Face and Neck Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Overview
A face and neck lift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of facial aging by tightening underlying tissues, repositioning facial structures, and removing excess skin. Rather than changing your appearance, the goal is to restore youthful facial contours while maintaining your natural facial expressions.
Modern facelift techniques focus on treating the deeper layers of the face—not simply tightening the skin—to achieve long-lasting, natural-looking results.
What Does a Face and Neck Lift (Rhytidectomy) Treat?
A face and neck lift can improve many common signs of aging, including:
- Sagging cheeks
- Deep folds between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Jowls along the jawline
- Loss of jawline definition
- Loose skin and muscle of the neck
- Excess fat beneath the chin (double chin)
- Neck bands caused by aging of the platysma muscle
A facelift does not stop the aging process but can restore a younger, more refreshed appearance.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have moderate to significant facial or neck skin laxity
- Are in good overall health
- Do not smoke, or are willing to stop before surgery
- Have realistic expectations regarding the results
- Wish to achieve long-lasting facial rejuvenation
Every patient receives an individualized consultation to determine the most appropriate surgical plan.
How the Procedure Is Performed
A modern facelift addresses not only the skin but also the deeper support structures of the face. Small incisions are carefully placed around the ears and within the hairline, allowing scars to remain discreet and well concealed. During surgery, the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) is repositioned and tightened. This deeper layer provides structural support to the face and allows rejuvenation without creating an overly tight or "pulled" appearance. The skin is then gently re-draped over the newly positioned tissues, with excess skin removed while avoiding unnecessary tension.
Depending on each patient's needs, the procedure may also include:
- Neck lift
- Neck muscle (platysmaplasty)
- Chin or neck liposuction
- Fat grafting (lipofilling) to restore facial volume
- Chin augmentation
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
- Brow lift
The procedure typically lasts 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery.
Anesthesia
- General anesthesia, or
- Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation (twilight anesthesia)
The most appropriate option will be discussed during your consultation.
Recovery
Most patients return home the same day following surgery. During the first week, it is normal to experience:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Mild tightness
- Temporary numbness
- Mild discomfort controlled with medication
Dressings are removed during the first postoperative visit, and sutures are removed progressively over the following days. Most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities within 2 to 3 weeks, although mild swelling may continue to improve for several months. Strenuous exercise should generally be avoided for approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Results
Initial improvements become visible as swelling subsides during the first few weeks. The final result continues to improve over several months as tissues settle and scars mature. A successful face and neck lift produces:
- Better jawline definition
- A smoother neck contour
- Firmer cheeks
- Reduced jowls
- A refreshed, natural appearance
Although surgery cannot stop aging, results typically remain noticeable for 8 to 12 years, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skin quality.
Combining Procedures
Many patients choose to combine a facelift with other facial rejuvenation procedures to achieve more comprehensive results. Common combinations include:
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Brow lift
- Upper lip lift
- Rhinoplasty
- Chin augmentation
- Facial fat grafting
- Botox®
- Dermal fillers such as Juvéderm®
Combining procedures often allows patients to undergo a single recovery period while achieving balanced facial rejuvenation.
Risks and Possible Complications
Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. Fortunately, complications following facelift surgery are uncommon when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Potential complications include:
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Infection
- Temporary or permanent numbness
- Delayed wound healing
- Skin necrosis (rare)
- Temporary weakness of facial nerve branches
- Hair loss around the incision sites
- Visible or widened scars
- Recurrence of skin laxity over time
During your consultation, all potential risks and expected outcomes will be discussed in detail.
Locations
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Suite 402 - 4e étage
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Phone
514-845-9898