About Facelifts and Necklifts

As we age, several processes occur. The deeper facial tissue descends causing jowls around the mouth and deep folds around the mouth. Also, the skin loses its elasticity producing wrinkles and loose skin around the neck. The facelift procedure addresses both of these problems. Older methods of facelifting produced a “tight” or “pulled” look. Now, newer methods of facelifting avoid the “tight” or “pulled” look by lifting the deeper membrane of the muscle and repositioning it to a more youthful position. This takes tension off of the skin and produces a far more natural looking result and a more long lasting result. During the procedure, incisions usually begin at the temples hidden behind the hairline, extend in a natural line just inside the cartilage at the front of the ear, and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin. In general, skin is separated from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The underlying muscle and membrane is tightened. The skin is pulled back and excess skin is removed. The neck is also lifted in this process so that the face and neck are rejuvenated as one unit to, again, produce a natural appearing result. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions. Swelling and bruising after the procedure is normal. Most patients are back to work ten days to two weeks after surgery.

Tagged as: About, Facelift / Necklift