Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
What Is a Facelift?
Facelift surgery, medically known as rhytidectomy, primarily addresses aging in the lower third of the face. It reduces sagging excess skin and tightens relaxed muscle layers to improve jawline and neck contours.
Considerations Before Surgery
An Investment for Both Surgeon and Patient
Meaningful facial improvement requires significant investment from both the surgeon and the patient.
A Note on “Minimal Incision” Facelifts
Minimal-incision facelifts are widely discussed and may be appropriate for a small number of select patients. However, minimal facelifts most often produce minimal results.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
- Stop smoking at least 3 weeks before surgery.
- Stop taking aspirin and ibuprofen at least 3 weeks before surgery.
- Facelifts are performed in an operating room setting under anesthesia.
- Facelift may be performed in conjunction with other facial procedures.
Day of Surgery and Discharge
- OR time varies depending on the specific operation and other individual factors.
- You will be discharged home the same day with a head wrap and a surgical drain.
- The head wrap and drain are removed in approximately 24 hours.
- You may shower and wash your wounds and hair on post-op day 2, after removing your dressing.
Recovery Guidelines
| Guideline | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Pain control | Non-opioid and opioid back up medication will be provided |
| Ice or heat | Do not apply to the face |
| Light exercise (walking) | May begin as soon as you feel able |
| Sweating/vigorous activity | Avoid for 3-4 weeks post-op |
| Diet | Soft foods only for the first week post-op |
| Sleep position | Head elevated for about 1 week to minimize swelling |
Suture Removal Timeline
Your skin is closed with a combination of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures:
- Sutures in front of the ears: removed at 1 week post-op
- Sutures behind the ears and in the hairline: removed at 2 weeks post-op
Risks and Final Results
Potential Complications
Problems following a facelift are relatively infrequent, but may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Skin loss
- Facial nerve injury
- Numbness
- Poor scarring
When You’ll See Your Final Result
Healing is a gradual process. Your final result will not be fully visible until approximately 6 months post-op.
Schedule a Consultation
To schedule a consultation or learn more about Facelift (Rhytidectomy), please visit our contact page or call our office at (208) 377-9515.