Blog Video | All About Facelifts | Garth Fisher, MD, FACS

Dr. D. Garth Fisher Plastic Surgeon Beverly Hills, CA

A board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Garth Fisher diagnoses and treats patients at his private practice in Beverly Hills, CA. Recognized as one of the best facial plastic surgeons in the world, he takes on restorative, complex, and challenging cases. His clientele includes entertainment and fashion icons, A–list celebrities,... more

Why Have a Face-Lift?

A face-lift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the face and create a more youthful look. The procedure addresses aging-related changes in the face such as sagging cheeks, excess skin at the jawline, deep skin folds, and fat deposits in the neck. The procedure is performed by pulling back flaps of skin on each side of the face, altering the underlying tissues, and removing excess skin.

People opt for a face-lift for various reasons. Some may be unhappy with the aging process and the changes that have occurred in their appearance. Others may have lost weight, and their skin has become loose, which can affect their confidence and self-esteem. Some people may have inherited facial characteristics that they are unhappy with, and a face-lift can help them to improve their appearance.
A face-lift is not a cure-all solution, and it will not correct damage caused by sun exposure, such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, other cosmetic procedures, such as skin resurfacing, Botox, or dermal fillers, can address these issues.

During a face-lift, the surgeon makes incisions, typically along the hairline, in front of the ear, and around the earlobe. The skin is then pulled back, and underlying tissues are repositioned to create a more youthful shape. Excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed with stitches. A neck lift is often done as part of a face-lift to reduce sagging skin and fat in the neck area.
A face-lift is a major procedure and should only be done by a qualified, experienced cosmetic surgeon. Before deciding to have a face-lift, it's important to discuss the risks and potential benefits with your surgeon.