Through the aging process, the facial skin will begin to loose its elasticity which may lead some to choose to have face lift surgery. There are many causes for loss of elasticity in the facial skin. Some of these causes are sun exposure, heredity, and weight fluctuations. Face lift surgery can address many of these issues by tightening and firming the skin on the face and neck.

Face lift surgery is most effective for the lower face area, commonly referred to as jowls and neck. A person's double chin can also be improved during the same face lift surgery by a procedure called supplemental lipectomy.

It is common for a surgeon to suggest other procedures to be done at the same time of the face lift surgery to have a more complete facial rejuvenation. Face lifts are frequently done in conjunction with such procedures as upper and lower eyelid surgery. Many patients also opt for injections of collagen or Botox to reduce the deep creases in the forehead or the frown lines between the eyebrows.

Contrary to popular belief, the patient's texture of the skin will not be changed by face lift surgery. No matter how tight the skin is pulled during the surgery, previous conditions will soon reappear. This list of such conditions includes acne scars, fine lines, age spots and smoker's creases.

It is important to do thorough research when choosing a surgeon to perform the face lift surgery. Be sure to ask all the questions regarding the surgery, and ask the doctor to share his photos of recent patients, before and after. Ask the doctor for patient references and follow up on the references.

Face lift surgery may take two to three hours to perform and can be done using either a local or general anesthesia. The incision for the face lift generally begins in the hair near the temple and can continue to the front of the ear and then back into the hair. The surgeon will tighten the muscles and sagging tissue and remove the excess skin.

The surgery may be done in either a hospital or office surgical suite. After the face lift surgery is complete, most patients remain under the surgeon's care for a night to ensure the best recovery process.