Technically known as rhytidectomy, the facelift is a plastic surgery procedure which can counteract the effects of time, gravity and sun exposure. The surgery restores a fresher, more youthful facial appearance by improving sagging and loose skin, jowls, excess fat deposits, and creases and folds of the lower face and neck.

Dr. Andrew Kleinman is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in rhytidectomy. He will work closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan to best achieve your desired look. While most facelift patients range in age from their forties to their sixties, facelifts may be performed at other ages as well. As with all types of surgery, anyone considering a facelift should be in good health and realistic about their expectations for the outcome.

Your facelift surgery may be performed with either local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia. Several hours are typically needed to complete the procedure. Incisions are inconspicuously placed to allow the resulting scars to be well concealed, often behind the hairline and within the natural folds of the face and ears. Once the incisions are made, excess fat and skin are removed, the muscles are tightened, and the skin is re-draped.

Recovery after the facelift will involve some bruising and swelling. Most bruising will take two to three weeks to subside. In addition, some discomfort can result which, though usually not too significant, can be countered with medication. Some patients also experience numbness of the skin lasting anywhere from several weeks to several months after surgery. Bandages may be removed within one to five days while stitches are usually removed after about five days. Most facelift patients are back to work and their usual routine within ten to fourteen days.