About the Procedure

A face lift removes excess skin and fat from the face and neck area through incisions that start in the hairline, run down in front of the ear, up behind the ear, and back into the hairline. It repositions and supports the underlying structures and drooping skin. The preoperative analysis evaluates the quality of the skin, looseness at the jawline, the angle from the chin to the bottom of the neck, and the amount of fat and excess skin present in the neck area. The results are very dependent on the elasticity of the skin. If the skin has had extensive damage, additional procedures may be required. The face lift can best correct skin laxity in the face and neck as well as contour problems caused by protruding fat. After a face lift, a secondary procedure may be performed when new sagging appears in facial and neck tissue. This procedure is referred to as a facial "tuck-up" or a minilift. In every face, regardless of the person's age, some slack can be found. Following surgery, the aging process continues and the skin loses more of its elastic properties. Gravity causes the loose skin to accumulate along the jaws, along the sides of the mouth and in the center of the neck under the chin. The minilift usually requires less surgery than the initial procedure. The incisions and scars are in about the same places as with a face lift, but the recovery period is usually shorter. It is impossible to predict when - and to what extent - this may happen. Genetics, age differences, ethnic backgrounds, stress, illness, and nutrition all play a role in how soon minilift procedures may be considered.

Recovery and Healing

You will most likely have local standby anesthesia, which is intravenous sedation along with a local injection of an anesthetic mixed with epinephrine to limit the potential for bleeding. Usually you will be unaware of anything during surgery. You will probably be able to go home that night. You should be able to go out in public with the help of makeup within a few days, but this will vary. It's important to limit your activities for several days, and not drive until your doctor gives you the go-ahead. It will probably be a few weeks before you can return to work.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, the general risks include bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications. Though rare, you may develop a pocket of blood and fluid, called a hematoma. This would probably need to be removed by releasing a few sutures and removing the collection. You should expect to have little discomfort, but any that occurs can be controlled with pain medication. Intense pain is a sign that you should call your doctor. There will probably be decreased sensation of the face for a month or so with a gradual return to normal. You can expect to feel, but not usually see, a few little bumps that will even out over time. There will be permanent scars from the procedure that at first will be red, but should fade and become inconspicuous.

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