Rhytidectomy patient shown before surgery with deep cheek folds, jowls and loose skin on the front and side of the neck. Incisions are made on either side of the face from inside the hairline at the temples, in front of the ear, around of the earlobe, in the crease behind the ear and to the lower scalp. The design of these incisions may vary from patient to patient and according to the surgeon´s personal technique. Loose skin is pulled up and backward, and the excess is removed The Postoperative patient with smooter, firmer skin on the face and neck. FACELIFT A facelift can reduce sagging skin on the face and neck, helping these areas to appear firmer and fresher. Your bone structure, heredity and skin texture all play a role in how many "years" a facelift can "remove" and, to some extent, influence how long it will last. The surgeon performs a facelift operation one side at a time, working through incisions that are placed in the hairline, as well as in front of and behind the ears. The incisions are designed to keep the resultant scars as inconspicuous as possible. When necessary, removal of fatty deposits beneath the skin and tightening of sagging muscles is performed. The slack in the skin itself is then redraped and the excess removed. Most of your scars will be hidden within the hairline or within normal lines and creases in front of and behind the ears. The scars can usually be easily concealed by the hair and with the judicious use of makeup. Patients who do not have a significant amount of excess skin may sometimes be candidates for an endoscopic facelift. Using an endoscope, the plastic surgeon can smooth and tighten the skin and muscles through very small incisions that are easily concealed. Depending on the areas of the face and neck which require correction, incisions may be placed in the lower eyelid, upper gumline, beneath the chin or behind the ears. After facelift surgery, you will experience some temporary skin discoloration and perhaps a tightness or numbness in the face and neck. Healing is gradual, so expect to wait several months for optimal results. Since your skin will remain somewhat sensitive for a few months, protection from the sun, including daily use of a sunblock, is essential. You can wear cosmetics shortly after surgery.