A facelift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as:
- Sagging in the midface
- Deep creases below the lower eyelids
- Deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
- Fat that has fallen or is displaced
- Loss of muscle tone in the lower face may create jowls
- Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw can make even a person of normal weight appear to have a double chin
Procedure
During a facelift procedure, the surgeon makes an incision that typically begins around the hairline from the temple and curves around the earlobe, ending at the bottom of the hairline. The surgeon may also make a small incision under the chin to specifically tighten the skin of the neck.
The doctor first separates the skin from the fat and muscle underneath. Excess fat is suctioned out (via liposuction) or trimmed to give the face a sleeker look. Underneath the skin is a layer of tissue called the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), the doctor tightens this layer by folding it — pulling it back over itself, this lifts the cheeks, gives the jawline more definition, and firms the neck. Finally, the doctor pulls the skin back up over the area and removes any excess skin with a knife or laser.
The procedure takes 2 to 3 hours and is usually outpatient, although some patients may require a short inpatient stay. Anaesthesia is general or occasionally local with sedation.
