Also known as rhytidectomy surgery, face lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure this is designed to correct wrinkled and sagging skin around the neck and jawline. By removing excess skin and fat, while addressing any issues related to lax facial muscles, cosmetic and plastic surgeons are able to restore a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing appearance to the neck and face. For men this often results in a leaner face, stronger jawline and the elimination of excess fat and skin in the neck. In women, a facelift will smooth facial contours and restore a youthful glow lost due to aging.
As you age, the skin and muscles can lose their elasticity and begin to sag, progressing to undereye bags, jowls, a double chin, and deep creases. The result can be that you look and feel older than you really are.
Facelift surgery can restore a youthful appearance to the face and neck. Some of the main issues that people are seeking to address with a facelift are:
- Gaunt cheeks
- Weak jawline (jowls)
- Nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Vertical neck bands
- Double chin
- Deep folds and wrinkles in the middle/lower face.
If you have a number of issues to address, face lift surgery may be combined with an eyelid lift, brow lift, as well as dermal fillers, in order to provide a more complete rejuvenation of the whole face and neck. While facelifts can only be performed surgically, non-surgical rejuvenation treatments may help delay the time when a facelift becomes appropriate. Additionally, they may complement and improve the results of facelift surgery.
Types of Face Lift
There are variations to the number and placement of the incisions used for face lift surgery. The exact technique used by the surgeon will vary based on a patient’s existing facial tissue, the amount of excess fat and skin to be removed and amount of muscle tightening required to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome that the patient is looking for. Your cosmetic or plastic surgeon will recommend the type of face lift, as well as any secondary procedures, that will together achieve the best results within the budget and expectations that you have set.
Full Face Lift
Traditionally what is thought of when one is considering face lift surgery, a full face lift will correct all major issues related to the lower 2/3’s of the face and neck. This surgery will tighten the skin of the face and neck, addressing sagging cheeks, jowls and neck; while also tightening the underlying facial muscles, providing a complete restoration of the face. The exact location and extent of the incisions will vary based on the patient and the procedures being performed, however, they are generally located in the natural creases surrounding the ear, under the chin as well as in the hairline.
Mini Face Lift
Sometimes referred to as a “limited incision lift” or “s-type lift”, mini face lift surgery is generally reserved for those who want a softer look in the cheeks and jowls, have previously undergone full face lift surgery and would like a ‘freshening up’, or are of a younger age. Mini face lift incisions tend to be limited to the area around the ear, sometimes extending into the lower hairline. With this limited approach, less skin is removed than with a full face lift and usually does not involve tightening the underlying facial muscles.
Mid-Face Lift
Sometimes referred to as a “cheek lift”, a mid-face lift is designed to correct issues related to sagging in the central region of the face and can also improve nasolabial folds surrounding the nose and mouth. A mid-face lift is ideal for those who do not have prominent sagging in the lower region of the face and neck and are typically younger than those who go through with a full face lift.
Lower Face Lift
Sometimes referred to as a “neck lift”, a lower face lift is designed to addresss issues of deep wrinkling and sagging or jowling in the neck. A lower face lift is ideal for those who believe that their appearance would benefit greatly from the addressing of these issues. Incisions for this surgery are located along the hairline and down in front (or behind) the ears in order to help lift the neck up. Lower face lift may be combined with liposuction in order to remove excess fat to aid in the contouring of the neck and jawline, eliminating the appearance of a “double chin”.
Face Lift Surgery
Face lift surgery is a relatively straightforward, outpatient procedure, that is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia or using a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
There are variations to the number and placement of the incisions used for face lift surgery. Given the particulars of your specific case and desired outcome for the shape and appearance of your face and neck, your surgeon will employ one or more of the methods for conducting a lift (described above) after having discussed it with you during your consultation.
The surgeon will then remove or reposition fatty deposits, remove sagging skin, and correct any issues with the underlying muscle structures before re-draping the skin of the neck and face, ensuring it lies flat and smooth on the improved structure of your face. Next, your cosmetic or plastic surgeon will close the incision with a number of fine sutures in order to minimize the visible appearance of your scars.
Face Lift Surgery Recovery
Depending on whether a patient underwent a mini face lift or a full face lift, recovery times may vary quite substantially. However most patients take 10-14 days off from work to rest and heal at home, although they are still able to move about the house and participate in light activities.
In some cases, patients may be given drainage tubes to prevent fluid accumulation. These tubes will be removed at a follow-up appointment. It is very important to carefully follow your plastic or cosmetic surgeons’ directions for self-care after surgery.
In the weeks following face lift surgery, it is common to feel some numbness in the skin of the face and around the ear. Be sure to keep your head elevated, limit physical exertion, and apply cold compresses to sooth pain and reduce swelling.
If pain and swelling persists, contact your surgeon to find out if your pain, redness and swelling is normal, or a sign of a problem requiring additional attention.
Considerations
Face lift surgery will permanently restore a natural, youthful, appearance to your lower half of your face and neck through the removal of excess skin and fat, while also tightening facial muscles. As one of the more popular elective procedures, face lift surgery is quite safe. However, no surgery is completely free of risk.
In general, potential risks of face lift surgery include reaction to the anesthesia, bruising, swelling, loss of sensation, scarring, damage to local tissue and structures, infection, excessive bleeding, hair loss, irregular contours or asymmetries, and the need for revision surgery.
Be sure to speak with your cosmetic or plastic surgeon about the benefits and limitations associated with face lift surgery, and ensure that you fully understand the procedures and their related complications prior to proceeding with your surgery.
