► Departments → Plastic Surgery Unit → Head & Facial Surgeries → Face Lift
 A face lift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure used to reduce facial wrinkles, eliminate telltale signs of aging, and improve the overall appearance of the face and jaw area. Face lift surgery can help reverse the harmful effects of time, stress, and the elements.
Who is the best candidate for the facelift?
Any person with strong well defined facial bone, some skin elasticity and early face and neck sagging. Also, a good candidate must have a realistic expectation. Most of the face lift cases could be done after the age of 40.
The procedures
It usually takes 3 to 4 hours to do a face lift. Incisions usually begin above hair line at the temples extended in front of the ear and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. In case of combined face and neck lift, one more incision is placed under the chin .
All the skin and part of the fat is elevated and dissected from the muscle. The muscle layer which is called SMAS is also dissected and pulled in upward direction and tightens in its place. Skin is pulled backwards and upwards and the excess is trimmed. A small tube may be placed under the skin to drain blood and fluid. Loose bandages will be applied to minimize bruising and swelling .
Where will the surgery be performed?
The surgery will be done either in a well prepared office, day case unit or in the hospital depending on the case and type of anesthesia.
What is the type of Anesthesia?
Most of face lift cases can be performed with local anesthesia and sedation, some surgeons prefer general anesthesia.
What happens after the surgery ?
- There will be some pain and discomfort which usually responds to pain killer. Skin numbness is quite normal but will disappear in few weeks or a month.
- Tubes will be removed in one day.
- Bandages will be removed in 5 days and stitches after 7 days.
- You will be asked to keep your head elevated for a few days after surgery.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity including sex and heavy work for 2 weeks.
- You can start using water base make up in the second week after surgery.
- Avoid sun exposure until all the bruises disappear.
- By the 3rd week you will feel much better.
- You will be able to go back to work in 2 weeks time.
- You can start wearing water based make up from the 2nd week .
Complications
- Very rare and depend mostly on the surgeons experience.
- It could be delayed wound healing or an ugly scar.
- Hematoma or Seroma formation.
- Skin slough or nerve injury
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