What are the objectives of facelift?

The objectives of a facelift are to correct the effects of gravity, time, sun damage, etc. on the face. Some patients are interested in a very dramatic change while others are seeking a much more subtle improvement.

What are the benefits of a facelift procedure?

The benefits of a facelift are the improvement of the concerns mentioned above. The is removal of excess skin with a suspension of the sagging tissue. On some occasions there may also be an attempt to correct loss of volume. This would most commonly involve a suspension of the full thickness of soft tissue (mid-cheek lift) or the injection of fat to replace lost volume.

Can I expect permanent results from a facelift?

No results from aesthetic operations are permanent. The time that the results last is dependent upon avoiding the things which accelerate the aging process. These include smoking and sun damage as well as profound changes in body weight.

Are there significant risks associated with facelift surgery?

There are risks associated with facelifts as there are with all surgeries. Risks which are common to all surgeries include the risk of anesthesia, bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, and scar formation. These risks are relatively low with two exceptions. The risk of bleeding is increased in patients with poorly controlled hypertension. Risks of wound healing problems are definitely increased in smokers. Risks which are unique to facelift patients are related to the potential for injury to branches of the facial and greater auricular nerves.

What is the basic procedure of Facelift?

The basic procedure of a facelift involves the undermining of skin (or sometimes deeper planes) flaps at levels that lessen the likihood of injury to nerves. Following this portion of the procedure, there is almost always some suspension of tissue (most commonly the SMAS layer) so that less skin can be removed (lessening the tension on the closure and the likelihood of visible scars) and some volume deficits can be improved.

What is a facelift?

A facelift is an operation which is designed to correct or improve the effects of aging on the face, especially sagging of soft tissue and loss of volume.