Face Lift (Face and Neck)

Facelift surgery is usually carried out on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes around two to four hours to complete, depending on the extent of the area that requires treatment. The facelift procedure is performed under the influence of local and general anesthesia.

Sometimes, additional procedures may be conducted at the time of facelift surgery. These may include the placement of facial implants, wrinkle reduction through facial fillers, and facial resurfacing for improved skin toning and texture.

The following steps are performed during a typical facelift procedure:

• Depending on the approach of facelift used and the type of procedure that the patient is undergoing, the surgeon makes incisions beginning at the target area – near the temples, in front of the ear lobe, under the chin, or any other location.
• The fat is either sculpted or redistributed and the underlying tissues are repositioned.
• The deeper layers of the skin are lifted, in addition to the muscles.
• The excess skin is draped again and the extra skin is trimmed away.
• In case of neck contouring, a cut may be made in the chin to improve its appearance by removing the extra fat.
• All the incisions are closed with the help of skin adhesives and sutures.

Patients may experience minimal pain after the procedure, which is managed with the help of painkillers. Swelling and bruising are common but patients are advised to use a cold compress to avoid the discomfort.

The dressing is removed within two days of the surgery and physical activity should be limited as much as possible after the procedure. The head should be kept in an elevated position.

A drainage tube may be inserted, which can be removed after a day of the surgery. Facelift recovery time stretches from two to three weeks. The scars and lines gradually grow invisible with time.