin. To get a better idea of what a facelift entails and if it is the right option for you, scheduling an initial free consultation is advised. For more information, please contact Rex Moulton-Barrett, MD.