A facelift – also known as a rhytidectomy – is a cosmetic surgical procedure used to restore a more youthful appearance to the face and neck. A facelift primarily addresses aging in the lower face and neck. During this surgery, deep lines and creases are smoothed, jowls are removed, and neck skin is tightened. A facelift will take about 10-15 years off your face.
Did you know…
that facelifts are among the top five cosmetic surgeries performed in the United States each year? More than 100,000 of the procedures are done in America every year – the majority of which are performed on women.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for a facelift?
You may be a candidate for a facelift if you are a healthy non-smoker who is interested in rejuvenation of your lower face and neck. Some patients report a “turkey neck” appearance or complain about jowls along the jawline.
What should I expect during a facelift procedure?
Your surgery will either be performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Kulkarni will place the incisions along the crease where your ear meets your face, so that your scar will be well-hidden once everything is healed. Your incision may extend upward or downward along the hairline. The deep layers of your face will be tightened and extra skin will be removed. The neck is typically tightened through a small separate incision under your chin.
Will I need to follow any special post-operative instructions after my facelift?
Your face and head will be wrapped up after surgery. This bulky dressing will be moved the first day after surgery. A smaller dressing will be applied which will help control the swelling. Bruising and swelling is normal and resolves in 1-2 weeks. Most women are “restaurant-ready” after 2 weeks, though final swelling can take up to 6 weeks to resolve.