The traditional facelift is most effective in improving the mid and lower face, as well as the neck. Additional procedures can be performed at the time of facelift, or as separate operations, to improve the forehead and brow, eyelids, and wrinkles around the mouth. The facelift procedure is performed to tighten the skin of the face and the neck, and give the patient a more youthful, rested and freshened appearance. This procedure includes, as necessary, tightening of the muscles of the neck, and removal of excess fat in the neck.

This procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia, but can be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Though most commonly this operation is done as an outpatient procedure, minimal activity during the first 24 hours, with some form of skilled nursing observation is recommended by most surgeons, as problems such as postoperative bleeding can occur during this time.

The operation is performed through incisions that begin on the scalp, in the temple area, and extend in front of the ear. It then continues around and behind the ear, curving into the hair-bearing scalp. The skin of the face is lifted off of the facial muscles then pulled back in a tighter position. Some surgeons may tighten the facial muscles at the same time. Both sides of the face are addressed in a similar fashion. In some patients tightening the muscles of the neck, and removal of excess fat in the neck, is also done through a small incision made beneath the chin.

The surgery can last a few hours, and the stitches are usually removed in stages over the next five to ten days. Bruising and swelling can last up to 4 weeks, and it may be several months before all of the swelling is gone. The scars fade over several months, and in most cases is minimally noticeable. In some cases scars may heal thicker than normal and require some secondary procedures. Like any operation, the risks include blood accumulation under the skin, which can cause scarring, irregularity and discoloration of the skin. Occasionally, it may be necessary to reopen the incision to remove the blood. Other problems may include infection, hair loss, and poor skin healing with scarring. Skin loss is more common in individuals who are smoke, and quitting tobacco, at least a few weeks before surgery, is strongly suggested by most plastic surgeons. Numbness in areas near the incisions is normal for several months following surgery, and in a large number of cases it resolves over a period of time. In rare situations there can be loss of function of the muscles of animation and facial expression, because of injury to the nerves supplying these muscles. In most cases this is temporary, but in rare cases it can be permanent.

The goals of facelift surgery are to give a more youthful and rested appearance, and how long the results last vary from patient to patient. Makeup can be applied within a few days after surgery. There is no upper or lower age limit for individuals desiring this operation. While correction is usually performed in the '60s or even early '70s, over stretched muscles with lack of tone may become more difficult to repair, and the results, while still excellent, may not last as long. When surgery is carried out at a younger age, the results tend to last longer, although the initial change may not be as striking. In general, patients are extremely pleased with this kind of surgery, and some may even repeat it after a few years.