Facelift
A facelift, technically called a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure to visibly improve signs of aging in the face and neck such as:
- Midface sagging
- Deep creases below the lower eyelids
- Deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
- Fallen or displaced fat
- Loss of muscle tone in the lower face
- Jowls or double chins
Other procedures can enhance the outcome of a facelift including
- Facial implants
- Soft tissue augmentation to recontour the facial structure
- Resurfacing techniques to improve the tone and texture of facial skin
- Wrinkle reduction by injection
Types of Facelifts
Depending on the degree of change you’d like to see, our doctors may recommend a traditional facelift, limited incision facelift or a neck lift.
Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift incision often begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck, and underlying tissue is repositioned, commonly the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted.
Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.
Limited Incision
An alternative to a traditional facelift uses shorter incisions at the temples, continuing around the ear and possibly within the lower eyelids or under the upper lip.
Neck Lift
Sagging jowls, loose neck skin and fat accumulation under the chin may be corrected with a neck lift. The neck lift incision often begins in front of the ear lobe and wraps around behind the ear ending in the lower scalp.
Incision lines from a facelift are placed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the face and ear. The visible improvements of a facelift appear as swelling and bruising subside. Your final result should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also help you feel more confident about yourself.
