Facelift/Necklift

Overview

A facelift/necklift (also known as a rhytidectomy) can improve the skin, smooth out deep cheek folds, jowls and loose, sagging skin in the neck that is often associated with aging. As we age, skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag in the mid and lower face. Deep creases appear between the nose and mouth, deep lines draw lip corners downward, jowls appear at the jawline, and neck skin becomes loose and heavily creased.
 
A facelift is designed to correct all of these aging features, restoring a more youthful appearance, uplifted facial contours, and improved facial skin tone. Your fundamental appearance is not changed but a natural, younger appearance is restored.
 
Dr. Delia understands how transformative and empowering it can be to show the world the face you envision for yourself. He collaborates with his patients to restore their aesthetic and create a look that is natural looking, not overdone or looking “operated-on”, and reflects and authentically recreates their youth.

 

Who is a good candidate for a facelift?

Typically, most facelift candidates are in their 40s, 50s or 60s. In certain cases, the procedure can be performed on older individuals. However, best results are achieved with patients who still have relatively good skin elasticity and a strong facial bone structure.

 
In preparation for this surgery, you will need to abstain from smoking one month prior to the procedure and at least one month during the recovery period in order to avoid complications. Also, consumption of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs prior to facelift surgery is not recommended, since they may lead to increased bruising during the course of the procedure.

 

What does facelift/necklift surgery address?

It redistributes fat, smooths and trims excess skin, tightens the underlying muscles, lifts the soft tissues, and reduces the most visible signs of aging to give your face a more youthful look. Dr. Delia utilizes newer techniques such as fat grafting during the procedure to restore facial volume. This not only lifts the face, but restores more youthful facial contours.

What does a it entail?

Performed under anesthesia, a facelift removes the excess skin and fatty tissue around the jaw and neck and provides improved facial contour and shape to reveal a more youthful appearance.

 

During the operation, Dr. Delia will lift your tissues, redistribute fat to the right places, trim excess skin, and then tighten and smooth the remaining skin over the underlying tissues. Typically the incisions are hidden near the hairline for reduced visibility post-operation. This reduces the common signs of aging such as creases beside the nose and mouth, a slacking jaw line, sagging jowls, and fat deposits and bands in and around the neck. Concurrent fat injections can restore volume in these areas as well.

 

The surgery usually lasts approximately two to three hours. You will be able to go home the same day as surgery.  However, during your consultation with Dr. Delia, he can provide you more specific information about what to expect.

 

A facelift can be done alone, or Dr. Delia often performs the procedure in conjunction with other facial procedures such as a brow lift, eyelid lift, and fat grafting to restore facial volume and achieve an overall harmonious and rejuvenated appearance. Sometimes a facial peel may also be done at the same time to improve fine lines and wrinkles as well.

What does a facelift not do?

Although it will improve and enhance the contour of your face and jaw line, it will not correct sun or wind damage or fine wrinkles that have developed on the skin’s surface. To treat these conditions, additional skin care will be needed, which is available in our practice. See our skin care and laser section of this site. These options can be discussed during your initial consultation with Dr Delia.

 

The average facelift done today may last from 5 to 15 years, and follow-up procedures can be performed to keep you looking as good as you can for years to come.

After the procedure

There may be some mild postoperative discomfort, but this is typically managed with medications and will subside after a few days. It is advised that a capable adult stays with you for 24 hours following the surgery to monitor recovery.

 

Any bruising and swelling usually fades within two weeks. After a few days you will be permitted to wear makeup if you deem necessary. After about two weeks, most of Dr. Delia’s patients find that they can return to work. As with any facial surgery, healing continues for six to nine months.  After the recuperation period, many of our patients say: “I wish I’d done it sooner.”

WHO ARE GOOD CANDIDATES FOR THIS PROCEDURE?


Patients with signs of facial aging to include jowling, skin laxity in the face/neck, neck bands (turkey gobbler deformity) as well as loss of volume in the face or cheeks are generally good candidates for a facelift/necklift.
 

Schedule your consultation on Boston’s South Shore

If you are interested in this procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Delia on the South Shore. He will help you safely and effectively reach your aesthetic goals. Contact us or give us a call at 781-934-1599.

Before & After Gallery

    Request A Consultation

    CALL TODAY 1-781-934-1599

    Massachusetts Medical Society
    New England Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
    Northeastern society of plastic surgeons
    Massachusetts Society of Plastic Surgeons