Face · Facelift
A clearer understanding of facelift surgery.
A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, addresses sagging facial tissues. This overview is a starting point for a conversation about your own anatomy and goals.
What it is
A lift that follows your anatomy.
Changes in the lower face and jawline may be one reason to explore a facelift. The procedure and any additional treatment should be selected around the concerns being addressed.
A facelift does not stop aging or solve every concern about the skin. Ask what surgery could change, what it would leave unchanged, and whether another approach may fit better.
Is it right for you?
A decision made individually.
Candidacy depends on more than age. A surgeon assesses your health, healing risks, expectations, and the changes you would like to address.
- Discuss conditions or medications that may affect healing.
- Be open about smoking or nicotine use.
- Describe your own goals, rather than another person’s expectations.
- Understand both the possibilities and the limitations.
The consultation
Questions worth making time for.
Bring your medical history, prior procedures, medications, and the questions you most want answered.
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Your goals
Describe the changes you notice and what you hope to preserve.
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Your options
Discuss the proposed approach, alternatives, and the reasons behind a recommendation.
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Your preparation
Ask about anesthesia, the care setting, and what you would need to arrange beforehand.
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Your decision
Talk through the potential outcome, risks, recovery, and costs before deciding.
Benefits & limitations
Understand the risks alongside the possibilities.
Potential complications include bleeding, infection, anesthesia problems, scarring, changes in sensation, nerve injury, delayed healing, and an outcome that does not meet expectations. This is not a complete list.
Your surgeon should explain which risks matter in your situation, how they are managed, and the alternatives to surgery. Results vary.
Recovery planning
Make room for healing.
Your instructions should be specific to your operation. A general website timeline cannot tell you when you will be ready to drive, work, or exercise.
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Before surgery
Plan practical support
Ask about transport, help at home, and time away from responsibilities.
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Early recovery
Follow your care instructions
Understand dressings, any drains, medication instructions, follow-up, and symptoms that need a call to the surgical team.
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Returning to routines
Check before increasing activity
Ask when to resume work, exercise, skincare, and other daily routines.
Recovery and results vary. Nellie’s procedure-specific guidance is pending clinical review.
Questions
What people ask before they call.
How do I know whether a facelift is the right option?
An examination and a discussion of your goals help determine whether surgery is appropriate. It is reasonable to ask about alternatives, including doing nothing.
Can a facelift address every sign of aging?
No. Different concerns may involve skin, volume, or tissue position. Ask what the recommended procedure can and cannot address.
How long should I plan to recover?
Ask for guidance specific to your operation and daily activities. Work, exercise, and social plans may each have a different timeline.
What should I ask about costs?
Ask what is included in an estimate, including the surgeon, facility, anesthesia, and follow-up. The practice’s pricing and payment details are still being confirmed.
Can men consider facelift surgery?
A consultation is based on individual goals and anatomy. Men can use this same overview and the For Men section to prepare questions.