Achieve a Youthful Appearance with Facelift Surgery

As we age, the skin naturally loses elasticity, and the effects of gravity, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices begin to show. Wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of facial volume can make us look older than we feel. Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a popular option that helps lift and tighten the skin, giving you a more youthful and refreshed appearance. 

If you're considering getting a facelift, knowing how the procedure works, who is a good candidate for surgery, and what the recovery process is like is helpful. Board-certified Vivian Hsu, MD, at Best Impression Cosmetic Surgery in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, can answer your questions and ensure you have the correct information.  

What is facelift surgery?

Facelift surgery is a cosmetic procedure to address visible signs of facial and neck aging. The surgery lifts and repositions the skin, removes excess tissue, and tightens the underlying muscles to create a smoother, firmer look. It effectively reduces sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls while helping restore facial volume lost with age.

Dr. Hsu makes discreet incisions along the hairline and natural face contours during the surgery to minimize scarring. She then lifts the skin and adjusts the underlying tissue, which allows for removing excess skin and repositioning facial support structures. The result is a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance that lasts for years.

Can I get a facelift?

Good candidates for facelift surgery are individuals who are in generally good health, have realistic expectations, and are bothered by visible signs of aging in their face or neck. Ideal candidates are typically between 40 and 70 years old, though people outside of this age range can still benefit from the procedure, depending on their skin condition and overall health.

A facelift can provide a longer-lasting solution if you have significant sagging or excess face and neck skin that nonsurgical treatments cannot improve. However, it’s essential to consult with Dr. Hsu to assess your skin type, facial structure, and desired outcome. She will help you determine if the procedure is right for you.

How facelift surgery works

The procedure begins with anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Dr. Hsu then makes strategic incisions, usually tucked into the natural creases of your ears or hairline. These incisions allow her to access the deeper layers of the skin and tissue.

After lifting the skin, she may reposition the lax underlying support structures, remove excess skin, and adjust the fat pads in the face to restore a more youthful shape. Dr. Hsu carefully elevates the skin and closes the incisions with stitches.

Some patients may also opt for a neck lift in combination with a facelift to address sagging skin in the neck area, which can provide even more comprehensive rejuvenation.

The length of the surgery varies depending on the extent of the facelift and any additional procedures you opt to include, but most facelifts take between two and four hours. The results are typically visible immediately after the procedure, though some swelling and bruising are common.

Recovery and what to expect after the procedure

The recovery process after facelift surgery generally takes several weeks, but most patients can return to work and light activities after 10-14 days. You may experience swelling and bruising for 2-3 weeks, and those effects gradually subside.

It’s important to follow our aftercare instructions carefully, including avoiding strenuous exercise, sleeping with your head elevated, and taking prescribed medications to manage pain and swelling. You’ll need to avoid direct sun exposure as the skin is more sensitive during healing. 

Benefits of facelift surgery

Facelift surgery transforms your appearance by lifting and tightening your skin for a smoother, more youthful look. You'll see fewer wrinkles and less sagging, regaining those defined facial contours that aging took away. 

Beyond looking better, you'll likely feel better, too. Our patients report newfound confidence after seeing their refreshed appearance in the mirror. This boost in self-esteem often improves how you interact with the world and how satisfied you feel with your appearance.

Is facelift surgery right for you?

If you’re looking for a more long-lasting solution to aging signs, consult Dr. Hsu to assess your unique needs and help you understand possible results. 

Facelift surgery is a powerful way to achieve a youthful appearance that lasts. So, take the first step by calling or scheduling an appointment online today.