Facelift / Necklift Surgery
WHAT IS A FACELIFT / NECKLIFT?
As we age, gravity, sun exposure, stress, muscle activity, and heredity can cause the facial and neck skin to droop. This results in excess skin over lower half of the face, creating deep nasolabial lines and disappearance of the jawline. Facial fat also descends, changing the youthful V-shaped face into a more square or oval shaped face. Furthermore, neck skin may sag and neck bands may also be more prominent, effacing the youthful chin and neck angle. The facelift (and/or necklift) will give you a more youthful and fresh look by recreating a V-shaped face. Important steps are taken to soften the contours of your face and neck without creating an artificially pulled look.
WHAT IS YOUR TREATMENT APPROACH TO A FACELIFT / NECKLIFT?
Dr. Chen approaches the facelift through the line from which your ears and lateral face meet, which allows the scars to heal within your natural skin lines. A necklift may be combined or performed independently if there is laxity of the neck. The necklift is typically approached from behind the ears, again to hide the healing scars.
To create a long lasting result, typically the fascia layer underneath the skin (called submuscular aponeurotic system) is also elevated. Correcting this layer provides strength and durability to the repair. These layers repositioned higher to create a lift, and excess skin of the skin is removed.
As for the necklift, the muscle bands from each side of your neck are approximated together in order to smooth the contour and serve as an internal corset. This gives a stronger chin and neck angle from the side profile. Again, the excess skin is removed to tighten the neck contour.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED DURING A FACELIFT / NECKLIFT?
A facelift and necklift is performed under general anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure. The procedure can take about three hours.
WHAT IS THE POST OPERATIVE CARE AND RECOVERY LIKE AFTER FACELIFT / NECKLIFT?
You will have some mild swelling for about one to two weeks following surgery. Cold compresses will help with swelling and pain medication will be prescribed to help alleviate pain. You will return for post operative appointments to closely monitor your healing progress. Your stitches will be removed starting one week post operation. You can return to normal activity in most cases around one week.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF A FACELIFT / NECKLIFT?
A facelift will create a more youthful V-shaped facial appearance, re-define a smoother jawline, and soften the lines around your mouth (nasolabial folds). The neck contour is sharpened and smoothed out after a necklift. The appearance of scarring typically hides well within your natural skin crease and hairline.
IS A FACELIFT / NECKLIFT RIGHT FOR ME?
Do you have excess skin of the face and/or neck?
Do you have prominent bands along your neck?
Do you have blunted contours of the jawline and neck?
Do you have deep nasolabial lines and wrinkles?
Do you want to reduce the signs of aging in the facial and neck region?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you may be a candidate for facelift and/or necklift to rejuvenate your face.
YOUR CONSULTATION WITH DR. CHEN
Dr. Chen will create a personalized treatment plan after a comprehensive physical examination and a detailed discussion regarding your personal goals. A thorough medical history will also be obtained to ensure surgery is a safe option for you. Dr. Chen will discuss all surgical approaches and non-surgical options so that you can make an informed decision about what is the right choice for you.