Type of Surgery
Information

Last updated: 11/24/2009
A pressure bandage is applied to the face to reduce the risk of hematoma, which is a pocket of blood below the skin. The person may spend a few hours resting in a recovery room to ensure that no bleeding has occurred. The individual then returns...
home. Some surgeons recommend that people stay in a reclining position for the 24 hours immediately following surgery, consuming a liquid diet, and avoiding flexing or bending the neck. Ice packs for the first few days can help to reduce swelling and lower the risk of hematoma. Individuals continue taking antibiotics until the first stitches come out about five days after the procedure. The remaining sutures are removed seven to ten days later. Many people return to work and limited activities within two weeks of the procedure.
Advertisement
Three dimensional animation is used to show what takes place during a standard face lift. Photos of patients before and after face lift surgery are provided.
For a face lift, an incision is made around the ear at the base of the hairline (A). The skin is removed from underlying tissues in a procedure called undermining (B and C). The skin is pulled up to tighten it (D). The skin is stitched into place and excess is removed (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
Search
Other Information
A facelift, technically known as a rhytidectomy (literally, surgical removal of wrinkles), is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure used to give a more youthful appearance. It usually involves the removal of excess facial skin, with or without the tightening of underlying tissues, and the redraping of the skin on the patient's face and neck. The first facelift was performed in Berlin in 1901 by Eugene Hollander. According to the most recent 2007 statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, facelifts were the seventh most popular aesthetic surgery performed after liposuction, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), breast reduction, and rhinoplasty.
Find a Qualified Specialist
Looking for a specialist?
Please enter your zip code.

