As people age, several factors, including the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun, and the stresses of life, can be seen in their faces. Creases can form between the nose and mouth, the jawline can become less defined, forming jowls and folds, and fat deposits appear around the neck.

Nothing, even a facelift, can stop this aging process. What a facelift can do, however, is improve the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck. A facelift can be done alone, or it can be done in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nasal surgery.

The Procedure

Generally, incisions are camouflaged in natural creases around the ear and in the hairline. The position and length of the incision can vary, depending upon the degree of changes that need to be corrected. To provide a longer lasting and effective facelift, the support structures of the face are tightened and re-suspended along with the removal of excess fat and skin.

Surgery usually lasts between 3 and 4 hours in length and is performed in an accredited surgery center or hospital. It is usually suggested that patients have an overnight stay at an aftercare facility the night of surgery. All patients are seen the morning following surgery and then you are able to return home.

Results

Having a facelift does not stop the aging process. The results of a facelift may last five to ten years and you may want to repeat the procedure in the future. The effects of a facelift are, however, lasting. You will continue to look better and younger than if you had never had the surgery at all. You can prolong the benefits of your facelift by maintaining your overall health and taking good care of your skin with the use of sunscreen and noninvasive skin care treatments.

Other Procedures

A facelift will only rejuvenate the lower two-thirds of your face. Often, a facelift is combined with eyelid and/or forehead surgery at the time of a facelift to restore a more youthful appearance and maintain harmony throughout your face. Additional procedures will depend on the needs of the patient and how your face has aged. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your face comprehensively to determine a plan specific to your individual needs in order to achieve your desired look.

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About the Author

LookingYourBest.com is an online resource for facelifts in Irvine. To learn more, please visit http://lawtonmd.com/facelift.asp and http://www.lookingyourbest.com/facialplasticsurgery/articles/Facelift-Rhytidectomy.