A rhytidectomy or facelift is a surgery that aims to reposition the facial structure, restore volume and remove the excess skin that appears with aging by smoothing the effects of time on the skin.

What is the goal of a facelift?

The goal of the facelift surgery is to give the patient a face with a natural, healthy and rested appearance without any signs of surgery or stretched skin.

What is the difference between lifting and minilifting?

The face can be divided into three sections. The upper section includes the forehead, eyebrows, and eyes. The middle has the cheeks or cheekbones and the lower section includes the region of the jaw and neck. When the patient has sagging in all three sections, the required procedure is a full facelift. When only two-thirds or one third has sagging the required procedure is called a minilift. The biggest difference between the two surgeries is the extent of scarring.

Will a facelift surgery remove my face wrinkles?

The main goal of the facelift surgery is to improve facial sagging and not eliminate wrinkles. However, you will see a noticeable decrease in wrinkles following the surgery. Dynamic wrinkles (caused by mimes) and deep grooves will require additional treatments such as fillers and peels.

Will I see scars and if yes, where?

You will have scars in places where they can be camouflaged. The scars usually start on the scalp at the top of the head (temples), pass through the front and behind the ear. The extent of these scars will depend on the areas that will be treated and the degree of skin sagging.

What type of anesthesia is used for a facelift?

The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia.

How is the surgery performed?

The skin is detached from the muscles on the previously defined markings and points are made in the muscles suspending and treating muscle flaccidity. The skin is repositioned again and the excess is removed. Sometimes it takes a cut under the chin to fix the muscles of the neck, where large sagging can occur. In cases of accumulation of fat in the jaw area, we can also perform liposuction for excellent results.

Will I experience pain after the facelift surgery?

Usually not. Simple analgesics are prescribed for comfort postoperatively.

How will I feel post operation? Will my face be swollen?

The postoperative period is usually quiet. Edema (swelling) occurs in the first 3-4 days and decreases afterwards. The purple areas on your face will also disappear in 10-15 days.

How long is the hospital stay?

About 24 hours.

How long is the surgery?

The duration of the procedure is on average 4-5 hours.

What are the most common complications?

Serious complications are rare, but as with any surgery, bruising, infection (more common in smokers) necrosis of tissue and nerve injuries of the face may occur.

There will be curative or drain?

The patient is required to use dressing ("helmet") and a drain in the posterior region of the ear for the first 24 hours. Both will be removed pain free.

When are the stitches removed?

Most stitching is made with absorbable sutures, the rest are removed after 10 to 15 days.

Can I operate my eyelids during a facelift surgery?

Yes! Blepharoplasty (eyelid) surgery is most commonly associated with a facelift for a complete rejuvenation of your face.

• Attend to the surgical site on time;
• Report any abnormalities that may occur to you a day before admission;
• Avoid the use of drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin, etc..) 15 days before surgery;
• Do not discontinue the use of regular medications without the consulting your GP doctor;
• Do not put any makeup on the day of the surgery;
• Wash your hair the day before the surgery;
• Bring sunglasses (in case of eyelid surgery) and button shirts, which make it easier to wear even with the dressing;
• Bring a scarf to disguise the dressing after the surgery.
• Attend the surgery accompanied by a friend or family member.

• Sleep with the head slightly elevated. Avoid lying for long periods of time
• Avoid sun especially if you have purple bruises – this can stain the skin;
• Wash your hair only after removal of the dressings. Do not dye your hair or use a hot dryer;
• You can return to work only after consulting your surgeon;
• Sensations of tightness and callous areas on the face are common postoperatively.