Improves sagging facial skin, a slack jaw, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, and redraping skin. Most patients who desire a facelift are men and women over 40 years old, seeking to remove the most visible signs of aging.

Length:  Several hours.

Results:  Usually lasts 5 to 10 years.

Procedure: Generally, incisions begin above the hairline at the temples, extending in a natural line in front of the ear, and continues behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. The surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below, trimming or suctioning fat from around the neck to improve the contour. He or she then tightens the underlying muscle and membrane, pulling the skin back, and then removes the excess.

Anesthesia:  Local with Sedation, General

Patient Status:  Outpatient - Usually outpatient. If general anesthesia is used, some patients require a short inpatient stay.

Recovery:  Back to work: 10 to 14 days. Avoiding strenuous activity: 2 weeks or more. Bruising: 2 to 3 weeks. Facelift patients should avoid alcohol, steam baths and saunas for several months. Must limit exposure to sun for several months as well.

Side Effects:  Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin. Tight feeling and dry skin. Men will permanently have to shave behind ears, due to the repositioning of beard-growing skin.