Face and neck lift surgery

Facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of ageing in the face and neck (eliminate wrinkles). The surgery includes lifting of the lower part of the face, smoothing of creases, and firming the face and neck contours.

A traditional facelift incision begins at the ear and continues in the hairline at the temples. When incisions are made, the skin is separated from the deeper soft tissue above cheeks and neck using special scissors. Soft tissues are lifted and sutures made by removing excess skin (if necessary). An excess fat tissue may also be removed under the chin and in the neck area. In such case the skin is lifted and the surgeon decides on the size of skin to be removed. Then sutures are made and the facelift is finished.

In case of the neck lift the incision begins in front of the ear lobe ending in the lower scalp. The neck lift is made to correct the sagging jowls, loose neck and fat accumulation under the chin.

The average duration of the surgery is 2 to 4 hours with general anesthesia applied.

Important to know:

• The patient can go home in 1-2 days after the surgery.
• Special bandage should be worn. Swelling and bruising is experienced during the first days, gradually healing away.
• Patients may resume their normal activities after 3-4 weeks.
• Avoiding direct sunlight in combination with application of facial sunscreen products is recommended.
• Potential complications of facelift surgery include facial nerve damage and risk of asymmetry. Wide scar formations or hair loss on the areas of incision are extremely rare.