Facelift Surgery Overview

A facelift, clinically known as rhytidectomy, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to mitigate the effects of facial aging. The procedure can lessen the appearance of deep wrinkles below the eyes and between the nose and mouth, firm up sagging skin around the eyes and cheeks, tighten droopy skin under the jaw, correct facial asymmetry arising due to fatty deposits, and minimize double chin appearance.

The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin, provides facelift and various other cosmetic procedures. Patients in Richmond, Virginia and surrounding communities have an opportunity to receive facelift and other procedures at the practice.

Surgical Procedure

Facelift plastic surgery may be performed using general anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the situation. Additional procedures along with facelift may be performed in some cases, such as facial implants, Botox or dermal filler injections. Neck lift surgery is usually performed in conjunction with facelift to achieve more uniform looking results.

The surgeon will begin the procedure by placing the incisions in discreet locations. The length and positioning of the incisions will be chosen according to the extent of correction required.

Full Facelift

In case of a full traditional facelift surgery, the incision will follow the hairline from the temples to the lower scalp, around the top of the ear.

This incision will allow the surgeon to pull away the facial mask, and reposition or lift the underlying weak facial muscles and fatty tissue. After the completion of the task, the surgeon will reapply the facial mask over the tightened tissues and remove the excess skin.

Limited Facelift

Some patients may not require full traditional facelift surgery, and may only need a limited maintenance procedure. The surgeon will perform a limited facelift by placing smaller incisions at the hairline of the temple, along the ear and, in several cases, under the upper lip.

Neck Lift 

Neck lift surgery will be additionally performed in many cases to remove sagging and loose skin and fat pockets from the neck area. In this case, the incision will extend from the lower earlobe area around and behind the ear to the lower scalp. The incisions will be carefully closed with sutures once the surgery is completed.

Natural Looking Results

An experienced plastic surgeon will be able to produce natural looking outcomes with minimal scarring. The incision lines will be hidden below the hairline and within the natural face contours. Results will be noticeable, but not obvious, if the procedure is performed correctly. The surgeon will adopt a conservative approach to ensure that the face does not look stretched or ‘plastic’ and retains its natural contours and character.

Recovery

Some degree of pain and discomfort is expected in the first few days after the facelift surgery. This can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the surgeon. The patient will be able to resume their normal routine in about 10 to 14 days in case of a full facelift. Smoking is not permitted during the recovery phase. Strenuous exercises should be avoided for about three to four weeks.

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 Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.