Face-lift

About

A face-lift is cosmetic surgery that tightens loose, sagging skin. The procedure is most commonly done on people ages 40 to 70.

Before and after a face-lift

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You may be a candidate for face-lift if you have:

• A deep crease or fold running from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth
• An undefined jawline with excess skin (jowls)
• Loose skin and excess fatty tissue at the neck

The results of face-lift surgery are visible in the lower two-thirds of your face. Reversing changes in the eye or forehead area may require eyelid surgery or a forehead lift. Removing fine wrinkles that are a natural part of aging, such as those around your lips and eyes, may require a chemical peel or laser resurfacing.

Surgery

A face-lift is usually done under general anesthesia, but sometimes under local anesthesia. The surgery is done through incisions made in skin creases and hair-bearing areas in the scalp above the ears. Mayo Clinic surgeons make every effort to minimize and hide scars in and around the hairline.

The surgeon moves the skin and often the deeper tissues and muscles to achieve the best possible symmetry (balance). Excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed. Face-lift surgery takes three to five hours and usually requires a one-day hospital stay.

Recovery

At Mayo Clinic, you receive close follow-up care to ensure proper healing. You may experience bruising for up to three weeks as well as swelling for at least four to six weeks. You can expect to return to work in about two to four weeks and resume exercise in four to five weeks.

Results

The results of a face-lift usually last five to seven years, depending on your exposure to sun and tobacco products and your genetic makeup.

Risks

As with any surgery, face-lift has risks. These can include:

• Problems related to anesthesia
• Infection
• Ear numbness, facial numbness or paralysis
• Numbness or weakness in moving the eyebrow or corner of the mouth (usually subsides within weeks, but may last for several months or, rarely, may be permanent)
• Hair loss or changes in the hairline
• Skin discoloration or irregularity
• Blood under the skin (hematoma), fluid under the skin (seroma), blood clots in veins (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Partial healing of scars, especially if you smoke

Mayo Clinic specialists work with you to minimize these risks. Your Mayo doctor will recommend:

• Abstaining from all nicotine for at least six weeks before and after surgery. Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and nicotine gum and patches reduce blood circulation and hinder wound healing.
• Avoiding secondhand smoke.
• Controlling blood pressure. High blood pressure may contribute to or cause bleeding.
• Avoiding aspirin, vitamin E and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant medications for three weeks before and after surgery. These medications may cause bleeding.