A
facelift, technically known as a
rhytidectomy (from Ancient Greek ῥυτίς (rhytis) "wrinkle" + ἐκτομή (ektome) "excision", surgical removal of wrinkles), is a type of
cosmetic surgery procedure used to give a more youthful facial appearance. There are multiple surgical techniques. It usually involves the removal of excess facial skin, with or without the tightening of underlying tissues, and the redraping of the
skin on the
patient's
face and
neck. Facelifts are effectively combined with eyelid surgery (
blepharoplasty) and other facial procedures and are typically performed under general anesthesia or deep
twilight sleep.