If you are bothered by the signs of aging in your face, a facelift may be right for you. Technically known as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as:

• Sagging in the midface

• Deep creases below the lower eyelids

• Deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth

• Fat that has fallen or is displaced

• Loss of muscle tone in the lower face may create jowls

• Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw can make even a person of normal weight appear to have a double chin

Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a facelift are brow lift, to correct a sagging or deeply furrowed brow, and eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes.

What it won’t do:

As a restorative surgery, a facelift does not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process.

A facelift can only be performed surgically; non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time at which a facelift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery.

Is it right for me?

A facelift is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

Facelift surgery may be a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy

• You don’t smoke

• You have a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance