A facelift or rhytidoplasty is cosmetic and aesthetic surgery for improving and attempting to eliminate the inevitable signs and manifestations of facial and neck aging. Wrinkles, sagging skin and pockets of fat are common features of the face beginning at approximately 40 years of age. As we go through life and accumulate additional years, the effects of gravity, sun exposure and daily stress all leave their marks. The facial skin becomes lax and loose and eventually drapes below the jaw line, the skin around the neck are no longer tight, and wrinkling appears between the nose and mouth and in front of the ears.

Realistically, facelift or rhytidoplasty will never stop the aging process, however it may still effectively take years off your looks and "turn back the clock" by taking out excess skin and fat and by tightening the underlying soft tissue supporting structures.

An informative and meaningful consultation with a certified cosmetic plastic surgeon is the initial step a patient will take if he or she is considering a facelift or rhytidoplasty. The patient is expected to discuss all expectations with regards to looking and feeling better after surgery. He should keep in mind though that the desired result is basically reasonable improvement or enhancement and never unreasonable and unachievable "perfection". Emotional stability in a potential patient is a prerequisite while reasonable expectation is a must. Having a "new" look from a facelift will never guarantee a new, healthy and successful life. It solely improves appearance and possibly helps boosts self confidence. This is realistically what rhytidoplasty may just do for you. How you handle the positive physical effects and gains of a facelift is actually up to you.

Rhytidoplasty takes approximately 3 to 5 hours and can take longer if combined with other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. These procedures may be safely done in an outpatient setting or in a hospital basis under general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia. If general anesthesia is used, one will be sleeping soundly all throughout surgery. If sedation and local anesthesia is chosen, then this would allow one to be comfortable during surgery while the facial skin is completely numb.

In majority of cases, the incision is began inside the hairline at the temple for maximal concealment, continues downward in a natural line in front of the ear, curves below the earlobe and extends into the back of the scalp. Working through the incision, your cosmetic plastic surgeon separates the skin from underlying fat, fascia, and muscle. The skin is pulled up and backward and the excess skin is excised tailoring it to the face

Closure of the incisions are meticulously done by your cosmetic plastic surgeon. Though scars are inevitable and are natural consequences of any incision or surgery, your cosmetic plastic surgeon will try his best to keep them inconspicuous and hardly noticeable as possible. Thin tube drains may be placed at the back of the ears as to permit drainage of any blood or fluid collecting under the skin. Initially dressings shall be bulky and bandages shall have to be maintained over the face and neck areas.

All operations have their risks and cosmetic plastic surgeries are no exceptions. Bleeding, infection, paresthesias, and healing problems are possible though not so common. Any pain or discomfort may be effectively controlled more often than not by the right oral medications. It is prudent however to inform your plastic surgeon or any staff member of any unusual and persistent problems. Swelling and bruising/ skin discolorations are common and expected and usually resolve in a week or two. A sense of numbness and tightness is usually present which eventually improves and subsides. Post facelift patients are instructed bed rest for at least a day and ordered to avoid any exertions as to cause increase in blood pressure in the facial area for at least a week. Hot compresses or facials are to be refrained for at least a month. Most patients do return to work after 3-4 weeks.

For the potential plastic surgery patient in general, it is strongly advised to consult with a certified plastic surgeon. Patients are strongly encouraged to ask around and be properly and thoroughly informed regarding the they desire whether it be cosmetic or reconstructive in nature. Your cosmetic plastic surgeon will display adequate knowledge, skill and care prior, during and after surgery.