A facelift procedure may include surgery on the face, neck, and/or around the ears. This type of surgery does not reduce fine lines and wrinkles or reverse sun damage.

A facelift is considered an elective procedure that is done for cosmetic reasons. There are other types of facial plastic surgery that can be done to correct issues such as traumatic injuries and congenital deformities, but these do not involve a facelift.

Read more to learn about the purpose of a facelift surgery, inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as preoperative preparation prior to the surgery.

Facelifts are performed to reduce some signs of aging in the face and neck.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the purpose of a facelift is to reduce:

Relaxation of the skin of the face that is causing saggingDeepening of the fold lines between the nose and corner of the mouthFat that has fallen or has disappearedJowls developing in the cheeks and jawLoose skin and excess fat of the neck that can appear as a double chin or “turkey neck”

Criteria

A facelift can only be beneficial if the appearance of the face can be surgically altered to achieve the goals that you are looking for. Sometimes, the desired appearance cannot be attained with a facelift. Certain criteria can help determine whether this surgery would be beneficial for you.

Criteria include:

Strong angular bony skeleton with a normal or high positioned hyoid complex (bones of the throat)Minimal facial and submental fat and appropriate facial skin elasticitySmooth non-sun-damaged skin without deep rhytids (skin wrinkles)No substantial systemic diseasePsychologically realistic and well-motivated

Some conditions that could make you ineligible for this procedure include:

Being an active smokerGoing through a life-changing situationEmotional instabilityBody dysmorphic disorderObesityMajor weight fluctuations or a plan to lose a substantial amount of weight after the surgeryUnable to tolerate deep sedation or general anesthesiaNot medically cleared for surgery for cardiac or other reasonsActive vasculitis or autoimmune diseases specifically related to the facial skin, such as facial sclerodermaTaking chemotherapy or a chemotherapeutic type medicationA history of full course radiation to the preauricular and infra-auricular neck skin (near the ear)A low hyoid, producing a very obtuse cervicomental angle (the angle between your chin and your neck)Very deep nasolabial groovesProminent cheek mounds and folds

Tests and Labs

Depending on the type of anesthesia you are having, any underlying medical conditions you have, and how recently you have had a physical examination and routine lab tests, you may need some preoperative testing. These may be ordered by your plastic surgeon or your primary care doctor.

Along with a routine physical, you may have one or more of the following:

Coagulation blood tests: Determines how quickly your blood clots Complete blood count (CBC): Evaluates for anemia and infection Blood electrolyte levels: Evaluates your body’s balance of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes that affect heart function Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine: May be needed if you have kidney disease Urinalysis: Can identify kidney and bladder infections

Other preoperative diagnostic tests you might need include:

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This study measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormalities and arrhythmias or dysrhythmias.

If your preoperative screening indicates that you have a serious or untreated medical problem, that might result in postponing or canceling your procedure.

Pregnancy is a contraindication for facial plastic surgery. On the day of surgery, you may have a urine pregnancy test if there is any chance that you could be pregnant.

Because of the possible emotional and mental stress of having a facelift procedure, some surgeons will also recommend a psychological evaluation to ensure you are ready for the procedure and recovery.

A Word From Verywell

The possible visual and psychological benefits of facial plastic surgery can be life-changing—however, it is important to have realistic expectations.

Undergoing this type of surgery is an incredibly big decision, one that requires deep consideration and thought. This procedure changes your outward appearance and it is often impossible to “re-do” the surgery if you are unhappy with the results.

Fully understanding the purpose of a facelift, surgical risks, and potential complications, as well as all inclusion and exclusion criteria, can help you make an informed decision.