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Cosmetic Surgery Health Channel

Feature Article

Facelift

Definition

A facelift is a surgical procedure to repair sagging, drooping, and wrinkled skin of the face and neck.

Alternative Names

Rhytidectomy; Cosmetic surgery of the face

Description

A facelift can be done alone or with nose reshaping, a forehead lift, or eyelid surgery.

While you are sleepy (sedated) and pain-free (local anesthesia), or deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), the plastic surgeon will make surgical cuts above the hairline at the temples, behind the earlobe, to the lower scalp. Often, this is a continuous cut.

Many different techniques exist, and the outcomes are similar.

During a facelift, the surgeon may:

  • Remove and "lift" some of the fat tissue underneath the skin (called the SMAS layer; this is the main lifting part of the facelift)
  • Remove or move loose skin
  • Tighten muscles
  • Perform liposuction of the neck and jowls
  • Use stitches (sutures) to close the cuts

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Sagging or wrinkled skin occurs naturally with increasing age. Folds and fat deposits appear around the neck, and deep creases form between the nose and mouth. The jawline grows "jowly" and slack. Heredity, poor diet, smoking, or obesity can contribute to early or severe skin problems.

A facelift can help repair some of the visible signs of aging. Fixing damage to skin, fat, and muscles can restore a "younger" look.

People who have a facelift are not satisfied with the signs of aging on their face, but are in otherwise good health.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

Risks for any surgery are:

Other risks include:

  • A pocket of blood under the skin (hematoma) that may need to be drained
  • Damage to the nerves that control muscles of the face (this is usually temporary)
  • Wounds that do not heal well
  • Pain that does not go away
  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation

Although most patients are happy with the outcomes, poor cosmetic results that may require additional surgery include:

  • Unpleasant scarring
  • Asymmetry of the face
  • Fluid that collects under the skin
  • Irregular skin shape (contour)
  • Changes in skin color
  • Sutures that become visible or cause irritation

After the Procedure

The doctor may temporarily place a small, thin drainage tube under the skin behind the ear to drain any blood that might collect there. Your head will be wrapped loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling. You should not have much discomfort after surgery, and you can relieve any discomfort you do feel wit

...

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