The Face & Neck Lift Techniques:
Our faces age for many reasons. Heredity plays a role, as does gravity, which tends to pull soft facial tissues downward. In time our cheeks begin to sag, the crease running from the nostrils to the sides of the mouth is accentuated, and our jaw line and chin lose their smooth, refined appearance. As we age we also tend to lose some of out facial fat and our skin loses some of its elasticity, leading to more sagging of our features.
Exposure to ultraviolet light plays a role as well. Indeed, people who live in tropical climates, where the sun is strongest, often have prematurely aged skin, irrespective of their ethnic characteristics. In these areas, people may seek face lifts in their forties or even younger.
First described over 60 years ago, face lifts smooth and redefine the contour of the neck and jaw line to create a younger, more vital appearance.
- Years of research and experience have led to an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the ageing
process, the more subtle elements in facial anatomy and the technical ways to restore a balanced and more
- In addition, thanks to advances in both surgical technique and anaesthesia, face lift procedures have become safer and more comfortable and their results even more satisfying.
- It is important, however, to remember that while a face lift can help refresh your appearance it will not erase permanent creases, particularly around your lips. Additional procedures like Dermabrasion, laser resurfacing and chemical peels can improve those lines and can be performed in conjunction with your face lift.
Most patients have various motives in requesting a face lift, the outcome is significantly dependant on their expected goals, psychological well being and stability. The results are often subtle and avoidance of the “wind tunnel” or “cat woman” appearance is paramount.
There have been a number of techniques and re-invention of older techniques, some techniques better than others. A comprehensive face and neck lift will have a superior and longer lasting result for most patients. The down time and recovery is expected to be longer (2-3 weeks) due to the need to surgically address the sagging skin and the underlying soft tissues.
Some patients have heard of the “S-lift” and “Threads”, both of which offer quick “lunch-time” facelifts.
Both techniques are valid procedures if performed correctly; however, they only address tightening of the sagging skin and not the underlying soft tissues that have also sagged.
They are also limited by the type of patient for whom these procedures are suitable, these being typically young, with minimal sagging, wrinkles or sun damage and with thick skin. As a consequence the results even in these patients are extremely short lived and the results are generally substandard with most patients seeking correction of their poor result with a comprehensive face and neck lift at a later date.
Common Complications are: Scars which are hidden in natural creases and fade with time. Bruising which resolves over 2-4 weeks and decreased skin sensitivity which returns with time.
Rare Complications are: Wound breakdown which heals with antibiotic ointment and revision of the scar.
Smokers usually have the highest complication rates.
by Dr. Bobby Arun Kumar Cosmetic & Restorative Surgeon
Bare Aesthetics Cosmetic Surgery Clinic
