Division of Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Facelift

What is a facelift?

Rhytidectomy, a surgical procedure commonly known as a facelift, involves the removal of excess facial fat, the tightening of facial muscles, and the stretching of facial skin -- to approximate a smoother, firmer appearance. The procedure takes place on either the face, neck, or both.

Depending on the area of the face or neck where the "lift" is to take place, the surgeon will separate the skin from the fat and muscle. The fat is then removed and the skin is pulled back into place with any excess removed.

Possible complications associated with face lifts:

nerve injury
Nerves that control the facial muscles could be damaged. This is usually a temporary post-operative condition.

infection and anesthesia reaction
As with any type of surgery, there is a risk of infection and a reaction to the anesthesia.

hematoma
A hematoma, blood that collects under the skin, could occur. They are generally removed by the physician.

slower healing process (for some people)
Smokers, in particular, may find that the healing process following a facelift is slower than normal.

Who are candidates for facelift?

The best candidates for a facelift are those whose face and/or neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity. The procedure also works best on persons whose bone structure is strong and well-defined.

About the procedure:

Location options include:
- surgeon's office-based surgical facility
- outpatient surgery center
- hospital outpatient
- hospital inpatient
Anesthetic options include:
- general anesthesia
- local anesthesia, combined with a sedative (allows the patient to remain awake but relaxed) for adults
Probable length of procedure: several hours or longer, if more than one procedure is being performed
Short-term side effects of surgery:
- significant discomfort after surgery is not usual
- temporary numbness of the skin

This page was last updated on: September 20, 2007.

For more information about UM Division of Plastic Surgery or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-492-5538 or 410-328-2360 (patients) or 1-800-373-4111 (physicians).