Facelift
Surround your smile with definition and youthfulness
A facelift is an elegant surgical procedure that can target sagging cheeks, jowls, deep folds, or a lack of definition in your face and neck, making the areas appear more defined and taut. You might consider this procedure if the skin below your chin or neckline feels slack or if you want a stronger jawline and smoother appearance. Although the name implies simply “lifting” the skin, a facelift is a more delicate and nuanced procedure that repositions tissues back to a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing position.
Facelift Key Benefits
- Tighten Sagging Facial Skin
Remove excess skin and tighten muscles to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance. - Enhance Jawline by Removing Jowls
Elevate the skin and tissues to provide a tighter, slimmer jawline. - Address Multiple Signs of Aging at Once
Restore your vibrancy, boost self-confidence and enhance self-esteem.
Persana Tip
The nomenclature around facelifts can get confusing, especially given the different branding used in various geographies and surgical practices. You may even hear the term “mini-facelift,” but what that means will vary from surgeon to surgeon. The key question is about technique: what tissue will be involved? Make sure you discuss this with your doctor, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. That is what they and their team are there for. Reviewing before and after photos of the surgeon’s work is also crucial, so you can see the type of results that are typically achieved with their approach. There is no reason to undergo any kind of surgery, regardless of its cost or name, if it will not accomplish your desired goals.
The goal of a facelift is to address age-related changes in the shape of your face. It corrects issues such as the presence of excess skin and fat and can reduce deep skin folds. By achieving a more youthful look, you will likely feel more confident and experience greater self-esteem.
A skilled surgeon achieves this by making discreet and hidden incisions around your ear and hairline, then gently repositioning the underlying tissue. These small realignments allow for aesthetic improvements, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, drooping skin or deep lines. It can also redefine the jawline and neck to restore your facial contours.
During a facelift, the surgeon may also sculpt or redistribute the fat compartments that occur naturally in the neck and cheek areas, tightening any sagging neck muscles (sometimes called a “neck lift”). They may also reposition drooping glands in the neck. Although excess loose skin may be removed, the objective of this surgical procedure is to obtain an authentic and refreshed look without leaving indications that surgery was performed.
Good candidates for a facelift are generally in good health and are non-smokers. Patient satisfaction with facial rejuvenation surgery tends to be extremely high.
Most sophisticated surgeons use the SMAS or deep plane facelift techniques. The SMAS approach targets the “superficial musculoaponeurotic system,” which is the deeper layer of the face that supports and suspends the soft tissues. This method helps patients avoid an “operated” appearance that can be seen when only the skin is lifted. The “deep plane facelift” targets the facial tissue layer beneath the SMAS and superficial muscles. This technique is considered to produce the most natural and long-lasting appearance.
Some variations are more suitable for older patients seeking more dramatic results versus younger patients who are experiencing early signs of aging. Consulting a surgeon can help determine which would make the most sense for you, given your personal situation and goals.
There are, of course, non-surgical options for tightening skin, such as energy-based devices. But some patients may have advanced aging or facial anatomy that may not be suitable for non-invasive treatments. For those individuals, a facelift could provide a satisfying solution. The key is ensuring the procedure is performed safely and routinely with a highly-trained professional who has a keen understanding of the facial anatomy and medical artistry involved.
While a facelift procedure significantly turns back the clock, even initially removing years from your appearance, it does not halt the aging process. The duration of this effect depends on many factors, such as genetics, skin quality, aesthetic maintenance routine, and lifestyle habits. Non-smokers who protect their skin from sun damage and lead a healthy lifestyle often see longer-lasting results. Furthermore, the expertise of your surgeon and the surgical techniques employed play crucial roles in determining the longevity of the effects.
Before you go
Remember to mention any medical conditions to your surgeon, as they can affect outcomes and recovery. In addition to discussing your health history, you should note your prior history of non-invasive treatments, including fillers, lasers and tightening devices. Many of these procedures impact the deeper tissue layers involved in a facelift.
This is also a good time to ask about complementary procedures that may be performed at the same time as your facelift, such as an eyelid lift, chin enhancement, or laser resurfacing. Achieving the most natural-looking result may require a holistic approach, and considering all the options at the outset can save you time and effort.
During the procedure
A facelift may be performed under general anesthesia or sedation, and the surgery can take several hours, depending on the complexity and whether complementary procedures such as an eyelid lift, lip lift, laser resurfacing, or fat grafting are being performed.
Temporary drains may be placed to remove any excess blood or fluid. Drains help to reduce the risk of hematoma and swelling and are usually removed within a few days.
Facelift Aftercare
Immediately after the procedure, you can expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, which can be managed with Tylenol and/or prescribed pain medication. Aspirin, Advil, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal medications should be avoided to minimize the risk of bleeding. Taking time to rest is important, but it’s still a good idea to take short walks in your house or outside in the shade.
Swelling peaks in the first 48-72 hours and then gradually decreases. Bruising should fade within a couple of weeks. Most stitches are removed within five to eight days, and many people feel ready to return to non-strenuous work after 10 to 14 days. In most cases, strenuous activity can be resumed within three to four weeks. (Note: Exact instructions from surgeons may vary; make sure to follow your physician’s post-procedure advice carefully.)