Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

As we age, our facial skin loosens and wrinkles, and the muscles of the neck may weaken as well. Anything that will cause the skin to lose elasticity will hasten the process, including sun exposure, weight fluctuations and heredity. A facelift can address these problems by firming and tightening the skin of the face and neck all in one step. It is most effective for the lower face (jowls and neck). A double chin can be improved at the same time by a surgical procedure called supplemental lipectomy. To effect a more complete facial rejuvenation, facelifts are frequently done in conjunction with other procedures such as upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Your surgeon may also recommend injections of collagen or Botox for deep creases in your forehead or frown lines between your eyebrows.

Benefits of a facelift
While a facelift cannot stop the aging process, it can often make a person appear to be a decade younger than their actual age.

Best candidates for a facelift
Both men and women have facelifts, with the best candidates being those whose face and neck has excess fat, lines and has began to sag. The average age for patients are 40-50 years, but older patients have also had successful facelifts. 

Surgical Procedure
The classic facelift, or SMAS, is recommended by the surgeons. This is performed by making an incision at the temples behind the hairline. The incision typically extends downward, along the natural creases in the skin, in front or on the edge of the ear, in the crease of the ear lobe, and behind the ear. Making the incision in the natural creases helps hide scarring after surgery. The surgeon then separates the skin and muscles of the face from the deeper facial tissues.

Your new look
Your facelift will make you look younger and fresher, and turn back the clock between 10-20 years. The small scars that you will have will be hidden by your hair or in the natural creases of your face and ears.