What exactly is a facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that can rejuvenate the face by tightening the muscles of the face and neck and removing excess fat and skin in the area, as well.

How long will a facelift last?

While a facelift can indeed turn back the clock as far as appearances go, it does not stop the aging process and the same stresses that occurred to bring a person to the point where they feel they need a facelift would still be at work.  Years later, patients may look better than if they had not had surgery, but in some cases time does take its toll and some people wish to have a second procedure.  Most people, however, never return for a second procedure.

Will there be scars?

Unfortunately, as with any surgical procedure, there will be scars.  While cosmetic surgeons are trained to close incisions in ways that avoid conspicuous scarring, any time the skin is cut into there will be a scar.  Over time these often fade to become only faintly visible.  Some incisions can be made in places where they may not be noticed as much, such as up in the hairline or in natural creases in the skin.