Facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic procedure that improves sagging skin, deep facial folds and loose skin around your jawline and neck. It involves lifting and repositioning facial tissues and removing excess skin to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
At the CK Birla Hospitals, Kolkata, you can consult our specialists to understand the procedure, discuss your concerns and explore suitable treatment options based on your needs.
Facelift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that improves visible signs of ageing in your face and neck. It mainly addresses sagging skin and changes in the underlying facial tissues.
As you age, your skin loses elasticity. This can cause your cheeks to sag, your jawline to lose definition and folds around your mouth to become deeper.
A facelift may help improve:
A facelift does not stop ageing or remove every wrinkle. It also does not treat skin concerns such as sun damage, pigmentation or fine lines.
A facelift works by lifting and repositioning the tissues beneath your skin. The surgeon may also remove excess skin and fat to improve your facial contour.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in selected areas of your face to access the underlying tissues. These tissues are lifted or tightened, and excess skin is removed.
The remaining skin is then placed over the repositioned tissues. The aim is to reduce sagging while maintaining your natural facial features.
You may consider a facelift if you have sagging skin or changes in your facial shape that you want to improve.
You may be a suitable candidate if:
Your age alone does not determine whether you can undergo surgery. Your skin condition, overall health and treatment goals are also important.
Facelift surgery can improve facial contours and reduce visible signs of ageing. Its benefits may include:
The results vary depending on your skin condition, surgical technique and healing process.
The facelift procedure is planned according to your facial structure and treatment goals. It generally involves the following steps.
Your surgeon examines your face and neck and reviews your medical history, current medicines and previous surgeries. You can discuss the changes you want to improve and understand the available surgical options.
Facelift surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia. In some cases, local anaesthesia with sedation may be used. Your surgeon will explain the suitable option.
The surgeon usually makes incisions around your hairline and ears. The location and length depend on the type of facelift being performed.
The surgeon lifts the skin to access the underlying tissues. These tissues are tightened or repositioned to improve your facial contour. Excess skin is removed.
The incisions are closed with stitches. A dressing may be placed around your face to help manage swelling and bruising.
The procedure usually takes a few hours. The duration depends on the surgical technique and whether other procedures are performed at the same time.
Recovery after facelift surgery takes time. You may experience swelling, bruising, tightness or numbness around your face during the first few weeks.
These symptoms gradually improve as your face heals. Your surgeon will explain how to care for your incisions and when you can resume your regular activities.
|
Recovery period |
What to expect |
|
First few days |
Swelling, bruising and mild discomfort. |
|
First 1–2 weeks |
Swelling and bruising gradually improve. Stitches may be removed. |
|
2–3 weeks |
Many patients can return to work, depending on their recovery. |
|
Following months |
Remaining swelling settles, and facial contours become more defined. |
Contact your treating team if you experience severe pain, unusual swelling, bleeding or signs of infection.
At the CK Birla Hospitals, Kolkata, we understand that deciding to undergo facial cosmetic surgery is a personal choice. We help you understand your treatment options and guide you through the process.
Our team helps you understand each stage of treatment, from the initial consultation to recovery.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, poor wound healing, changes in skin sensation and complications related to anaesthesia. Rare complications may include facial nerve injury or fluid collection beneath the skin.
There is no fixed age for facelift surgery. Many people consider it in their 40s, 50s or 60s when signs of facial ageing become more noticeable. Your overall health and skin condition are more important than your age alone.
No. A facelift can reduce deep facial folds and sagging skin. However, it does not remove all wrinkles or treat fine lines, pigmentation and sun damage.
Yes. A facelift can give your face a more refreshed and youthful appearance by improving sagging skin and facial contours. It does not stop the natural ageing process.
No. Facelift results are long-lasting but not permanent. Your face continues to age after surgery. Results may last around seven to ten years, although this varies from person to person.
Yes. A facelift involves surgical incisions, so scars are expected. The surgeon usually places them around your hairline and ears, where they are less noticeable. They generally fade over time.
Many patients return to work within two to three weeks after surgery. However, your recovery depends on the surgical technique, overall health and healing process. Your surgeon will guide you on when you can safely resume work.
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