A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical removal of excess facial fat and tense facial muscles and the trimming or redraping of facial skin to improve the appearance of the face and make it smoother and firmer.
Our Capabilities
Our facial plastic surgeons are innovators and national experts in their field. They are among a small group of surgeons trained through double board certification in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Through their training and extensive experience, they have the best-in-class skills needed to transform your appearance.
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Our Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery subspecialists are double-board certified as head and neck surgeons, delivering patients the skills required for superior results in both cosmetic and functional procedures. Our physicians are national leaders in the most complex and innovative facial reconstruction techniques needed for traumatic injuries, cancer and other conditions.
To schedule an appointment, please call the UC Health Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery team at 513-475-8444.
Answers to Your Facelift Questions
Rhytidectomy, a surgical procedure commonly known as a facelift, involves the removal of excess facial fat, the tightening of facial muscles and the trimming or redraping of facial skin to create a smoother, firmer facial appearance. The procedure takes place on either the face, neck or both.
Depending on the area of the face or neck where the "lift" is to take place, the surgeon will separate the skin from the underlying fat and muscle. The fat is then removed. Sutures are used to elevate the supporting fascial layers of the face and neck, and the skin is pulled back into place with any excess removed.
Possible complications associated with facelifts may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Nerve injury. Facial nerve injury or weakness may occur along with numbness or changes in skin sensation. This may be temporary or permanent.
Infection and anesthesia reaction. As with any type of surgery, there is a risk of infection and a reaction to the anesthesia.
Hematoma. A hematoma, or blood that collects under the skin, could occur. They are generally removed by the doctor to avoid pressure on the skin and possible injury.
Slower healing process (for some people). Smokers in particular may find that the healing process following a facelift is slower than normal. Smoking in the period leading up to surgery or after surgery can contribute to skin injury and permanent scarring. Your surgeon may not perform your surgery if you are currently smoking.
Scarring. The scars may not heal properly and be more visible or thicker than desired. This may require further treatment or revision.
The best candidates for a facelift are those whose face and/or neck have begun to sag but whose skin still has some elasticity. The procedure also works best on persons whose bone structure is strong and well-defined.
A facelift takes several hours or longer, depending on the surgery and if more than one procedure is being performed at that time.
Experience and Expertise
UC Health facial plastic surgeons advance the science of discovery and provide state-of-the-art surgical techniques by doing research, teaching the next generation of physicians and pioneering new procedures.
UC Health’s facial plastic surgeons are at the forefront of care. They are double board-certified and highly trained to transform your appearance and restore important function, ensuring only the best results.
Our surgeons trained at the nation’s most prestigious institutions and have performed thousands of facial surgeries, making their expertise unmatched.
We are committed to providing optimal care to your patient and open communication with you. We understand that as a referring physician, you need to be kept informed of your patient’s progress. That’s why we set up a toolbox to share detailed information about your patient’s health with you.
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At UC Health, we lead the region in scientific discoveries and embrace a spirit of purpose – offering our patients and their families something beyond everyday healthcare. At UC Health, we offer hope.