Facelift & Necklift

Home / Facelift & Necklift

Facelift Surgery & Necklift Surgery

Some of the most visible signs of aging first appear on the face. You may feel that the face you see in the mirror doesn’t reflect the way you feel about yourself. If you would like to look as good as you feel a facelift surgery (with necklift surgery) can make your face appear firmer, fresher and younger.

facelift surgery or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as:

  • Sagging in the middle of your face
  • Deep creases below the lower eyelids
  • Deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
  • Fat that has fallen or has disappeared
  • Loss of skin tone in the lower face that creates jowls
  • Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw can give even a person of normal weight the appearance of a double chin

Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a facelift are brow lift(to correct a sagging or deeply furrowed brow), eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to rejuvenate aging eyelids, autologous fat transfer to fill up deep creases, hollowed areas and to rejuvenate facial skin (nanofat) and facial implants to augment certain facial contours. A facelift does not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process.

Non-surgical procedures such as chemical peels, lasers, Botox and fillers may also be used to further complement the effects of a facelift.

How is facelift performed?

Facelift is performed in an operation theatre under general anaesthesia.

Depending on the changes you would like to see and on the extent of tissue laxity, a customized facelift and necklift can be performed.

  • Traditional facelift – The incision is typically hidden in the natural contour infront of your ear, extends above in the hairline up to the temple region and extends below around the earlobe and back into the hairline. Working through these incisions, the facial skin is freed from its underlying tissues and pulled upwards and backwards. The excess skin is then removed. In most cases, the deeper tissues are also repositioned or tightened to restore a more youthful contour to your face.
  • MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) lift – The incision is in the natural contour infront of your ear, extends across the sideburn area and along the hairline up to the level of your eyebrows. The skin is lifted off the underlying tissue and the supporting tissue of the face is lifted up and anchored superiorly by 2 to 3 strong sutures. The excess skin is then trimmed off.
  • Other variations such as Limited facelift or Pinch facelift may be considered. Your cosmetic surgeon will suggest these as per your requirement.
  • In some cases, only a neck lift may be performed with an incision behind the ears.

Liposuction of the lower face and neck region is an integral part of every facelift. If necessary, an incision is taken under the chin to remove fatty tissue (from deeper plane) and to tighten neck muscle.

The incisions are meticulously closed. Sometimes, small drainage tubes are placed beneath the skin to drain away fluids that may otherwise accumulate.A compressive dressing is placed over the face. Any discomfort will be controlled by medications.

Recovery

It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies from patient to patient. The compressive dressing is commonly replaced by a compressive garment (customized) on the next day after surgery. The first couple of days after surgery you should restrict your activities and sleep with your head elevated for the first 2 weeks. This will help to minimize swelling. In addition, facial movements may be temporarily restricted or impaired. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. The compressive garment must be worn for 2-4 weeks.

By the first week the stiches will be removed and you will be permitted to wear makeup and do light activities. After two weeks you may resume all routine activities (except exercises) and most of the swelling would have disappeared. You may resume exercises after 4 to 6 weeks. You should avoid exposure to sunlight for few months.

Possible risks

Facelift / necklift surgery is a surgical procedure and has some potential problems associated with it. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

Some of the possible risks include:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Poor wound healing and skin loss
  • Facial nerve injury with weakness
  • Temporary or permanent hair loss at the incisions
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
  • Persistent pain
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Prolonged swelling
  • Skin irregularities and discoloration
  • Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
  • Unsatisfactory results may include: asymmetry, unsatisfactory surgical scar location and unacceptable visible deformities at the ends of the incisions.
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications.

Consultation

During consultation be prepared to discuss:

  • Your surgical goals
  • Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
  • Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
  • Previous surgeries

Your aesthetic surgeon will also:

  • Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
  • Take clinical photographs
  • Discuss your options
  • Recommend a course of treatment
  • Discuss likely outcomes of surgery and any risks or potential complications

It’s very important to understand all aspects of your procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your cosmetic surgeon.

Preparing for Facelift Surgery

In preparing for Rhytidectomy surgery, you may be instructed as follows:

  • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Be sure to arrange for someone to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.