Facelift Plastic Surgery

Facelift Surgery

Rhytidectomy or facelift is a highly sought-after plastic surgery procedure for mitigating wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging on the face. The procedure provides for a more youthful jaw and facial appearance. Excess facial skin and fat is removed during the surgery. It also involves tightening of underlying facial muscles.

You should choose a highly skilled and experienced treatment provider for predictable and safe results. The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides facelift surgery to patients in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and surrounding communities.

Who is a Suitable Candidate?

People unhappy with the appearance of drooping muscles, sagging skin and other signs of facial aging may find facelift surgery an ideal procedure. The procedure can help rejuvenate a tired and older looking face. However, your skin should have a certain level of elasticity and suppleness for successful results. You should also possess a strong facial bone structure. This is important since the bone structure supports and enhances the end results.

Facelift Procedure

Your surgeon during rhytidectomy will lift the skin away from the face for tightening underlying muscles and tissues. They will then pull the skin taut over the face. The procedure is usually performed under IV sedation, local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

The surgeon will first place an incision in your temple area going all the way to the ear. Your facial muscles and tissues will be tightened using this incision. After tightening the muscles, the surgeon will pull the skin taut over the face and close the incisions with the help of sutures.

An expert plastic surgeon will make incisions in a discreet manner to hide any subsequent scarring. The procedure may take a few hours to complete depending on the extent of the surgery.

Techniques of Surgery

There are several techniques of performing a facelift cosmetic surgery. Depending on your needs and the extent of rejuvenation required, the surgeon will recommend the most ideal solution.

Endoscopic Facelift

The surgeon will insert a tiny camera through the incision which gives them a view of the underlying facial muscles on the screen. This allows the procedure to be performed in a much more precise manner. Three small incisions are typically placed for removing excess tissues while tightening underlying muscles.

Cutaneous Facelift

This is an older technique and involves removing excess facial skin. Long incision will be placed by the surgeon discreetly along the hairline. This incision is used for lifting the skin and suturing it firmly. There are lesser risks associated with this procedure. It doesn’t involve any changes to the muscular structure as well.

SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) Facelift

This is a popular procedure since it provides comprehensive results. The surgery involves removal of surplus skin and helps tighten underlying facial muscles. The procedure offers complete and natural looking results.

Results and Recovery

Generally, a week of downtime is required after getting a facelift. You would be advised to take gentle walks around the home. You should also perform light activities for ensuring proper blood flow. Cosmetic surgeons at VIPS receive patients from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and nearby areas for facelift surgery.

Contact Virginia Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sundin Today for a Consultation

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Richmond, Virginia, Fredricksburg, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Tidewater, Sullfolk, Virginia Beach, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington and surrounding communities.