Facelift surgery is designed primarily to correct loose skin at the corners of the mouth, in the jowl area and under the neck. The surgeon carefully separates facial skin from the underlying structures and “redrapes” it in a naturally pleasing fashion, being careful not to over-correct and give an unnatural look.
In patients with heavy jowls and/or bands of tissue under the neck, the deeper layer of tissue beneath the skin is also surgically tightened. This procedure has been the most significant advancement in recent years to improve facelift results. By removing/tightening this subcutaneous layer along with the traditional facelift, I have found the results last longer and give a more natural and smooth neck as opposed to the tight, drawn look.
During the facelift, liposuction is frequently used, particularly in patients who have a marked amount of fatty tissue in the neck.
Following surgery, patients will experience numbness of the facial tissue. Sensation gradually returns over the following months. A modest amount of discoloration occurs after surgery and is usually resolved within 10 to 14 days.
Most facelifts are completed under light general anesthetic and are usually performed in conjunction with eyelid, forehead or cosmetic nasal surgery. If performed at the same time, these procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis. However, overnight observation in the hospital may be desired.