As people begin the inevitable process of aging, the effects of sun exposure, gravity and simply the stresses of daily life can be easily recognized in their faces. As the skin loses tone and becomes slack, creases and folds appear where the skin was once smooth. The mouth may turn downward at the corners and the skin of the neck becomes loose. A facelift, technically known as a rhytidectomy, will not halt the aging process but can "turn back the clock" and greatly improve the visible signs of aging by tightening the underlying muscles and re-draping the skin of your face and neck. A facelift may be performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery, forehead lift and chemical peel of the skin.

If you are considering facial surgery, it is very important that you select a plastic surgeon who is experienced in the varying techniques of the surgery and that you thoroughly understand what the procedure entails and what to expect during the recovery stage. Some patients who experience minimal swelling and bruising will return to their usual routines a week after surgery, while others may need several weeks before they are comfortable being seen in public.