Facelift (rhytidectomy)

Doctor Arons often recommends facelifts for patients looking to reduce sagging skin on the face and neck. A facelift can be helpful in the quest to make these areas to appear firmer and fresher.

Dr, Arons believes it is important for people considering a facelift to understand that bone structure, heredity, and skin texture all play a role in how many “years” a facelift can “remove” and, to some extent, influence how long it will last.

A facelift is performed on one side of the face at a time, working through incisions that are placed in the hairline, as well as in front of and behind the ears, so that they are as inconspicuous as possible.

The skin of the face is then redraped, and the excess removed. The scars can usually be easily concealed by the hair and with use of makeup when necessary. A facelift can tighten jowls, elevate cheeks, and flatten folds. Extra skin of the neck is redraped. A facelift, like most other plastic surgical procedures, will not necessarily make you look younger, but will make you look livelier and more vibrant.

After facelift surgery, you may experience some temporary skin discoloration and perhaps tightness and numbness. Healing is gradual, so expect to wait several months for optimal results. You should plan to recover at home for at least two weeks. Since your skin will remain somewhat sensitive for a few months, protection from the sun, including daily use of a sunblock, is essential.