What is the medical term for a facelift?

The medical term for a facelift is rhytidectomy. This procedure is focused on surgically removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissues of the face to achieve a more youthful appearance. Rhytidectomy directly addresses the signs of aging by smoothing out wrinkles and lifting sagging skin.

In contrast, rhinoplasty refers to nasal surgery, usually for cosmetic improvements or to correct structural issues with the nose. Dermabrasion is a technique used to exfoliate the skin and improve its appearance, particularly for issues like scarring or uneven texture, but it does not involve surgical lifting. Blepharoplasty is specifically the surgical correction of the eyelids, often performed to remove excess skin or fat around the eyes. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why rhytidectomy is specifically the term that relates to facelift procedures.