Facelift
(Rhytidectomy)

Procedure: Improve sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, redraping skin. Most often done on men and women over 40.

Length: Several hours.

Anesthesia: General

In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient. Some patients may require short inpatient stay.

Side Effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, and tenderness of skin; tight feeling, dry skin. For men, permanent need to shave behind ears, where beard growing skin is repositioned.S

Risks: Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles, feeling (usually temporary but may be permanent). Infection. Poor healing; excessive scarring. Asymmetry or change in hairline. Smokers higher risk of complications.

Recovery: Back to work: 10 to 14 days. More strenuous activity: 2 weeks or more. Bruising: 2 to 3 weeks. Must limit exposure to sun for several months.

Duration of results: Usually 5 to 10 years.