Face / Neck Lift (Rhytidectomy)

About the Procedure

A face or neck lift is also known as a rhytidectomy. It is a wrinkle treatment that improves the appearance of the face and jaw area. Face lift surgery can reduce the effects of time, stress and environmental elements and help boost self confidence. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate. Patients with relatively supple skin are ideal candidates as well as patients who are in good overall health. Some patients may prefer a less invasive option such as a chemical peel or microdermabrasion. Others prefer to combine a face lift surgery with a skin rejuvenation procedure, such as a neck lift or forehead lift, or “brow lift”. Patients need to know the expectations of plastic surgery and its limitations in order to be pleased with the results.

What to Know Before the Procedure

Plastic surgery, skin rejuvenation, wrinkle treatments, mini face lifts – there are so many options. It's important to choose the right type of face lift surgery and the specific areas that you want to improve, how much time you can spare in recovery and what your expectations are. Preparation begins with your consultation. Two weeks before surgery, the patient should stop smoking and taking certain medications.

A face lift or neck lift is done via an incision that will leave scarring only on the scalp and along natural lines of the face. Only a thin line of hair is trimmed along the incision line. The incision begins in the hairline, down in front of the ear, around the earlobe, and ends in the hairline behind the ear. The skin is gently freed and raised from the underlying fat and muscle. Excess fat is trimmed with liposuction from the neck and chin. The skin is pulled tight and the excess is removed. Then the incisions are closed with fine sutures and staples. Sometimes, a small drainage tube is placed under the skin behind the ear to drain off excess blood and fluids, but the tube is usually removed within a day or two. Gauze dressings are put on the incision lines and the head is wrapped in elastic bandage. The bandages are removed on the first or second day. The face lift surgery lasts from two to five hours and is usually performed in an out-patient facility with local anesthetics and sedatives. Some surgeons prefer a general anesthetic and brief hospital stay.

What to Know after the Procedure

Patients should be sure to keep their head elevated to minimize swelling. Within five to ten day, sutures are removed. Incisions and bandages should be kept dry. Medication is prescribed but most patients experience little discomfort. Recovery from a face lift usually takes anywhere from two to three weeks in order to allow time for bruising and swelling to subside. Vigorous activity, hair dryers, cosmetics, hair dyes and earrings should be avoided during this time. Numbness and muscle stiffness subside quickly, however the return of complete sensation can be delayed up to several months.

If you Need to Travel Outside of your Local Hospital

Many surgeons offer affordable rhytidectomy procedures. These procedures have low complication rates and require little follow-up, making the option between domestic and international travel one of cost comparison and quality. Before making the decision between having this procedure done domestically or abroad a patient should research several doctors to find the right match for them. Learn about their board certifications and training and see before-and-after photos, read testimonials, and connect with other face lift patients to help choose the right surgeon. If you decide to have this procedure done abroad be sure to discuss post-operative care with your surgeon in detail to make sure all expectations are met.