Facelift Information

The first facelift was performed in 1901. Like most surgical procedures, facelifting techniques have improved significantly since first introduction. A successful facelift should not produce a wind-swept, tight unnatural appearance as many did in the past. Today’s techniques enable surgeons to achieve a more natural result.

Initially the procedure involved removing small areas of skin in front of the ears. Until the 1980’s, surgeons tightened only skin. Subsequently surgeons developed the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) lift, tightening the deeper layer of muscles and tissue underneath the skin in addition to tightening.

What does a Face Lift Achieve?

Medically referred to as a rhytidectomy, facelifts are performed on the mid-face region including the neck and jowls (lower jaws) for an overall rejuvenation of the face and neck. It provides a more youthful, softer, smoother and uplifted appearance. Rhytidectomies are popular among both men and women of all ages wishing to restore their youthful look.The facelift particularly improves:

• Saggy jowls
• Loose skin on the neck (often forming a double chin appearance)
  
• Platysmal bands (vertical chords in the neck)
  
• Nasolabial folds (crease from nostrils to mouth) and marionette lines (creases from outer corners of mouth to chin). The creases will only improve, they will not disappear.
  

How is a Face Lift Performed?

Progressively, various methods have been devised for performing facial lifts. Some of the choices include the SMAS lift, mini facelift, endoscopic facelift, mid facelift, Endotine midface suspension and sutures or threadlift.A full facelift requires the surgeon to make a continuous incision on each side of the face. The incision generally starts at the temple, positioned either on or behind the hairline. It continues down toward the ear, curving around the ear lobe and extending behind the ear into the hairline.

The ultimate shape of the incision will depend on the direction of skin pull, the amount of skin removed and preference of surgeon.Following the incision, the surgeon may undertake the following depending on individual circumstances:

    * Elevate the skin as a flap
    * Reposition, tighten soft tissues
    * Suspend soft tissues
    * Redistribute, remove or graft tissue
    * Repair vertical banding in the neck
    * Redrape skin and remove any excess
    * Bring hairline back to normal level
    * Bring hair closer to the ear by making incisions around the sideburn area and at the hairline behind the ear
    * Make additional incision just below the chin to remove excess fat in neck
    * Use liposuction to reduce fat in some areas of the face including neck and jowls
    * Use botox to relax the platysmal bands in neck prior to surgery to improve the outcome

Post Operation

Although the facelift is fairly painless, following the operation you will feel discomfort for weeks. Stitches are usually removed within a week or two. You may not feel drastic improvement within two weeks, it may be two to three weeks before you may like to be seen in public. Depending on your surgeon’s instructions, makeup can usually be applied to hide any bruising around the two week mark.

Pre Operation

To aid the healing process you should steer clear of smoking and drinking alcohol or coffee at least a few weeks before surgery. Smoking will prolong the healing process, alcohol will increase the chances of bleeding and caffeine increases your pulse and raises blood pressure.Facelifting is an invasive procedure requiring expertise skill, it should only be performed by an experienced certified plastic surgeon.

After redraping, the incisions is stitched. Staples to the head, internal glue or drains may be required.The surgeon may also recommend other procedures and techniques such as brow and eyelid surgery and facial implants to complement the facelift and achieve facial harmony.