What is a facelift?
The term facelift (rhytidectomy/rhytidoplasty) can often be very confusing to patients. This is because there are many portions of the face that can be “lifted” (see Facial Aging section). In plastic surgery textbooks and in Dr. Steiger’s practice, the term facelift (rhytidectomy) generally refers to a “lift” of the lower one-third of the face and the neck. This is performed to correct sagging jowls and neck redundancy (double chin), which develop as we age. A facelift restores a youthful appearance by recreating a well-defined jaw line, smooth neck, and contoured cheek.
A facelift is an operation done on both men and women to enhance the appearance of the aging face. It is a rejuvenation procedure that addresses removal of fat in the neck, tightening of the neck and facial muscles and fascial layers to obtain a more youthful look, and tightening of the jowls and sagging facial and neck skin. This is a very common outpatient procedure, done under general anesthesia that makes patients look more refreshed and rejuvenated.
A facelift is a plastic surgery procedure intended to remove the visible signs of the natural aging process that is seen on the face. Facial aging is sometimes accelerated due to environmental factors. Plastic surgery patients generally have facial plastic surgery beginning in their 30’s and 40’s. Genetics can also influence the aging process, and some people find that their physical appearance is much older than their chronological age. A facelift procedure can improve the most visible signs of the aging by eliminating excess fat, tightening the muscles beneath the skin of the neck, and removing excessive and sagging skin. Facial plastic surgery of this type does not “stop” the aging process but merely “sets the clock back.” A facelift can smooth the appearance of some wrinkles but is more efficient at reducing the amount of loose skin or excess fatty tissue. A facelift can have very dramatic results depending on the patient, but individuals should be realistic about the results they
