BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuFaceliftRhytidectomy; Facialplasty; Cosmetic surgery of the faceA facelift is a surgical procedure to repair sagging, drooping, and wrinkled skin of the face and neck. Description A facelift can be done alone or with nose reshaping, a forehead lift, or eyelid surgery.Nose reshapingRhinoplasty is surgery to repair or reshape the nose.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Forehead liftA forehead lift is a surgical procedure to correct sagging of the forehead skin, eyebrows, and upper eyelids. It may also improve the look of wrinkl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Eyelid surgeryEyelid lift surgery is done to repair sagging or drooping upper eyelids (ptosis) and remove excess skin from the eyelids. The surgery is called ptos...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article While you are sleepy and pain-free (conscious sedation), or deeply asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), the plastic surgeon will make surgical cuts that begin above the hairline at the temples, extend behind the earlobe, and to the lower scalp. Often, this is one cut. An incision may be made beneath your chin.Conscious sedationConscious sedation is a combination of medicines to help you relax (a sedative) and to block pain (an anesthetic) during a medical or dental procedur...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Many different techniques exist. The outcomes for each one are similar but how long the improvement lasts may vary.During a facelift, the surgeon may:Remove and lift some of the fat and muscle underneath the skin (called the SMAS layer; this is the main lifting part of the facelift) Remove or move loose skin Tighten muscles Perform liposuction of the neck and jowls LiposuctionLiposuction is the removal of excess body fat by suction using special surgical equipment. A plastic surgeon typically does the surgery.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use stitches (sutures) to close the cuts Why the Procedure Is Performed Sagging or wrinkled skin occurs naturally as you get older. Folds and fat deposits appear around the neck. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth. The jawline grows jowly and slack. Genes, poor diet, smoking, or obesity can make skin problems start sooner or get worse faster.A facelift can help improve some of the visible signs of aging. Fixing damage to skin, fat, and muscles can restore a younger, more refreshed and less tired look.People have a facelift because they are not satisfied with the signs of aging on their face, but they are in otherwise good health. Risks Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general are:Reactions to medicines Breathing problems Breathing problemsBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bleeding, blood clots, or infection BleedingBleeding is the loss of blood. Bleeding may be:Inside the body (internal)Outside the body (external)Bleeding may occur:Inside the body when blood le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood clotsBlood clots are clumps that occur when blood hardens from a liquid to a solid. A blood clot that forms inside one of your veins or arteries is calle...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Risks of face lift surgery include:A pocket of blood under the skin (hematoma) that may need to be drained surgically Damage to the nerves that control muscles of the face (this is usually temporary, but may be permanent) Wounds that do not heal well Pain that does not go away Numbness or other changes in skin sensation NumbnessNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Although most people are happy with the outcomes, poor cosmetic results that may need more surgery include:Unpleasant scarring Unevenness of the face Fluid that collects under the skin (seroma or sialocele) Irregular skin shape (contour) Changes in skin color Sutures that are noticeable or cause irritation Before the Procedure Before your surgery, you will have a consultation. This will include a history, physical exam, and a psychological evaluation. You may want to bring someone (such as your spouse) with you during the visit.Feel free to ask questions. Be sure you understand the answers to your questions. You must understand fully the preoperative preparations, the facelift procedure, the improvement that can be expected, and the care after surgery.Tell your surgeon or nurse if:You are or could be pregnant You are taking any medicines, including medicines, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescriptionDuring the week before your surgery:You may be asked to temporarily stop taking medicines that reduce the ability of your blood to clot. These medicines are called blood thinners. This includes over-the-counter medicines and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and vitamin E. Many prescription medicines are also blood thinners. Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of surgery.On the day of surgery:Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. Take the medicines your surgeon told you to take with a small sip of water.Arrive at the hospital on time.Be sure to follow any other specific instructions from your surgeon. After the Procedure Your surgeon may temporarily place a small, thin drainage tube under the skin behind the ear to drain any blood that might collect there. Your head will be wrapped loosely in bandages to reduce bruising and swelling.BruisingA bruise is an area of skin discoloration. A bruise occurs when small blood vessels break and leak their contents into the soft tissue beneath the s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You should not have much discomfort after surgery. You can relieve any discomfort you do feel with pain medicine the surgeon prescribes. Some numbness of the skin is normal and will disappear in a few weeks or months.Your head needs to be raised on 2 pillows (or at a 30-degree angle) for a couple of days after the surgery to keep the swelling down. The drainage tube will be removed 1 to 2 days after surgery if one was inserted. Bandages are usually removed after 1 to 5 days. Your face will look pale, bruised, and puffy, but in 4 to 6 weeks it will look normal.PalePaleness is an abnormal loss of color from normal skin or mucous membranes.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Some of the stitches will be removed in 5 days. The stitches or metal clips in the hairline might be left in for a few extra days if the scalp takes longer to heal.You should avoid:Taking any aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the first few days Smoking and being exposed to secondhand smoke Straining, bending, and lifting right after the surgeryFollow instructions about using concealing makeup after the first week. Mild swelling may continue for several weeks. You may also have numbness of the face and ears for up to several months. Outlook (Prognosis) Most people are pleased with the results.You will have swelling, bruising, skin discoloration, tenderness, and numbness for 10 to 14 days or longer after the surgery. Most of the surgical scars are hidden in the hairline or the natural lines of the face and will fade over time. Your surgeon will probably advise you to limit your sun exposure.Open ReferencesReferencesNiamtu J, Nayak M, Bharti G, Willis Z, Cuzalina A, Gentile R. Face and neck lift (cervicofacial rhytidectomy). In: Niamtu J, ed. Cosmetic Facial Surgery. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 3.Warren RJ. Principles and surgical approaches of facelift. In: Rubin JP, Matarasso A, eds. Plastic Surgery: Volume 2: Aesthetic Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 9.3.AllVideoImagesTogFacelift - series - IndicationsPresentation Facelift - series - IndicationsPresentation Related Information Overweight(Symptoms)Rhinoplasty(Surgery)Forehead lift(Surgery)Weight control and diet - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 12/31/2023 Reviewed By: Tang Ho, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. 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FaceliftRhytidectomy; Facialplasty; Cosmetic surgery of the faceA facelift is a surgical procedure to repair sagging, drooping, and wrinkled skin of the face and neck. Description A facelift can be done alone or with nose reshaping, a forehead lift, or eyelid surgery.Nose reshapingRhinoplasty is surgery to repair or reshape the nose.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Forehead liftA forehead lift is a surgical procedure to correct sagging of the forehead skin, eyebrows, and upper eyelids. It may also improve the look of wrinkl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Eyelid surgeryEyelid lift surgery is done to repair sagging or drooping upper eyelids (ptosis) and remove excess skin from the eyelids. The surgery is called ptos...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article While you are sleepy and pain-free (conscious sedation), or deeply asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), the plastic surgeon will make surgical cuts that begin above the hairline at the temples, extend behind the earlobe, and to the lower scalp. Often, this is one cut. An incision may be made beneath your chin.Conscious sedationConscious sedation is a combination of medicines to help you relax (a sedative) and to block pain (an anesthetic) during a medical or dental procedur...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Many different techniques exist. The outcomes for each one are similar but how long the improvement lasts may vary.During a facelift, the surgeon may:Remove and lift some of the fat and muscle underneath the skin (called the SMAS layer; this is the main lifting part of the facelift) Remove or move loose skin Tighten muscles Perform liposuction of the neck and jowls LiposuctionLiposuction is the removal of excess body fat by suction using special surgical equipment. A plastic surgeon typically does the surgery.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use stitches (sutures) to close the cuts Why the Procedure Is Performed Sagging or wrinkled skin occurs naturally as you get older. Folds and fat deposits appear around the neck. