A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a type of cosmetic surgery to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck.

Men whose facial skin appears to be sagging may be good candidates for a facelift. The best facelift candidates are those with strong jaw lines or well-defined bone structure. People in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are the most common facelift patients, but others in their 70s and 80s have had successful surgeries as well.

Before getting a facelift, you will need to have a preoperative consultation with your surgeon. During the consultation, your surgeon will examine the structure of your face, your skin texture, color, and elasticity. Photographs will be taken for before and after comparisons. The surgical procedure will be described in detail, including risks and limitations.

The surgeon will give you preoperative instructions as to what you can or cannot eat or drink before surgery, which medications you should take or avoid, and a list of things you will need to have on hand for your recovery. During your consultation, the surgeon will answer any questions you might have, so come to your appointment prepared.

Most doctors recommend that you DO NOT cut your hair immediately before surgery. Longer hair may initially help to conceal the scars.

Facelift surgery may be performed under general anesthesia (which means that you will be given drugs through an IV to put you to sleep) or IV sedation (which means you will be given sedatives through an IV to help you relax).

There are 3 types of face lifts. The type you choose will depend on the degree of change you’d like to see.

1. Traditional facelift. During a traditional facelift, the incision begins at the temple in front of your ear, continues around your ear and behind it. The skin is raised outward and the underlying muscle and connective tissue are tightened. Some fat may be removed, as well as excess skin.
   Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. The incisions are then closed with sutures or skin adhesives.
2. Limited Incision. A limited incision facelift uses shorter incisions at the temples, continuing around the ear and possibly within the lower eyelids or under the upper lip.
3. Neck lift. A neck lift is a limited facelift where the emphasis is only on the neck, not the cheeks or jowls. Neck lifts are done through incisions around the ears and through tiny incisions under the chin. Excess skin is removed.

You may be able to go home the day of your surgery, but you will need someone to drive you. After surgery, your face may be wrapped in a bandage to help minimize swelling. There is normally some discomfort during facelift surgery recovery. Your surgeon can prescribe pain medication as needed.

You will have swelling, numbness, and bruising for up to 6 weeks, and may not want to attend any major social events until about 8 weeks after your surgery.

Most people return to work between 10 days and 2 weeks after surgery.

You may need to change your hair style to hide the incisions.

Because your skin has been moved upwards and backwards, the skin behind your ears may now require shaving. It may take some time to get used to shaving this area.

You may be required to wear a compression or other support garment (see below for post-surgical support garment options), and limit your activities for a few weeks following surgery.

Although facelift surgery is a relatively safe procedure, all surgery comes with some risk. Potential facelift surgery risks may include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Poor wound healing
• Infection
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Scarring
• Hair loss
• Earlobe changes
• Nerve damage

Many of these complications can be avoided if you closely follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Men are more likely than women to develop blood clots after a facelift, which may need to be surgically removed.

Facelift surgery costs vary based on a number of factors including:

• Type of surgery
• Geographic location
• Facility fees
• Surgeon expertise and demand

Costs can range from around $6,000 to around $15,000.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Duke University Health System

WebMD

Patrick Hudson, M.D.