Face-lifting has advanced tremendously over the last few decades. A very natural look, hidden incisions and a longer lasting result are possible with a much shorter recovery. 

There are two reasons to consider a facelift, aging and genetic maldistribution of skin and fat. The first patient above showed early signs of aging. She had lost the definition along the jaw line so her cheek and neck looked like they were one continuous surface. When this happens we look older. Recreating the jaw line and cleaning up the neck area creates a much younger and fresher look.

In the second patient above, excess fatty deposits in the neck area make her look older and heavier. In my opinion, fat removal of the jowl areas and cheeks should be avoided in most cases.  

Older people have hollow cheeks, babies  have "chubby cheeks"!  

In many people, the hanging jowls and deep cheek folds are actually mid-cheek skin and fat that has fallen down. If we bring them  back up to where they once were, the result is a longer-lasting and more natural look.

The face and neck are usually lifted together. A small incision is made under the chin to tighten the neck muscles and fix the neck bands if the neck bands are very pronounced. If they are not very prominent, no chin incision is needed. 

Face-lifting takes 2- 3 hours in my practice and is done either asleep or with IV sedation. Patients are usually up and about the same day and back to most activities in about 5 days. Makeup will cover residual  bruising. Pain is very minimal, though most patients note a feeling of tightness. Many patients combine face-lifting with an eyelift or brow lift for complete facial rejuvenation.