As people age, the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun, and the stresses of daily life can be seen in their faces. Aging skin loses elasticity and muscle tone on the face and neck, it develops wrinkles, and loses youthful chin and neck contours.

A Pasadena Facelift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can improve the effects of aging by removing or repositioning fat, tightening underlying tissues, and removing excess skin from the face and neck.

A facelift can be performed in conjunction with other procedures such as a brow lift, dermabrasion, eyelid surgery, lip augmentation or nose reshaping for optimal results.

The Procedure
Facelifts range in size from "mini" to "standard" depending on the location and the extent of skin laxity. A facelift usually takes several hours.

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

Recovery
Following the surgery, the head and neck will be wrapped in dressings, which are usually removed the next day. Minimal initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Some bruising of the skin is quite normal, and will disappear in a few days or weeks. Numbness is also normal and may take a few months to resolve. The final result is evident in 4-6 weeks or sooner with continued improvement for several months.

Results
A facelift can smooth out wrinkles, improve facial and neck contours and give a more rested and youthful appearance. Having a facelift does not “stop the clock”, as your face will continue to age with time. However, you will realistically look 5 to 10 years younger.

Risks
Significant complications from facelifts are unusual. They include hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal), infection and reactions to anesthesia, as well as individual variations in healing. Carefully following your surgeon’s instructions before and after the surgery can help minimize the risks.