Facelift

Facelift or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure used to treat drooping facial wrinkles from the outer to the inner layers of the skin. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin along with the lifting and tightening of fat and the sagging superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). By fixing wrinkles and sagging surface skin, it naturally makes the face appear firmer, smoother, and younger. 

Through the surgical lifting and tightening of the muscles and skin of the face and neck, a facelift can minimize wrinkles and sagging while restoring a more youthful appearance to the face. 

Who is a good candidate for facelift?

• People with drooping facial and neck skin
• People with deep wrinkles on their forehead, eyes, and cheeks
• People with drooping outer corners of their eyes or drooping eyebrows 
• People who desire to change their facial structure in order to appear younger

Facelift surgical techniques

Facelift surgery can be performed using a variety of techniques, each of which is appropriate for a particular set of issues and skin disorders, such as:

• Full facelift: Suitable for people with drooping facial and neck skin
• Mini facelift: Suitable for people with less sagging skin, typically used on the jaw and cheeks
• Brow lift: Suitable for people with wrinkles in their forehead and sagging eyebrows 
• Neck lift: Suitable for people with wrinkled necks and sagging skin on the neck

Surgical procedures

1. Anesthesia: In order to minimize pain during the procedure, the patient is put under anesthesia.
2. Incision: Depending on the technique, incisions are performed under the chin, beside the ear, or near the hairline.
3. Skin and muscle lift: The excess skin is removed and the muscles are tightened.
4. Surgical suture: The surgeon closes the incision using with dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures (depending on the doctor’s discretion).

Post-operative care

• Apply cold compresses to minimize swelling
• Sleep with an elevated pillow to minimize swelling
• Clean the wound as advised by your doctor
• Avoid strenuous exercise and activities
• Take medication as prescribed by your doctor

Results

It may take two to three weeks for the wound to fully heal before the results of a facelift are apparent. Depending on each person’s skin type and level of care, the effects may persist for several years.