As part of the aging process our skin progressively loses its elasticity and our muscles tend to slacken. The stresses of daily life, effects of gravity and exposure to sun can be seen on our skin. The folds and smile lines deepen, the corners of the mouth droop, the jaw line sags and the skin of the neck becomes slack. Around the eyes; the eyebrows droop and the skin of the eyelids gathers in loose folds. In the skin the first sign is fine wrinkles developing around the lips, at the outer corners of the eyes and lines of expression. The rate at which this happens varies from one person to another and is probably determined by our genes. Substantial weight loss can produce similar changes in facial appearance to those of the ageing process.

Facelift surgery, clinically known as rhytidectomy, is a procedure used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and other telltale signs of ageing, with the goal of improving the overall appearance of the face and jaw. Facelift surgery can help to reverse the harmful effects of time, stress, and exposure to the elements. To perform this procedure, a facial plastic surgeon will lift and tighten the underlying muscles of the face to create more aesthetically pleasing contours and rejuvenate the facial appearance structure. Then he or she will remove excess pockets of fat and skin that can contribute to an aged, tired appearance.

Facelift surgery can be an effective way to improve appearance and boost self-confidence, but it is not for everyone. Some patients might find that they can achieve their cosmetic goals with a non-invasive procedure, such as a chemical peel or microdermabrasion. Others may be happier with their results if they combine facelift surgery with other procedures, such as a neck lift or forehead lift (also known as a brow lift). Patients who understand both the possibilities and limitations of facelift surgery tend to be more pleased with their results.

Facelift Surgery