Facelift

A facelift can include 1 to 3 thirds of the face: the forehead, the midface, and the neck. In general a typical facelift includes the midface and neck, while a mini face-lift includes only the midface
The most commonly practiced technique today is a subcutaneous technique with SMAS plication

The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation. The skin of the cheek and neck is lifted off and the deeper layer (SMAS layer) is then used to perform the face lift. The procedure lasts about 4 hours.

You will have a compression garment to wear and will have to sleep in a semi sitting position to avoid swelling. The pain is well controlled with medication. You should expect to recover at home for 1 week. The second week you can go out but will continue to wear the garment as much as possible. The stiches will be removed at 1 week during your postoperative visit. The final result is seen at about 2-3 months.

The mini facelift scar begins at the top and in front of the ear and ends behind the earlobe. For the traditional facelift (midface/neck), the scar extends behind the ear and along the hairline.

The results last a long time. Aging will continue but will be less pronounced.