What Is a Facelift (Rhytidectomy) and How Is It Performed?

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at tightening the skin and restoring a more youthful, aesthetically pleasing appearance to the face. This procedure can be performed on its own or in combination with other cosmetic treatments to enhance overall results.

As we age, the effects of gravity, sun exposure, and daily stress can take a toll on our facial appearance. Common signs include sagging cheeks, deep folds between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds), jowls, and loose skin or fat accumulation around the neck.

To counteract these visible signs of aging, one of the most effective and lasting solutions is a facelift. This procedure helps reverse the aging process by lifting and tightening the skin and underlying tissues. If you're considering facelift surgery, this article will guide you through the different techniques used, what to expect before and after the procedure, and answer any questions you may have about the process.

What Is a Facelift and Who Is It Suitable For?

Facelift procedures encompass a range of techniques—both surgical and non-surgical—designed to rejuvenate the skin and restore firmness to the face. These treatments are often used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity, particularly in areas where sagging and aging signs are most noticeable.

Facelifts can be performed using surgical methods, such as the well-known traditional facelift or endoscopic facelift techniques. However, non-surgical alternatives have also been developed using advanced technologies and devices. Despite these options, surgical facelifts remain the most effective and long-lasting solution for facial rejuvenation. For a detailed overview of these methods, you can also read our article titled “What Are the Facelift Techniques?”

Facelift procedures are generally suitable for individuals over the age of 18 who are capable of making autonomous decisions regarding aesthetic treatments. During your pre-operative consultation, your expectations will be assessed, and as long as there are no medical conditions preventing the procedure, you may be a suitable candidate for facelift surgery.

How Is a Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Performed?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is typically performed by making an incision near the temples, just above the hairline. This incision usually extends downward in front of the ear, following the natural contour of the skin, which helps conceal any post-operative scarring. Through these carefully placed incisions, the surgeon separates the skin from the underlying tissues and proceeds with the lifting technique of choice.

Excess skin is removed, and in some cases, underlying muscle groups that have weakened over time may also be tightened or repositioned. The skin is then redraped over the new contours of the face and sutured in place. Surgical staples may also be used to close the incisions, depending on the method.

Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation. This approach minimizes hospital stay and helps patients return to their normal routines more quickly.

How Long Does the Surgery Take?

The duration of a facelift surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. In most common cases, the operation takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Hospital stay may range from a few hours to one day, depending on the individual case and the type of anesthesia used.

The first few hours after surgery are crucial. It’s important for the patient to rest and remain calm to avoid any elevation in blood pressure, which could affect the healing process.

Is Surgery Necessary for a Permanent Facelift?

If you're seeking long-lasting results from a facelift, surgery is the only truly effective option. Surgical facelift procedures provide permanent structural improvements by tightening the skin and underlying tissues.

However, it's important to note that even after surgery, natural aging and other external factors can still lead to some degree of skin sagging and loss of elasticity over time. While the results are long-term, they are not entirely immune to the aging process.

What Are the Types of Facelift Surgery?

Facelift procedures can be classified based on the area of the face being treated and the specific goals of the surgery. For example, when the lift targets the area from just below the lower eyelids to the upper lip, it is referred to as a mid-facelift. If the procedure focuses on the area below the lips, including the jawline and neck, it is known as a lower facelift.

Here are the most common types of facelifts:

• Mid-Facelift
• Lower Facelift
• Mini Facelift

In addition to these, when the procedure targets the entire face, it is often referred to as a full facelift. Other related procedures include brow lift (targeting the forehead and brows), fox eye surgery or cat eye lift (lifting around the outer corners of the eyes), and forehead lift (tightening the upper face or forehead area).

What Is a Mid-Facelift and How Is It Performed?

The mid-face region refers to the area between the lower eyelids and the upper lip. This zone includes the cheekbones, nasolabial folds, corners of the mouth, and often the fine lines known as crow’s feet near the outer eyes. A mid-facelift focuses on enhancing the prominence of the cheekbones and reducing wrinkles and sagging in these areas.

Mid-facelift surgery can be performed using two main techniques. The first approach involves lifting the face through an incision made near the lower eyelid, either with a traditional method or using an endoscope. The second method is performed by making a 3.5 to 4 cm incision in the hairline at the temple area and using an endoscope to lift and reposition the tissues toward that direction.

Since the mid-face covers a large and visually impactful area, improvements made here often result in significant changes to the patient's overall appearance. Due to the complexity and prominence of this region, mid-facelift procedures may be priced higher than those targeting the lower face or more localized facial areas.

What Is a Lower Facelift?

The lower face region refers to the area below the level of the lips, including the jawline and neck. Lower facelift procedures typically involve removing excess skin through either traditional surgical methods or endoscopic techniques, similar to those used in mid-facelift procedures.

These surgeries are commonly performed to achieve a more defined jawline, reduce sagging and wrinkles in the neck, and eliminate drooping in the submental area (under the chin), often referred to as the "double chin."

