What is a Face Lift?

Posted on 06. Apr, 2009 in Surgical Procedures

Face lifts (also known as a Rhytidectomy) are among the most common procedures cosmetic surgeons are asked to perform.  Designed to mask or eliminate signs of aging, a face lift is the blanket term for a number of procedures that can be performed to reduce lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and many other signs of ageing.  This is by far one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in existence.

What Can Be Done?

There is much that can be done during a face lift procedure.  For starters, an incision can be made around the hairline and the skin pulled taut and sutured back together.  This is the most common face lift procedure, and results in the elimination of facial wrinkles and firmer skin.  Eyelid surgery removes excess tissue, tightens muscles, and in some cases repositions fat deposits, all through a small and well concealed incision line.  This gives the eyes a more rested and youthful appearance.

Many people also have excess neck skin lifted during a face lift.  This can repair sagging jowls and fat accumulations as well as wrinkles.  During a face lift, many people also have collagen injections to alter the appearance of lips as well as injections of Botox to reduce facial wrinkles further.  There are many procedures that can be incorporated into a facelift, and only your doctor can help you determine what procedures might be best for you.

What Are the Results?

Most face lift results will last a long time, but none are permanent. As skin ages, it loses elasticity, and many people will seek a second surgery many years down the road.  Injections such as Botox and Collagen are more limited in duration that surgery.  With this said, however, many people find that they are highly satisfied with the results of face lift operations, helping to make it one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the world.

Tags: Botox, Collagen, Eyelid Surgery, Face Lift, Rhytidectomy, wrinkles