Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

The facelift is a well-established procedure for addressing the most visible signs of aging. In the hands of a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon who customizes results with advanced techniques, this cosmetic surgery can turn back the hands of time 10+ years. Learn the details, plus how to choose an expert surgeon, below.

What is a facelift?

Facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that smoothes wrinkles and lifts sagging skin in the cheeks and mid-face, along the jawline, and through the neck. A facelift restores a youthfully contoured jawline, lifts the jowls, and reduces the appearance of creases in the neck. Facelift results may be enhanced by combining the operation with upper face rejuvenation procedures, such as a brow lift or eyelid lift, or techniques to amplify and refine results, like fat grafting or a lip lift.

Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

Good candidates for facelift surgery are individuals in good overall health, at a stable weight, who wish to address visible signs of aging on their face and neck. Concerns you have may include jowls, deep naso-labial folds, neck lines, a “double chin,” and sunken cheeks. 

You should also have realistic expectations for the potential aesthetic outcome of the surgery. Schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon to determine if a facelift is a suitable option for you at this time.

Types of facelifts

There are several facelift techniques, each addressing specific concerns:

• Traditional facelift: Also known as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) technique, this addresses aging in the mid and lower face.
• Deep plane facelift: Targets deeper facial tissues (i.e. ligaments) and provides more natural looking results that may be more durable over time.
• Mid-facelift: Focuses on the cheeks and midface, lifting sagging skin and restoring volume.
• Mini facelift: A less invasive option, best suited for patients with early signs of aging, involving smaller incisions and shorter recovery time.

Other techniques, such as the “ponytail facelift,” are typically variations on these established facelift techniques. Your cosmetic surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your goals and individual needs.

The facelift consultation

During your facelift consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will:

• Review your medical history
• Evaluate your facial structure and skin quality
• Discuss your goals and expectations
• Recommend the appropriate facelift technique
• Explain the procedure, recovery, benefits, and potential risks

The consultation is not simply a formality, but is an important meeting with your surgeon; take the opportunity to ask questions and ensure you feel comfortable with your surgeon and the proposed treatment plan. You may choose to bring “wish pics” and a list of questions to the consultation. Look for an experienced surgeon who patiently answers questions and helps you feel at ease.

Preparing for facelift surgery

To prepare for your facelift, follow your surgeon’s instructions, which may include:

• Quitting smoking several weeks before surgery
• Avoiding certain medications and supplements that act as blood thinners
• Arranging for someone to drive you home and assist with post-operative care
• Preparing your post-operative recovery space, including supportive pillows that allow you to sleep with your head elevated
• Filling prescriptions for medications you will take during recovery

The facelift procedure

Facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, and an anesthesiologist should be present to monitor your anesthesia. Here are the primary steps that happen during surgery:

1. Administering general anesthesia (or local, depending on the patient and the treatment plan)
2. Creating the incision based on the chosen facelift technique
3. Lifting and tightening facial tissues
4. Removing excess skin
5. Repositioning fat for improved contours
6. Closing incisions with sutures

Facelift recovery

After facelift surgery, you will likely experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Your surgeon will provide pain medication and instructions for managing these symptoms. Key aspects of the recovery process include:

• Wearing a compression garment to reduce swelling
• Keeping your head elevated, even during sleep
• Avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks
• Following a gentle skincare routine
• Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing

You will need to rest for the first few days as the side effects of anesthesia wear off, but most patients can return to work and social activities within two to three weeks. Full recovery can take several weeks, and it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s advice and allow your body adequate time to heal. You will be asked to avoid vigorous workouts or strenuous activities for up to six weeks; your surgeon will guide you back to normal and answer questions about recovery during post-operative visits.

Results

While you may notice immediate improvements, final results will become more apparent as swelling and bruising subside. Facelift surgery can create a more youthful, refreshed appearance that lasts for many years. To maintain your results, practice good skincare habits, protect your skin from the sun, and consider non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers for ongoing facial rejuvenation.

Potential risks and complications

As with any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries some risks. These may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Nerve injury
• Asymmetrical results
• Anesthesia-related complications

Choosing a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon can help to reduce these risks by ensuring your surgeon has been carefully vetted to offer the highest standard of care. The American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery carefully screens candidate surgeons for experience, training, surgery center accreditation, proper qualifications, aesthetic expertise, patient safety, and more. Here’s how to choose a facial cosmetic surgeon »

Combining rhytidectomy with other procedures

To achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation and maintain results, some patients choose to combine facelift surgery with other procedures, both surgical and non-surgical. These additional surgeries or treatments can often enhance the overall outcome, delivering a more harmonious look:

Fat transfer to the face

Fat transfer involves the careful harvesting of fat cells from another area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, which are then meticulously processed and injected into areas of the face that have lost volume over time. When combined with a facelift, this procedure can enhance the lifting and tightening effect by restoring natural-looking, youthful facial fullness.

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)

An eye lift addresses drooping upper and/or lower eyelids (eyelid ptosis). An upper eyelid lift involves removing excess skin and fat through an incision placed along the natural crease of the lid; a lower eyelid lift removes skin and fat through an incision hidden within the lower eyelid. This procedure can result in a more alert, rested appearance that complements the anti-aging results of a facelift.

Brow lift

A brow lift or forehead lift raises heavy, sagging brows and reduces forehead wrinkles. It can also minimize frown lines that appear above the nose or between the eyebrows. By combining a brow lift with a facelift, your cosmetic surgeon can address signs of aging in both the upper and lower face, which may help to create a more seamless outcome.

Neck lift

A neck lift, also known as platysmaplasty, is frequently performed as part of a facelift, since signs of aging typically develop in the lower face and the neck concurrently. A neck lift tightens the neck muscles and removes excess skin and fat from the neck and below the chin to create a smoother, firmer neck contour. Neck liposuction could also be used to contour the neck and complement the effects of a facelift.

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical procedure that uses concentrated beams of light to promote collagen production. In turn, it reduces fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and age spots. While a facelift removes excess tissue and creates a firm foundation, it cannot improve the surface texture of crepe-like skin or treat discoloration and sun damage; laser treatment enhances the results of a facelift by providing a smoother, more even skin texture and tone.

Dermal fillers

Non-surgical dermal fillers, which are injected beneath the skin, can be used to add volume to areas of the face that may have lost fullness over time, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases and wrinkles, and improve the appearance of recessed scars. Dermal fillers may also be used to increase volume in areas such as the lips or cheeks for a more sculpted appearance.  

When used in conjunction with a facelift, dermal fillers can provide a more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. While fat transfer to the face offers a long-lasting solution to facial volume loss, some patients may prefer dermal fillers because they are temporary, which allows patients to “try out” the look of facial volume restoration before committing long-term (depending on the formula, fillers last for about 6 months up to a year or longer).

Any procedure combination should be carefully selected based on your goals and candidacy for the procedure during your cosmetic surgery consultation.

Cost of facelift surgery

The cost of a facelift varies depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, and the complexity of the procedure. During your consultation, your facial cosmetic surgeon will provide a detailed cost estimate. Most practices offer financing options that allow patients to pay for surgery in monthly installments.

Working with a cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS) means you will receive care from a surgeon who has demonstrated the highest level of expertise in the facial cosmetic specialty. Our surgeons have extensive training, experience, and a commitment to staying current on the latest techniques in facial rejuvenation. Schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon near you to learn if you are a good candidate.

Frequently Asked Questions