Facelift: Rhytidectomy

As we age, gravity takes its most obvious toll on our faces. Over time, we all experience a loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone of the face and neck. If you have developed facial and neck wrinkles, deep creases between the base of your nose and the corners of your mouth (frequently referred to as "parentheses"), a sagging neck, or the appearance of jowls, a facelift can help turn back the clock.

Facelift plastic surgery rejuvenates the face and neck by redraping the skin and repositioning underlying structures of the cheeks, addressing both gravitational and intrinsic changes of the aging face.

Dr. Aronowitz prides himself on exceptional facelift results, and performs surgery in Cedars-Sinai's state-of-the-art surgical facility in Los Angeles. Dr. Aronowitz makes a incision plan that is unique to each patient. He skillfully gives a more rested and youthful contour to the face and neck, with results that range from subtle to dramatic, depending upon your personal preferences.

The Facelift Procedure

Facelifts vary in size from "mini" to "standard," depending on location and extent of skin laxity. The facelift operation is done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation, or under general anesthesia. Incisions are typically made within the hairline (or along the hair margin) above the ear, extending down around the lobe and ending in or below the hairline behind the ear. The subcutaneous layers and neck muscles are then tightened, the facial skin is redraped and lifted, and the excess skin is removed.

Recovery from Facelift Surgery

After surgery, you return home with dressings which are usually removed the next day. Minimal initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Sutures are removed within 14 days.

Recovery time is dependent on the procedures performed. Bruising can last a few weeks with full results evident at 2 to 3 months. With proper care and maintenance results can last 7 to 10 years.

Complimentary Procedures

Additional procedures that would enhance the result of a facelift are Eyelid Lift or Brow Lift.

A facelift is considered cosmetic and is therefore not covered by insurance.

The specific risks and the suitability of facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure can be determined only during your consultation with Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Aronowitz. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk, although major complications are unusual.