Facelift

 As we age, time and environmental factors can cause creases and sagging skin to occur. A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, can correct these signs of aging, smoothing the jawline, lifting the cheeks, and removing fat from beneath the chin. 

What is a Facelift? 

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. 

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Heather Rocheford, MD

BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

There are so many fads and false promises out there. It’s almost impossible to make a confident decision without trusted advice, and that’s what I’m here for. My goal is to help you understand what is right for you – based on your unique situation.

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Details Of A Facelift: 

• Surgery:  Surgery is done under sedation or general anesthetic at a hospital. The surgery takes 4 hours and can be outpatient or sometimes an overnight stay. 
• Discomfort:  Mild. Anticipate 0 – 3 days of pain medication. 
• Bruising:  2 – 4 weeks 
• Swelling:  2 – 4 weeks 
• Numbness:  Cheek numbness is expected and lasts weeks to months. 
• Bandages:  Changed in 1 – 2 days. 
• Make-up:  May be worn in 1 – 2 weeks. 
• Work:  You may feel capable of returning within 5 days, but your appearance will be the limiting factor. 
• Exercise:  May be resumed in 2 – 3 weeks. 
• Sun Protection:  Six months with SPF 15 or higher. 

• Final Result:  Seen 1 – 4 months following most facelifts. The duration of the result is 7 – 10 years. 

Patient Gallery

before and after photos

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Who is a Good Candidate for a Facelift? 

Ideal candidates for a facelift are healthy, non-smokers who have a positive outlook on their surgical outcome. Patients who are exhibiting signs of facial aging can look younger in no time. A consultation with Dr. Rocheford is a great opportunity to discuss whether this procedure is a good fit for you. 

The Facelift Procedure 

When it comes to a facelift, patients have three facelift choices, including a traditional facelift, a limited incision facelift, or a neck lift. A traditional facelift starts with an incision in the hairline running from the temples, around the ears, and ending in the lower scalp. Fat can be rearranged, and underlying tissues repositioned. Deep layers of the face can also be lifted. Skin is then placed over the new facial contours and excess skin is removed. A limited incision facelift, or a mini facelift, use shorter incisions that start at the temples are go around the ear and end in the lower eyelid or upper lip. If patients choose to receive a neck lift as well, another incision under the chin will be needed to improve the neck contour. 

Aging of the face can result in jowls, loose skin on the neck, and deep folds on the face. Depending on the degree of looseness, a facelift and/or neck lift can be performed through the incisions shown above. The shorter incisions are for mild cases and the longer incisions for moderate to severe facial aging. The incisions will be hidden in the creases around your ear, and are closed with dissolving stitches. 

Facelift Recovery 

During recovery patients may experience mild discomfort, cheek numbness, swelling, and bruising, makeup can be worn within one to two weeks to cover any discoloration. Patients may return to work within five days, and exercise may be resumed within two to three weeks. Final results from facelift surgery can often be seen one to four months following surgery, with results lasting seven to 10 years. 

Schedule a Consultation 

If you’re ready to discuss your options for a younger, firmer-looking face, now is a great time to schedule your Facelift surgery consultation with Dr. Heather Rocheford at our plastic surgery offices, serving the Twin Cities Metro area including St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury, and beyond. Simply request a consultation online or call Rocheford Plastic Surgery at 651-739-1100 today to schedule your appointment. 

Facelift FAQ’s 

What is a Facelift? 

Also known as rhytidectomy, a facelift in Minneapolis-St. Paul is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. A facelift addresses concerns like sagging, wrinkles, and volume loss. 

What happens during facelift surgery? 

First, medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. A traditional facelift incision often begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls, and neck, and underlying tissue is repositioned, commonly the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted. Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions. 

Does a facelift make you look younger? 

Yes! A facelift can remove as many as 10 years from the facial profile. You’ll look like a younger, more rejuvenated version of yourself. 

How can I tighten loose skin on my face? 

Loose skin in the face is usually caused by a loss of volume as you age. A surgical lift is the best way to tighten skin, but non-surgical skin tightening options can also achieve results.