Facelift
A facelift is also known as a rhytidectomy. This procedure tightens the face muscles, lifts the tissues and removes any excess skin on the face. Depending on the patient’s anatomy, fat may be added or removed from the face.
The surgery targets signs of aging such as sagging skin, deep lines and creases to give an overall lifted and youthful appearance. The final results of this surgery can present a natural appearance that can last for more than ten years.
How is a Facelift Done
Two main primary techniques are used in a facelift: the SMAS lift and the deep plane facelift. The chosen technique for each patient depends on the surgeon's expertise and the patient's skin quality and thickness. Surgeons make incisions behind the ear or at the temples above the hairline to minimize scarring with both methods.
During a SMAS lift, surgeons pull the layers of skin and dense connective tissue back to reveal the underlying muscles. The skin layers and the muscles are tightened separately before removing excess skin and closing the incisions.
The deep plane facelift method targets the deep layers of muscle and skin together. Surgeons detach these tissues and pull them back as a unit instead of separate layers of SMAS and skin.
What is a MACS Facelift
Younger patients who wish to target minor sagging and laxity can opt for a MACS facelift, also known as a mini facelift. The procedure only targets the lower part of the face, such as the chin and jowls. This operation does not change the forehead, eyes, and neck. It is less intensive and has a faster recovery time than a regular facelift.
Facelift Recovery
A typical facelift procedure lasts 2-4 hours, depending on the type of facelift. The process requires either general anesthetic or local anesthetic with an IV sedation. As with most outpatient procedures, patients can go home on the same day as their surgery. They will experience swelling and bruising, which will heighten after 48 hours but subside over two weeks.
Patients need to avoid exercise and lifting for two weeks to reduce swelling and give themselves 7-14 days of recovery and downtime.
As rhytidectomy only targets the lower two-thirds of the face. It does not lift or adjust the eyebrows or eyelids. These areas will require a separate cosmetic procedure.
The facelift is not recommended to target fine lines, wrinkles, or surface skin issues. These conditions can be improved through other skin resurfacing treatments.