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth. The jawline grows jowly and slack. Genes, poor diet, smoking, or obesity can make skin problems start sooner or get worse faster.A facelift can help improve some of the visible signs of aging. Fixing damage to skin, fat, and muscles can restore a younger, more refreshed and less tired look.People have a facelift because they are not satisfied with the signs of aging on their face, but they are in otherwise good health. Risks Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general are:Reactions to medicines Breathing problems Breathing problemsBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bleeding, blood clots, or infection BleedingBleeding is the loss of blood. Bleeding may be:Inside the body (internal)Outside the body (external)Bleeding may occur:Inside the body when blood le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood clotsBlood clots are clumps that occur when blood hardens from a liquid to a solid. A blood clot that forms inside one of your veins or arteries is calle...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Risks of face lift surgery include:A pocket of blood under the skin (hematoma) that may need to be drained surgically Damage to the nerves that control muscles of the face (this is usually temporary, but may be permanent) Wounds that do not heal well Pain that does not go away Numbness or other changes in skin sensation NumbnessNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Although most people are happy with the outcomes, poor cosmetic results that may need more surgery include:Unpleasant scarring Unevenness of the face Fluid that collects under the skin (seroma or sialocele) Irregular skin shape (contour) Changes in skin color Sutures that are noticeable or cause irritation Before the Procedure Before your surgery, you will have a consultation. This will include a history, physical exam, and a psychological evaluation. You may want to bring someone (such as your spouse) with you during the visit.Feel free to ask questions. Be sure you understand the answers to your questions. You must understand fully the preoperative preparations, the facelift procedure, the improvement that can be expected, and the care after surgery.Tell your surgeon or nurse if:You are or could be pregnant You are taking any medicines, including medicines, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescriptionDuring the week before your surgery:You may be asked to temporarily stop taking medicines that reduce the ability of your blood to clot. These medicines are called blood thinners. This includes over-the-counter medicines and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and vitamin E. Many prescription medicines are also blood thinners. Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of surgery.On the day of surgery:Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. Take the medicines your surgeon told you to take with a small sip of water.Arrive at the hospital on time.Be sure to follow any other specific instructions from your surgeon. After the Procedure Your surgeon may temporarily place a small, thin drainage tube under the skin behind the ear to drain any blood that might collect there. Your head will be wrapped loosely in bandages to reduce bruising and swelling.BruisingA bruise is an area of skin discoloration. A bruise occurs when small blood vessels break and leak their contents into the soft tissue beneath the s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You should not have much discomfort after surgery. You can relieve any discomfort you do feel with pain medicine the surgeon prescribes. Some numbness of the skin is normal and will disappear in a few weeks or months.Your head needs to be raised on 2 pillows (or at a 30-degree angle) for a couple of days after the surgery to keep the swelling down. The drainage tube will be removed 1 to 2 days after surgery if one was inserted. Bandages are usually removed after 1 to 5 days. Your face will look pale, bruised, and puffy, but in 4 to 6 weeks it will look normal.PalePaleness is an abnormal loss of color from normal skin or mucous membranes.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Some of the stitches will be removed in 5 days. The stitches or metal clips in the hairline might be left in for a few extra days if the scalp takes longer to heal.You should avoid:Taking any aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the first few days Smoking and being exposed to secondhand smoke Straining, bending, and lifting right after the surgeryFollow instructions about using concealing makeup after the first week. Mild swelling may continue for several weeks. You may also have numbness of the face and ears for up to several months. Outlook (Prognosis) Most people are pleased with the results.You will have swelling, bruising, skin discoloration, tenderness, and numbness for 10 to 14 days or longer after the surgery. Most of the surgical scars are hidden in the hairline or the natural lines of the face and will fade over time. Your surgeon will probably advise you to limit your sun exposure.Open ReferencesReferencesNiamtu J, Nayak M, Bharti G, Willis Z, Cuzalina A, Gentile R. Face and neck lift (cervicofacial rhytidectomy). In: Niamtu J, ed. Cosmetic Facial Surgery. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 3.Warren RJ. Principles and surgical approaches of facelift. In: Rubin JP, Matarasso A, eds. Plastic Surgery: Volume 2: Aesthetic Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 9.3.