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is a suitable procedure for individuals who show mild signs of aging and minimal facial sagging. It typically involves a small incision made in front of the ear, through which slight lifting and tightening of the facial tissue is performed.

This technique is ideal for patients who have modest aesthetic expectations and do not have deep wrinkles or significant skin laxity. The main advantage of a mini facelift is that it involves minimal incisions and sutures, making it a less invasive option with a quicker recovery time. The procedure achieves noticeable yet subtle rejuvenation through small, carefully placed incisions.

What Is the Preoperative Process Like?

During the initial consultation, your facial structure—including the skin, underlying tissues, and bone structure—will be thoroughly assessed by your surgeon. Your overall health will also be reviewed, especially for conditions that could complicate surgery, such as high blood pressure, blood clotting issues, or delayed wound healing. It is important to inform your surgeon if you smoke or are taking any medications.

Once you've decided to proceed with facelift surgery, your doctor will explain the type of anesthesia to be used, where the surgery will take place, the potential risks involved, and the overall cost of the procedure.

Your plastic surgeon will also provide personalized preoperative instructions, which may include guidelines about eating and drinking, smoking cessation, medication and supplement usage, and skin preparation. You will be advised to stop smoking at least 1–2 weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of complications and improve healing.

If you have short hair, you might consider growing it out before surgery to help conceal the incisions during the recovery period. Proper preparation before surgery ensures a safer procedure and smoother recovery. Additionally, be sure to arrange for a family member or caregiver to drive you home after the procedure and assist you for a few days if needed.

What is the Recovery Process After a Facelift Surgery?

The recovery process after a facelift surgery varies depending on the individual and the type of procedure performed. Bed rest is typically recommended for the first 24-48 hours. After this period, you may get up, but it is important not to leave your house for the first 5-6 days. For the next 2-3 weeks, you can gradually resume normal physical activities. However, it is advised to avoid intense exercise or sports during this time. If you're able, light walks and non-strenuous social activities are acceptable.

After the third week, you can return to your daily routines. Once the bandages are removed, you can carefully wash your hair. No other treatments should be performed until at least 3 weeks post-surgery. Similar to sexual activity, it is generally safe to drive a week after surgery, within reasonable limits. Sun exposure can severely damage the skin, especially after aesthetic facial procedures, so avoid direct sunlight. Wearing a hat and sunglasses can be very helpful in this regard. It is crucial for men to be extremely cautious when shaving after surgery. Electric razors may be preferred during this time.

What Should Be Done After a Facelift Surgery?

After undergoing a facelift, there are certain precautions you should follow. If you adhere to your doctor's recommended treatments and medications, you will likely be able to return to your daily routine after a short period of rest.

The following are important steps to take after the surgery:

• For the first two weeks, avoid physical contact with your face.
• Be careful not to let any wounds come into contact with water for 3-4 days.
• Do not neglect the medications, creams, or treatments prescribed by your doctor.
• If you experience any persistent stinging sensations or bleeding, consult your doctor.
• Be cautious not to expose your face to prolonged sun exposure.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of the Surgery?

Facelift surgery is a complex procedure that requires the surgeon’s skill and attention, as well as the patient’s strict adherence to post-operative instructions. Although rare, complications such as bleeding and infection can occur after the procedure. Trusting a specialist and following their advice is the best way to reduce the risk of complications and prevent delays in the recovery process.

Frequently Asked Questions:

At What Age Should a Facelift Be Done?

Typically, non-surgical facelift treatments can be opted for by individuals who are at least 18 years old. However, just like with any aesthetic treatment, there is no specific age range for undergoing a facelift surgery.

How Long Does a Facelift Last?

The duration of the effects of a facelift depends on the technique used during the procedure. However, non-surgical facelifts typically last between 5 to 10 years on average.

Is a Facelift Permanent?

While non-surgical facelifts can last up to around 10 years, they are not permanent. However, the effects of a surgical facelift can be long-lasting. Even though these effects may be permanent, it is possible for the skin to lose some of its elasticity over time due to its natural aging process.

Will There Be Pain After a Facelift Surgery?

The level of pain depends on an individual’s personal pain threshold. However, if you experience excessive pain, you should immediately contact your surgeon to check for any possible complications.

Will There Be Scarring After a Facelift?

In general, any incision made during surgery may leave a scar. Some individuals may have faint scars, while others may have more noticeable ones. The healing of these wounds is also influenced by the patient's genetic makeup. The key skill in facelift surgery is to make incisions in hidden areas, such as along the natural folds, under the ear, or inside the hairline, so that scars are not visible when viewed.

How Long After a Facelift Surgery Can I Exercise?

You can start taking gentle walks after 3 weeks. Intense exercise can typically be resumed after 4-6 weeks.

What is the Success Rate of a Facelift Surgery?

The success rate of a facelift is one of the most interesting aspects of the procedure. The success rate of achieving the desired result with the first surgery is as high as 95%. If the desired outcome is not fully achieved after the initial surgery, the second surgery typically has a 100% success rate in delivering the expected results.