A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate and restore facial youth and harmony. Throughout one’s life, the sun’s radiation, stress, gravity, and other factors cause the skin to sag and fit more loosely. Areas of the face and neck, in particular around the jawline, are especially prone to the ageing process. Although these changes are gradual, wrinkles and other signs of ageing can make individuals ‘feel older’ than they really are.
A surgical facelift involves the tightening, elevation, and realignment of facial and neck skin, and in some instances the removal of excess fat deposits. A facelift is often performed in combination with other facial cosmetic procedures and can be performed at any time when signs of ageing begin to appear. However, patients are generally in their forties or older when they elect to undergo this procedure.