Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Sun exposure, heredity, and stress may all play a part in the development of sagging, wrinkled skin. This develops in the face, forehead, and neck at different rates in different people. Patients with concerns about a “double chin,” a full neck, jowls, or heavy cheeks may benefit from a facelift. While a facelift can’t stop time or gravity, it can give patients a more rested, youthful look.

Facelift procedures improve sagging of the cheeks, jaw line, and neck. It can be performed with eyelid or forehead surgery. Most are performed with local anesthetic and sedation medication in the outpatient surgery suite. Incisions are hidden in natural skin creases around the ear and in the hairline behind the ear. The skin and fat are repositioned, and oftentimes excess fat in the neck is removed. Sagging skin is tightened and secured with fine sutures or surgical clips.

Swelling and minor discomfort lasts a few days and sutures are removed within the first week. Patients are generally back to work within two weeks.