Loss of skin elasticity is a natural part of the aging process. It can occur in skin around the body, as well as in skin around the face. Loss of elasticity can cause a sagging or drooping appearance. Of course, you should not change the look of your face due to pressure or expectations. However, if you’ve been experiencing continued loss of self-esteem due to sagging skin in the face and neck, this procedure offers an effective and long lasting solution.

What Is a Face Lift?

A face lift, or a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that can lift and tighten the skin to reduce sagging or rough appearance of the facial skin, giving a more bright and youthful appearance. This procedure involves the removal of extra skin and the tightening of facial tissue to achieve the desired look. This procedure doesn’t address wrinkles or sun damage–rather, it changes the structure of the skin. 

Who Is a Candidate for a Face Lift?

Ideal candidates for a face lift are people who have been experiencing discomfort or embarrassment over the appearance of their face. This procedure can be performed on adults of any age, particularly older adults. Ideal candidates should be non-smokers, as smoking can increase the risk of complications before and after surgery. Candidates should be relatively healthy. During your consultation, our team will discuss your medical history with you to make sure that you don’t have underlying conditions that could cause complications. You should also be ready to talk about your goals and expectations with us. In collaboration with you, we’ll figure out if a face lift is the right step for you to achieve your goals. 

What to Expect During a Face Lift Procedure

Our team will let you know if you need to temporarily stop taking certain medications before the surgery. You should avoid anti-inflammatory drugs. We will walk through any risks with you before the procedure, during your consultation. You should make plans for someone to transport you to and from the surgery and to stay with you during your first night of recovery. You’ll likely be asked to stop eating for a period of time leading up to the surgery. 

You’ll either receive local or general anesthesia, depending on your needs and anatomy, to make sure that you’re comfortable during the procedure. Different incisions might be made depending on anatomy and your desired outcome. Commonly, we’ll make an incision that starts at the temples and circumvents the front of the ears, ending at the lower scalp in the area behind your ears. In the case of neck lifts, another incision might be made below your chin. The skin will be pulled back so we can access fat and tissue in the face, which can be removed or moved around to create a more sculpted appearance. After the new contour is made, the facial skin will be set back into place. Excess skin will be taken off and we’ll close your incisions. This procedure usually takes 3-6 hours to complete.

Face Lift Aftercare

Some pain, bruising, and/or swelling are not uncommon after this procedure. You might be given pain medication and antibiotics to reduce any discomfort and make sure infection doesn’t occur. You’ll need to wear bandages, and you’ll likely be administered small tubes that will drain any fluid, preventing buildup. Make sure to take it easy for the first several days after the procedure. Keep your head elevated and use ice packs to manage pain or swelling. Our team will go over specific instructions with you about how to care for yourself at home.

Schedule a Consultation

At Modern Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we are driven by a common goal: your confidence. We are proud to offer a range of procedures that are used to deliver top-notch care. In collaboration with you, we can help you move toward your dream body. Schedule a consultation with us to learn more about the face lift procedure.