A face-lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure to create a younger look in the face. The procedure can reduce sagging skin. It can also help smooth folds of skin on the cheeks and jawline. A face-lift is also called a rhytidectomy.
During a face-lift, a flap of skin on each side of the face is pulled back. Tissues below the skin are altered, and excess skin is removed. This gives the face a more youthful shape.
A neck lift is often done as part of a face-lift. It reduces fat and sagging skin on the neck.
A face-lift won’t correct damage from sun exposure, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Other cosmetic procedures can address the look or quality of the skin itself.
Why it’s done
The look and shape of the face changes with age. The skin becomes looser and doesn’t snap back as easily. Fat deposits decrease in some areas of the face and increase in others.
A face-lift can address these age-related changes:
Sagging appearance of the cheeks
Excess skin at the lower jawline
Deep skin folds from the sides of the nose to the corner of the mouth
Sagging skin and excess fat in the neck (if the procedure includes a neck lift)
A face-lift isn’t a treatment for fine wrinkles, sun damage, creases around the nose and upper lip, or uneven skin color.
Like any other type of major surgery, a face-lift poses a risk of bleeding or infection. There’s also a risk of having a reaction to the anesthesia. Certain medical conditions or lifestyle habits also can increase the risk of complications.
The following factors may present a risk of complications or result in unfavorable results. Your surgeon may advise against a face-lift in these cases:
Blood-thinning medications or supplements. Taking medications or supplements that thin the blood can affect the blood’s ability to clot. They can increase the risk of hematomas after surgery. These medications include blood thinners, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, fish oil and others.
Medical conditions. If you have a medical condition that prevents blood clotting, you won’t be able to have a face-lift. Other conditions may increase the risk of poor wound healing, hematomas or heart complications. They include poorly controlled diabetes and high blood pressure.
Smoking. Smoking increases the risk of poor wound healing, hematomas and skin loss after a face-lift.
Weight changes. If you have a history of repeated weight gain and loss, you may not be satisfied with the long-term outcome of the surgery. Weight changes affect the shape of the face and condition of the skin.
How you prepare
Initially, you’ll talk to a plastic surgeon about a face-lift. The visit will likely include:
Medical history and exam. Prepare to answer questions about past and current medical conditions. Also discuss previous surgeries, including previous plastic surgeries. Be sure to note any complications from previous surgeries. Also let the plastic surgeon know if you have a history of smoking, drug use or alcohol use.
Your surgeon will perform a physical exam. The surgeon also may request records from your health care provider. If there are concerns about your ability to have surgery, you may be asked to meet with a specialist.
Medication review. Provide the names and dosages of all the medications you regularly take. Include prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, herbal medications, vitamins and other dietary supplements.
Facial exam. Your plastic surgeon will take photos of your face from different angles and close-ups of some features. The surgeon will also examine your bone structure, face shape, fat distribution and quality of your skin. The exam will help determine your best options for face-lift surgery.
Expectations. Your surgeon will ask questions about what you expect from a face-lift. The surgeon will explain how a face-lift is likely to change how you look. You’ll also learn what a face-lift doesn’t address. A face-lift doesn’t affect fine wrinkles or an imbalance in the shape of the face.