Facelift

In the past, facelift surgery involved the tightening of loose facial skin. The patient’s skin was pulled firm over the underlying bones, then excess skin was carefully removed. While this process effectively eliminated wrinkles, jowls, and other signs of aging, it tended to produce a “windswept” look. The results of past techniques in facelift surgery were also relatively short-lived and needed to be repeated every five to seven years.

Over the last decade, the surgical approaches to a facelift have improved tremendously. Modern facelift methods correct the signs of aging where they start, in the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). Adjusting the muscles that support the face can raise and refine a patient’s features without distorting them. This technique also produces very long-lasting results with most patients enjoying the results of their SMAS facelift for ten to fifteen years.

Candidates for a facelift must be in good overall health and be current nonsmokers. The surgical procedure is also best suited to patients who have at least some skin laxity and have realistic expectations. Patients under 40 who have very minimal skin laxity might wish to consider a “liquid facelift” instead.

During a liquid facelift, completely noninvasive injectable treatments are used to subtly lift the soft tissues and minimize the appearance of creases.

One of the primary advantages of modern facelift surgery is its flexibility. It can be completely tailored to each patient. Patients can choose to have full facial rejuvenation or even a “mini” facelift for moderate aging. We offer two different types of this cosmetic surgical procedure.

During the traditional facelift surgery, incisions are made along the patient’s hairline and around his or her ears. (Placing incisions in these areas creates little visible scarring as scars are hidden by the patient’s hair and ear folds.) Dr. Wilson then repositions the patient’s deeper tissues, simultaneously raising facial fat pads and the connective tissues that support the skin.

Once these supportive tissues are fastened in place with self-dissolving sutures, Dr. Wilson carefully drapes the skin over the patient’s face, creating a naturally smooth appearance. Excess skin is removed, but the skin is not pulled artificially tight at any time during this process. This ensures it will remain supple and elastic after surgery.

Dr. Wilson can combine standard SMAS lift techniques with a neck lift and/or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for a full face rejuvenation This is generally recommended for mature patients who exhibit a higher degree of skin laxity. Lifting the skin on the neck and contouring the eyelids creates much more transformative results for these patients than a facelift alone.

Facial fat grafting is also frequently performed for patients interested in full facial rejuvenation. To perform facial fat grafting, Dr. Wilson uses liposuction to harvest a small amount of fat from the patient’s body. This fat is then processed in a centrifuge and injected into precise locations of the face, where it fills in hollows around the eyes and cheekbones. This will give you a fuller, more youthful appearance.

Patients who elect to have mini facelift surgery, or a standard SMAS lift without facial fat grafting, may benefit from injectable treatments like Botox®, Dysport®, and Restylane® as well. Neuromodulators like Botox® can smooth the patient’s forehead and orbital region, erasing crow’s feet and frown lines. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, can be used in place of facial fat transfer to fill in deep lines and hollows.

Though this cosmetic surgery effectively addresses the structural aspects of facial aging, it does not correct the superficial signs of aging, such as discoloration or variations in skin texture. For this, you will need to consider other aesthetic treatments. Dr. Wilson frequently recommends laser therapy or dermal peels for the treatment of age spots, fine lines, and areas of dull or rough skin on the face.

Recovery

Recovery time varies depending on the type of facelift you have. Patients who have a standard facelift generally need to rest in bed for three to five days after their surgery. Then they can resume light activity. Most patients choose to take at least two weeks off of work because symptoms of swelling and bruising can last for up to 14 days.

Patients who have mini facelift surgery usually only need to rest in bed for 24 to 48 hours, and they can return to work within seven to ten days.

All forms of facelift surgery take a while to fully “settle.” The facial support and skin gradually adjust to their new position over a period of six months to a year. Patients can therefore expect their initial results to improve further over time.