FACELIFT AND NECK LIFT

A facelift and neck lift, one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures today, can dramatically reverse the effects of aging by tightening and repositioning the sagging tissues of the cheeks, jaw line, jowls, and neck. The facelift operation is often combined with other procedures to rejuvenate or improve the appearance of the eyes, forehead, chin, etc., creating a rested, more youthful appearance. While a neck lift is often part of an entire facial rejuvenation procedure, it can also be done as a separate procedure for patients needing attention to that area only. Sometimes patients have loose and hanging skin that would require the tightening of the skin and muscles underneath, with removal of the excess skin. Others have excess fat that requires fat removal by liposuction or direct excision. Sometimes vertical muscle bands are visible in the midline of the neck. This requires tightening of the neck muscles in the midline. Perhaps the border or profile of the jaw line is poorly defined which may require a combination of fat removal, skin tightening, muscle tightening, and salivary gland lift to recreate a youthful contour. Your doctor will be able to assess those needs at the time of your consultation.

What to expect:

The facelift and neck lift operation is performed by making incisions within the hairline above and behind the ear, and in the natural creases area just in front of the ear. By placing the incisions in these locations, healing occurs with virtually undetectable scars. The loose and wrinkled skin and deeper muscles of the face and neck are then re-draped and tightened. Excess skin is removed and, if required, excess fat can be suctioned simultaneously (often from the neck area). The result is a younger look with smoother, tighter skin on the face and neck. The operation can be done under local anesthesia with sedation (patient awake) or under general anesthesia (patient asleep). Surgery is done as an out-patient procedure, meaning you come in and go home the same day. The bandage is removed the following day and patients are allowed to shower and wash their hair. There is typically mild black and blue discoloration, swelling, and some temporary change in the sensation of the skin after the operation. These tend to resolve within the first 10-14 days. The stitches are removed within 5 to 10 days, and makeup can be applied at that time. If fat removal is the only procedure to be done, this can be accomplished by making 3 tiny incisions (behind the ears and under the chin) for the liposuction cannulas. Fat is suctioned from the neck, jaw line, and sometimes up into the jowl area. If muscles need to be tightened in the midline, a small incision is made underneath the chin to allow access to this area. The muscle bands are then sutured together under direct vision. If the skin and muscles in the neck need to be tightened significantly, this requires an incision similar to the facelift procedure. This allows one to remove large amounts of excess skin from the neck, and hide the incisions in inconspicuous areas. At the same time, it allows access to the platysma muscle of the neck, which can be pulled back and tightened, giving a youthful, beautifully defined profile.

Complications:

Complications are rare following a facelift and neck lift, but possible as with any operation. The potential problems include bleeding, infection, scarring, wound healing, changes in the hairline, and, rarely, nerve injury. Ask your plastic surgeon if you are a candidate for a facelift operation, and see what changes are possible with this versatile and remarkable procedure. >> click here to see before and after photos