What is a face and neck lift?
A rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure that typically includes both a face and neck lift. It’s the most commonly used procedure (known to most as simply a facelift) to help improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck, including:
- Sagging in the midface
- Deep creases below the lower eyelids or along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
- Fat that has fallen or is displaced
- Loss of muscle tone in the lower face (possibly creating jowls)
- Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw that give the appearance of a double chin
A face and neck lift can only be performed surgically. Non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results but can complement the results of surgery. Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a facelift are a brow lift to correct a sagging or deeply furrowed brow and eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes.
Is a face and neck lift right for me?
Facelift surgery is a good option for you if:
- You are physically healthy.
- You don’t smoke.
- You have a positive outlook.
- You have specific, but realistic goals for the improvement of your appearance.
What happens during facelift surgery?
Depending on the degree of change you’d like to see, you may have one of several procedures: a traditional facelift, a limited incision facelift or a neck lift.
Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift incision often begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck. Underlying tissue is repositioned. The deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted.
Skin is re-draped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.
Limited Incision Facelift
An alternative to the traditional procedure, this surgery uses shorter incisions at the temples, continuing around the ear and possibly within the lower eyelids or under the upper lip.
Neck Lift
Face lifts and neck lifts typically go hand-in-hand, but you may choose to have a neck lift alone to correct sagging jowls, loose neck skin and fat accumulation under the chin. During a neck lift, your surgeon makes an incision in front of the ear lobe, continuing behind the ear and ending into the lower scalp.
What does recovery from a facelift and neck lift look like?
When your procedure is completed, a bandage is gently placed around your face to minimize swelling and bruising. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to care for the incisions, what medications to take or apply, what concerns to watch out for and when to follow up with your doctor.
It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate and up to six months for incision lines to mature. The visible improvements of a face and neck lift appear as swelling and bruising subside. Your final result should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also help you feel more confident about yourself. Once healed, the incision lines from the procedure are well concealed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the face and ear.
Care for your face and neck doesn’t end with recovery. Life-long sun protection helps maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimizing photo-aging and sun damage. In addition, a healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.
What are the risks of a face and neck lift?
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. The risks of face and neck lift surgery include:
- Unfavorable scarring
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Infection
- Poorly healing wounds
- Effects from anesthesia
- Correctable hair loss at the incisions
- Facial nerve injury with weakness
- Facial asymmetry
- Skin loss
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Death of fatty tissue deep in the skin (fat necrosis)
- Accumulation of fluid
- Pain, which may persist
- Skin discoloration, sensitivity, swelling or contour irregularities
- Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
Although good results are expected, there’s also the possibility of revisional surgery due to less-than-optimal results. Unsatisfactory results may include:
- Asymmetry
- Unsatisfactory surgical scar location
- Unacceptable visible deformities at the ends of the incisions
If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.