Rhytidectomy, or facelift surgery, is the surgical procedure which reduces wrinkling and sagging skin of the face and neck. This is achieved by redraping the face and neck skin, tightening the underlying muscles, and/or removing fatty deposits. To further resolve the effects of aging, facelift surgery is often performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as a forehead lift, rhinoplasty, or eyelid surgery.

Procedures and techniques will vary greatly among surgeons and from patient to patient, however on the whole you can expect the following:facelift procedures typically last between two and four hours, though more extensive procedures may take longer and multiple procedures may require two separate sessions. The surgery can take place in a surgical center, hospital or office. The procedure is most typically done on an outpatient basis while the patient is under some combination of local anesthesia, mild sedative, and/or mild intravenous anesthesia, though some surgeons may choose to hospitalize patients for a night or more, particularly when using general anesthesia or performing the procedure on patients with conditions requiring additional post-operative care.

Incisions are typically situated within the hairline and passing in front of and behind the ears. Sagging muscles may be tightened and fatty deposits removed before the skin is lifted up, the excess removed, and then sutured into place. Following surgery, a dressing is typically applied to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made. This may include wrapping the head loosely in bandages, which helps to minimize bruising and swelling. A small drainage tube may be placed behind the ear temporarily in order to drain any blood that can collect there.

If you have any questions at all about facelift procedures, please don't hesitate to contact us - we will answer your questions!

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