You may be candidate for a facelift (rhytidectomy) if you have experienced a loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone of the face and neck. A facelift may also be desirable if you have the appearance of jowls and deep creases between the base of the nose and the corners of the mouth, and developed facial and neck wrinkles. facelift may also be helpful if you believe you lack youthful chin and neck contours and/or feel you have a tired facial appearance.

A facelift is intended to give the patient a more rested and youthful contour to the face and neck.

Facelifts range in size from "mini" to "standard" depending on location and extent of skin laxity. The operation is done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation, or under general anesthesia.

Incisions are made within the hairline (or along the hair margin) above the ear, extending down around the lobe and ending in or below the hairline behind the ear. The subcutaneous layers and neck muscles are tightened, the facial skin is redraped and lifted, and the excess skin is removed.

The patient goes home with head and neck wrapped in dressings, which are usually removed the next day. Minimal initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Sutures are removed within 14 days. Bruising and swelling decrease to "socially acceptable" levels in 10-20 days. The final result of a facelift procedure is evident in 4-6 weeks or sooner, with continued improvement for several months.

Additional procedures that would enhance the result of a facelift are: Eyelid Lift, Brow Lift, Chemical Peel, Facial Sanding (dermabrasion), Chin Enlargement, Nose Reshaping (rhinoplasty), Fat Suction, and Laser Skin Resurfacing.

This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.

The specific risks and the suitability of facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

A face lift surgery usually takes several hours. Every surgeon performs the procedure in his or her own way. Some complete one side of the face at a time and other move back and forth between the sides. The incisions are started above the hair line at the temples, extend in the natural line in front of the ear, and continue behind the ear lobe to the lower scalp. A small incision is made under the chin, if the neck needs work.

The surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat is either trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve contour. Then the underlying muscle and membrane is tightened the skin is pulled back and excess skin is removed. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions. Metal clips may be used on the scalp. After the surgery a drain tube is placed under the skin behind the ear to drain any blood that might collect there. The head may be loosely wrapped in bandages to minimize bruising ans swelling.

BlueWaterArticles.com: - Facelift Surgery May Be The Answer To Attain A More Youthful Look

About the Author

Dave Stringham is the President of LookingYourBest.com an online resource for plastic surgery in Los Angeles. Learn more about breast augmentation and cosmetic surgery procedures.