As people grow older, the natural aging process, genetic influences, exposure to the sun and other factors cause the skin to wrinkle and sag. In the younger individual, the face is firm and smooth due to fatty tissue directly beneath the skin. The tissue, which fills out the contours of the face, gives it an even, rounded appearance. As an individual ages, the skin begins to sag and fit more loosely.
Skin folds become more prominent, particularly around the chin, on the jaw line and on the neck.
In recent years, a remarkable procedure, rhytidectomy or facelift, has been developed to correct these conditions and give people the youthful appearance they desire. This procedure involves the tightening of facial and neck skin and muscles and the removal of excess skin. A facelift can be performed any time after signs of aging appear. Prior to surgery, a medical history of the patient is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. A careful examination is also conducted.