FACE AND NECK LIFT

Technically, we use the term facelift when referring to a surgical procedure that serves to give a younger look to the face and neck. This type of cosmetic surgery reshapes a part of the face by getting rid of sagging, wrinkled and, therefore, excess skin. To achieve the best result, it is common practice to combine a facelift with other additional procedures involving the forehead, cheeks, eyebrows and eyes.

The traditional facelift is nothing more than an incision made behind the ears that continues along the hairline of the scalp. This incision is vertical to the starting ear and ends behind the second ear. As a result, skin, fat and wrinkles are removed. The cut will then be sutured according to the method preferred by the surgeon. Often the surgeon applies a drainage tube, but only for a few days. Finally, a tight bandage will be required in order not to impair the work carried out.

There are also new surgical techniques for performing neck and face lifts:

• Lasers: this is a procedure called liposculpture and resurfacing. This can be done using local anaesthetic alone and does not leave marks as in the previous case.
• Endoscopy: endoscopic techniques are used to perform a forehead lift. This method enables smaller incisions to be made. As a result, there is less tissue trauma, and a faster recovery time. The facial structure is lifted, and there is no need to cut off the folds of skin. However, this type of procedure also depends on the patient.
• Liposuction: this method is used to remove local fat deposits in the face. It is usually used in the area between the chin and neck. Liposuction can be combined with a facelift or performed separately.

Facelift surgery can last from two to five hours. It can be performed in an outpatient setting under local anaesthetic and sedatives to relax the patient.

However, in some cases, the surgery can be performed under general anaesthetic and the patient can stay in the hospital overnight. The result of a surgical facelift is smooth, renewed and radiant skin. The procedure removes and tightens sagging skin. Lowering of the cheeks around the jaw line is reduced. The corners of the mouth are raised and the folds between the cheeks and lips are reduced. The results can last from five to ten years.