4. How is a facelift performed?
Step One – Anesthesia
The choices for anesthesia for this procedure include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Most of the time, general anesthesia is used.
Step Two – The Incision
Depending on the degree of change you want to see, there are three choices for a facelift – a traditional facelift, limited incision facelift, or a neck lift.
A traditional Facelift incision begins at the temples within the hairline, goes around the ear, and ends in the lower scalp by the nape of the neck. The fat in the face, jowls, and neck is then sculpted or redistributed, and the underlying tissue is relocated (usually, the deeper layers of the face and muscles are also lifted). Skin is then re-draped over the uplifted contours, and the excess skin is trimmed. Finally, there may be a second incision under the chin to improve an aging neck.
Limited incision Facelift is an alternative to a traditional facelift, also known as a “Mini-lift,” this method uses shorter incisions at the temple and continuing around the ear. This method is usually used for patients with less skin relaxation, as the results are lesser than a full facelift.
A Neck Lift is performed to address sagging jowls, loose neck skin, and fat accumulation under the chin (double chin). The incision for a neck lift begins at the front of the ear lobe and wraps behind the ear, and ends within the hair behind the ear.
Step Three – Closing the Incision
To close the incisions, sutures or skin adhesives are used. Depending on the sutures used, they may need to be removed after a few days, and others dissolve independently. Once the incisions are healed, the incision lines are concealed within the contours of the face or in the hairline.
Step Four – Results
Once bruising and swelling subside, the results will be visible. Your appearance should appear more youthful and rested.
