Facelift procedure

Face Lift surgery remains one of the most important parts of facial rejuvenation. Over the last handful of years a tremendous amount of new technology such as fillers, Botox, and non-invasive skin rejuvenation have been introduced. All of these new technologies have helped to diversify the options for facial rejuvenation. 

Despite these new, less invasive technologies, Face Lift surgery remains an important part of facial rejuvenation. Face Lift surgery remains the only way to reposition the deeper tissue of the face and neck back up to where it used to be. 

• jowling: see at the border of the jaw line near the corners of the mouth

• nasolabial folds: as the cheek tissue droops down, the nasolabial folds deepen

• platysma bands/loose neck: sometimes referred to as a turkey neck, this occurs when the platysma or neck muscle loosens and droops down. Our Scottsdale facelift surgery is often performed together with neck lift surgery.

• marionette lines: the downward facing corners of the mouth that result from loose facial tissue

• hollow eyes: the lower eyelid-cheek area is often affected by the facial tissue drooping down. This is often treated in combination with fat transfer and or lower eyelid surgery as well as a face lift.

TIGHTENING OF THE SKIN

Once the skin has been lifted, the doctor tightens and repositions muscle and connective tissue and then closes the sutures ensuring there is no tension on the incisions. The surgery can take between 2 to 5 hours depending on how many areas are being treated.

A supportive bandage is placed around the chin and neck, if the neck was treated, and the patient is then taken to the recovery suite. Once the patient has fully come out of the anesthetic and is stable, he or she can return home to recover.

Different Types of Facelifts

SMAS FACELIFT

SMAS is an acronym for Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System. It is the layer of tissue that lies on top of the deeper tissues and structures of the face and neck, including the entire cheek area. It is also attached to the platysma—the superficial muscle covering the lower face and neck. The ‘SMAS’ weighs more than the skin itself. As such, this weight can drag the skin downward. During a ‘SMAS’ facelift the doctor will lift the underlying muscle and tissue, rather than just pulling or stretching the skin over a sagging face. The result is years taken off your appearance and a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.

DEEP PLANE FACELIFT

The deep-plane facelift is a longer lasting alternative to more traditional facial surgery procedures. Due to the limitations involved with skin-only and ‘superficial musculoaponeurotic system’ or SMAS face lifts, many patients opt for the deep-plane procedure. As the deep-plane lift reaches one layer deeper below the SMAS instead of above it, there is no tension that can create the all too common “pulled” or “stretched” look. Instead, the results are a more natural looking rejuvenation of the entire face.

MINI FACELIFT

Some patients have just a few specific areas of the face they wish to address. In such patients, the endoscopic, or mini-face lift can accomplish dramatic improvements while remaining far less invasive than traditional facial surgery procedures. This is particularly applicable to patients who are relatively young. Instead of the numerous, larger incisions typically made during a traditional facelift, an endoscopic procedure requires incisions that are less than an inch in length. The doctor will carefully and discreetly place the incisions above the hairline or behind the ear, making them virtually invisible.

NON-SURGICAL FACELIFT

For those patients seeking facial rejuvenation without the time consuming, costly and often risky side effects of invasive surgery, the non‐surgical face lift or commonly deemed “liquid facelift” is an excellent and highly effective alternative. Through the careful and delicate art of injecting dermal fillers, the doctor can take years off your face, creating a beautifully refreshed and youthful appearance. Often, a non‐surgical face lift for those patients typically in their 30’s and 40’s, is the PERFECT solution to aging gracefully.

Preparing for Facelift Surgery

Preparations for a facelift surgery are straightforward and handled entirely at our practice. They involve a medical evaluation, potentially making adjustments to medications you might be taking, and avoiding aspiring, anti-inflammatories and herbal supplements, all of which can increase bleeding and bruising.

Patients who smoke cigarettes will be required to stop smoking for two weeks prior to surgery and for the duration of recovery, as it constricts blood vessels and reduces regenerative oxygen supplies within the body. Aside from this, a few minor points may be directed during a patient’s private consultation with the doctor well before the facelift is scheduled to be done. The simple points of preparation make a tremendous difference in the ease and speed of recovery and the success of your facelift procedure.

Recovery

Patients will need about a week to complete the first stage of recovery. During this time there will be a feeling of pressure and some bruising and swelling, which varies by patient.

Pain medication will be prescribed for the first week or so and then over the counter medication is usually sufficient.

Patients usually don’t feel comfortable being seen during the first week of recovery. When arranging time off work, facelift patients generally need at least 2 weeks for the majority of swelling and bruising to diminish.

Recovery goes in stages with swelling diminishing and then slightly returning until the underlying tissue settles. The smoothest recovery is always with patients who take time to fully recover before attempting to return to their usual activities.

FACELIFT AFTERCARE

As with any surgery, rest and good nutritional intake are a must after a facelift as it allows the body to heal itself. Icing is recommended by means of an ice-filled cloth intermittently applied to the treated area, while avoiding placing pressure on the wounds and not applying ice for any longer than 15 minutes at the outside.

Naturally, avoid hitting or bumping your face or neck, and avoid both bending over or lifting anything that could be characterized as heavy. During rest, sleep with the head of your bed elevated for 1 to 2 weeks following the operation, such as by using two pillows. Throughout recovery and for a month after surgery, avoid sun exposure.

Your doctor will remind you of these points before and after your surgery, and you will have the opportunity to get any and all questions answered for a smooth recovery and aftercare period.

How long will my facelift last?

Facelift surgery can last for up to a decade, but can be affected by various factors including alcohol consumption, if fatty deposits are left behind, and staying out of the sun.