What is a facelift?
The facelift, or rhytidectomy as it is also known, is a procedure which can restore a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance by improving the most visible signs of aging along the lower face and neck. During surgery, excess fat is removed, underlying muscles are tightened and the skin of the face and neck are redraped.

Who is a candidate for a facelift?
Candidates for the facelift include men and women who are looking to improve sagging skin of the face and neck. Individuals who have a strong, well-defined bone structure and some elasticity in the skin tend to achieve the best results. Its also important that facelift candidates be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. The presence of certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, a tendency to form excessive scars or blood clotting problems may require that special considerations be made.

What occurs during a consultation for a facelift?
During the consultation for a facelift, you will meet with either Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota. After carefully examining your face, including the skin and underlying bone, the doctor will discuss your expectations and the possibilities available to you. All details of the facelift procedure will be explained and any questions that you have answered.

Where is the facelift surgery performed?
At Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants, Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota usually perform the facelift in their in-office operating room, a state-of-the-art facility that is fully approved by the American Association for the Accreditation of Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) for class A/B/C surgical procedures.

What form of anesthesia is the facelift performed with?
Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota usually perform the facelift with general anesthesia. However, local anesthesia and sedation may also be an option.

How is the facelift performed?
The facelift begins by making incisions which typically begin above the hairline at the temples and continue in front of and behind the ear, ending at the lower scalp. Working through the incisions, fat will be trimmed or suctioned from the neck and chin, the underlying muscles and membrane will be tightened, and the skin will be pulled back with the excess removed.

How long is the surgical time for a facelift?
The facelift takes several hours on average to perform.

Where are the incisions made for the facelift?
The incisions for the facelift typically begin above the hairline at the temples. They then extend in front of and behind the ear and then end at the lower scalp.

Are there scars after the facelift?
The incisions made for the facelift will result in scars. However, they are generally well-concealed behind the hair or within the natural creases of the face and ears.

How much pain is associated with the facelift?
There is usually some discomfort that can be expected after the facelift, though it typically is not significant. Mediation can be prescribed to help alleviate this.

What sort of recovery is there after the facelift?
After the facelift, bandages may be applied to the face which will be removed after one to five days. If drainage tubes are inserted, they will be removed after about one to two days. Patients can expect some amount of swelling and bruising. Elevating the head after surgery can help to relieve the swelling. Some patients also experience temporary numbness of the skin.

How soon after facelift surgery can patients return to their work?
Most patients are able to return to work and most other normal activities within ten to fourteen days after undergoing a facelift.