he face lift (Rhytidectomy) has been described as the “Keystone” surgical procedure for lower facial rejuvenation, and it is an essential component of any strategy for restoring a youthful, refreshed facial appearance. As a result of sun damage, time and genetics, facial skin droops, facial ligaments relax, and facial soft tissues move down and in. Face lifts are often combined with other surgical and non-surgical procedures to achieve a balanced facial rejuvenation. These may include brow lift, eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), reshaping the nose (rhinoplasty), chemical peel or laser facial resurfacing.
Patients seeking face lifts want to correct features including sagging facial skin, squaring of their jaw (jowls), hollowness and deep creases in their cheeks and loose neck skin. The procedure will restore the youthful appearance of the cheeks, jaw line and neck.
Face lifts usually take 2-4 hours. During a face lift excess skin is elevated and the underlying facial tissues are repositioned, tightened and sculpted. The skin is then redraped and tightened. Excess tissue is removed and the scars are hidden along the border of the ear and cheek, behind the ear and in the hairline. In some cases a chemical peel or laser resurfacing is necessary to improve fine wrinkles. Fat grafting or restylane injection is sometimes performed during the procedure. Soft rubber drains are placed behind the ears and are removed in the office the morning following surgery.
Side effects include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and tightness or tenderness of the skin. Risks include bleeding, infection, and injury to the nerves that control facial expression and tissue loss. Serious problems are very rare.
Recovery is usually quick and patients are usually back to work within about 10 days. Sometimes dark glasses or camouflage make-up is necessary to cover bruises as they fade. The bruising is usually completely faded after 2 weeks. Patients must limit sun exposure for several months after surgery.