A facelift, also known as rhitidectomy, removes excess skin and tissue from the face and neck to reduce signs of aging like sagging skin and jowls. The procedure takes 2 to 4 hours and recovery takes about 2 weeks, with head bandages worn for the first week and swelling and bruising subsiding after that time. The goal of cosmetic surgery like a facelift is to improve the physical appearance of patients through procedures performed skillfully by trained professionals.