A face lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves tightening and lifting the skin on the face to improve its appearance. The goal of this surgery is to reduce or eliminate wrinkles, fine lines, sagging jowls, and other signs of aging in order to restore a more youthful look to the patient's face. During the procedure, which usually takes several hours, an incision is made along the hairline, and excess skin is removed before the remaining skin is tightened and lifted. After surgery, patients typically experience some swelling and bruising, but these side effects should subside within a few weeks as the body heals. While face lift surgery can be effective in improving facial appearance, it does not prevent future aging or change other factors that contribute to an aged look, such as sun damage or weight loss.