Facelift or known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging on the face and neck.

A plastic surgeon looks at the face as four aesthetic units that can be treated individually or together.

The four units or divisions are:

• the forehead and upper eyelids
• the mid face and lower eyelids
• the lower face and lips
• the neck

FACELIFT PROCEDURES

Forehead and Upper Eyes
The forehead is grouped together with the upper eyelids because most cases of upper eyelid skin excess are really due to the brow being too low. Forehead wrinkles can be treated with botox, but this is only for temporary effect. A forehead lift or brow lift done with an endoscope has minimal scars, will give a natural appearance and will correct most of the skin excess in the upper eyelid.

Mid-face Rhytidectomy
The mid face covers the area of the lower eyelids and the cheekbone area down to the level of the corners of the mouth. With the mid facelift procedure, the tissues are suspended to a fixed point above the cheekbone and thus give the cheeks a fuller, younger, look.

A forehead lift in combination with a mid facelift is often an option for patients beginning in the late 30's or early 40's. Another option for the mid face area is to have a thread lift. The thread lift is a more subtle version of the traditional procedure and is performed in the office under local anesthesia. It is ideal for the patient who needs a shorter recovery time and is willing to accept results that will only last a few years.

Mini Facelift - Lower Face and Lips
A mini facelift is usually focused in the lower part of the face ie. around the lower cheeks, nose, lips, jaw and neck areas where wrinkle folds have appeared.

Necklift
The neck area, although not usually the primary focus of most people requesting a facelift, is sometimes desired by patients who want to improve wrinkles and lines in the neck. Whether treating a younger or older patient, the best neck-lift results are when it is done in combination with a lower facelift.

Full Facelift
The ultimate in facelift procedure is a full facelift where visible signs of ageing in all four units/facial areas are surgically removed.