Face and neck lift
Procedure to reduce the most visible signs of aging by tightening the muscles, removing excess fat, and redistributing the skin of the face and neck.
- Approx. 4–5 hours
- General anesthesia
- Day surgery
- Recovery: 2 weeks
- Results: 1–2 months
- Informational consultation
- Assessment
- Preoperative check
- Postoperative follow-up visits
- Emergency phone: 24 hours
Types of lifting
- Eyelid lift (brow lift)
- Face lift
- Cervical / neck lift
Most face lifts are accompanied by fat transfer (lipotransference) or fat grafting (lipofilling), especially in the mid-face area, to achieve an even better result.
Who are the best candidates for this surgery?
The ideal candidates for a face lift are women or men whose face and neck begin to “droop,” but whose skin still retains a certain amount of elasticity. Most patients are between 40 and 60 years old, although it can also be successfully performed between the ages of 70 and 80. A face lift can help you look younger and increase your confidence, but it will not provide a completely different appearance, nor can it restore your health or vitality.
How is the surgery performed?
In general, the skin is separated from the underlying fat and muscles. Fat may be removed or suctioned around the neck and chin to improve facial contours. Next, the underlying muscles are tightened and, finally, the skin is adjusted by removing any excess. After surgery, for a few days a small tube may be placed behind the ears to drain any fluid that might accumulate. A light dressing is usually applied.
Aftercare
There are usually only minor discomforts after surgery; if you experience any, they are easily relieved with the prescribed medication. It’s normal for some areas of skin to feel numb; this sensation goes away within a few weeks or months. You should keep your head elevated for a few days after surgery to help reduce swelling. If drainage tubes were placed, they will be removed the next day; dressings are removed between the first and fifth day after the lift. Don’t be alarmed by the swollen and bruised appearance during the first days—remember that within a few weeks your appearance will be normal.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have visible scars?
The exact placement of incisions and the steps of the surgery vary significantly depending on the structures of your face and the technique chosen. Incisions usually begin at the temples, hidden in the hair; they extend along a natural line that runs just in front of the ears, and on rare occasions continue behind the earlobe toward the back of the scalp. If work needs to be done on the neck, a small incision can be made behind the chin.
How long do I need to recover?
Most patients who undergo a face lift feel well within 2 days, but they should take relative rest during the first 2 weeks. During the first week, they should wear a compression band day and night.
Should I take any special care after surgery?
Be especially careful with your face and hair, as they will be more sensitive for a while. You will be given specific instructions; for example: avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks, avoid steam baths or saunas for several weeks, and limit sun exposure for a few months.
What type of anesthesia is used?
The lift is always performed in an operating room. Normally, it is done on an outpatient basis, but if you wish, you can stay in the clinic the night after surgery, with discharge the following day.
The lift can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or more commonly it is combined with general anesthesia.