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. Facelift surgery can be performed in an office, surgical center, or hospital. Outpatient procedures are more common and typically involve some combination of local anesthesia, mild sedative, and/or mild intravenous anesthesia, though inpatient procedure requiring a night or more in the hospital may be required, particularly when using general anesthesia or with patients with conditions requiring extra post-operative care.

Incisions are most often placed in the hairline, then pass 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. In order to drain any blood that can form and collect, a small tube may be temporarily placed beneath the skin behind the ear.

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