1. What is the basic procedure of Face lift?

The soft tissues of the face are made of three elements: skin, muscle, and fat. Face lift surgery is performed to rejuvenate the face; re-suspending tissues that have fatigued with time, to bring them back to a more youthful position so that the facial appearance is younger, that the patient looks 8-15 years younger than their biologic age; essentially to turn back the clock---to a more youthful age.


2. Can I expect permanent results from a face lift?

It is unrealistic to expect permanent results from any operation. The face ages like any other part of the body even after a rejuvenation procedure like a face lift. One can expect that the operation will last 8-15 years.


3. Is there a common technique for face lift procedures?

Techniques vary but the common goal is to restore a more youthful appearance of the face. All face lifts cut skin and tighten muscles of facial expression. The incisions are all relatively similar: cuts around the ear extending behind the ear to the posterior hairline and anteriorly around the sideburn.


4. Who is a good candidate for face lift surgery?

Good candidates are those men and women who have excess facial skin and facial wrinkles, strong nasolabial folds, excessive jowls, and significant neck skin excess with loss of the youthful jaw-neck line. Certainly patients have to be in relatively good health and non-smokers. Certain medical problems will preclude some from having surgery. Patients must be off any medicines that prolong bleeding and interfere with bleeding.


5. Will face lift surgery eliminate all of my facial wrinkles?

The face lift surgery may not eliminate all of the facial wrinkles but the overall facial rejuvenation will be well worth it!


6. Will it be obvious that I have had a face lift?

Obvious to whom? To a person who has lived with you? A stranger? The key to good face lift surgery is like good rhinoplasty, Did she or did not she have face lift surgery? That is to the stranger looking at a patient who has had a face lift, is there a natural look? If the answer is yes, then it is a good job!


7. What types of face lift surgery are available?

There are several types of face lift surgery. As answered earlier, an examination by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will discuss with you the best facial rejuvenation procedure for you. A short scar face lift may be more appropriate than a standard face lift. A neck lift may be best for you.

Liposuction of the neck may give another patient precisely what they want. Even a mini-face lift may be all that the patient wants. It is important for any patient wanting any kind of surgery to make an appointment and meet with the surgeon and discuss their wants and desires, so that the Plastic Surgeon can give the patient a realistic operation that will achieve realistic goals of the patient.