Overview
A facelift, also known as a cervico-facial lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to correct sagging skin and tissues in the face and neck. Over time, several changes may occur:
- sagging skin
- development of jowls
- loss of facial contour definition
- pronounced creases on the cheeks
- sagging of the neck
A facelift repositions the tissues and tightens the skin to restore sharper contours and a more rested appearance.
This procedure does not alter facial features but aims to correct the effects of aging while maintaining a natural-looking result.
Explanation of the technique
A cervico-facial facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to correct sagging of the facial and neck tissues. As we age, the skin gradually loses its elasticity and the deep facial structures begin to sag. This can lead to the appearance of jowls, a loss of facial contour, a loss of jawline definition, and sagging of the neck.
A facelift works on both the skin and the deep facial structures to reposition the tissues and restore volume to a more natural position. The goal is not to alter facial features, but to correct the signs of aging while preserving the face’s natural expression and identity.
The Principle of a Facelift
A cervico-facial facelift involves tightening the facial tissues. The procedure makes it possible to:
- to tighten loose skin
- to reposition facial contours
- to improve the facial contour
- to correct sagging in the neck
- to reduce jowls
The surgery primarily targets the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), a deep facial structure that plays a key role in supporting the tissues. Over time, this system loosens and sags toward the lower part of the face.
By repositioning the SMAS, the surgeon can lift the tissues in a way that provides lasting results, leading to a more natural and stable outcome over time than simply tightening the skin.
There are several types of facelift procedures. The choice depends on the degree of sagging, the area being treated, and the patient’s facial structure.
The Classic Cervico-Facial Facelift
A traditional facelift primarily targets the lower face and neck. It can correct:
- the jowls
- loss of jaw definition
- relaxation of the neck
- sagging of the facial contours
During the procedure, the surgeon lifts the skin, repositions the deep structures (SMAS), and removes excess skin before re-draping the skin without tension.
This technique helps restore a more defined jawline and a more toned neck, while maintaining a natural-looking result.
The Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is a more advanced technique that operates at a deeper anatomical level than traditional techniques. Instead of simply repositioning the skin and SMAS, this approach releases and reposition the facial structures as a whole.
This technique is particularly effective for treating:
- sagging of the middle third of the face
- sagging cheekbones
- nasolabial folds
- prominent jowls
The advantage of the deep plane facelift is that it achieves a more natural tightening of the tissues without pulling excessively on the skin. The results can be particularly harmonious because the facial structures are repositioned to their original anatomical positions.
The malar lift
A malar facelift primarily focuses on the middle third of the face, specifically the cheekbone area.
As we age, the tissues in this area can sag down toward the lower part of the face, resulting in:
- flattening of the cheekbones
- a deepening of the nasolabial folds
- a tired-looking face
A malar lift lifts the tissues of the cheek area and restores volume to the cheekbones. This procedure can be performed on its own or in combination with a cervico-facial lift to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
The temporal-frontal facelift
A temporal-frontal facelift primarily targets the upper third of the face, particularly the forehead and temples.
Over time, the skin around the temples and forehead may begin to sag, leading to:
- drooping eyebrows
- a more tired look
- more pronounced forehead wrinkles
This technique lifts the outer edge of the eyebrow and tightens the temple area, which helps open up the eyes and give the face a more rested appearance.
A temporal-frontal facelift is sometimes performed endoscopically, which helps minimize the length of the incisions.
The mini-lift
A mini-facelift is a less invasive version of a full facelift. It is generally recommended when skin laxity is moderate and localized.
The incisions are smaller and the surgery is less extensive than with a full facelift. A mini-facelift can be used to correct:
- the beginnings of a double chin
- a loss of definition in the facial contours
- mild sagging of the skin
This technique can be adapted for younger patients or those showing early signs of facial aging.
Related surgeries
To achieve a more comprehensive and harmonious result, a facelift can be combined with other surgical or cosmetic procedures.
Common associated procedures include:
- neck liposuction, which helps correct excess fat under the chin
- blepharoplasty, to treat excess skin or puffiness around the eyes
- facial lipofilling, to restore lost volume
- aesthetic medical treatments, such as injections or certain skin treatments
Combining these techniques results in overall facial rejuvenation while maintaining a natural-looking result.
The treatment plan is always determined during the consultation, following a thorough analysis of the patient’s facial anatomy and a detailed discussion of their expectations.
Overview of the procedure
The process of undergoing a facelift begins with a specialized consultation to accurately assess the signs of aging on the face and neck.
During this consultation, a comprehensive clinical examination is conducted to assess skin quality, the degree of skin laxity, and changes in facial volume. This evaluation helps identify the areas of concern and discuss realistic goals for the procedure.
You will receive detailed medical information and a personalized quote, in accordance with the legal cooling-off period. Medical photographs may be taken to facilitate preoperative analysis and monitoring of results.
Before the procedure, a preoperative evaluation is ordered and a consultation with the anesthesiologist is scheduled.
Le lifting du visage est réalisé en clinique sous anesthésie générale, ou parfois sous anesthésie locale avec sédation selon les situations. L’intervention consiste à retendre les tissus du visage et du cou afin de restaurer l’harmonie des contours tout en respectant l’expression naturelle du visage.
La durée opératoire est généralement comprise entre 2 et 3 heures. Les incisions sont placées de manière discrète, le plus souvent :
- autour de l’oreille
- dans les plis naturels de la peau
- parfois dans les cheveux
L’intervention est généralement réalisée en ambulatoire ou avec une courte hospitalisation, selon les cas.
BEFORE / AFTER
Postoperative Care and Expected Results
Postoperative symptoms vary but are generally well tolerated. In the first few days following the procedure, it is common to experience:
- facial swelling
- bruises
- a feeling of tension
- temporary fatiguetemporary fatigue
A gradual return to normal activities is recommended to promote optimal recovery.
In practice:
- light daily activities: after a few days
- sedentary work: generally after 10 to 15 days
- Sports activities: usually after 4 to 6 weeks
A post-operative follow-up appointment is scheduled to monitor healing and the progress of the results.
A facelift can help you achieve a more rested, firmer, and more balanced appearance. The expected benefits include:
- improvement of facial contours
- reduction in jowls
- correction of neck sagging
- more defined facial contours
- a refreshed look while maintaining a natural result
The results become apparent gradually as the swelling subsides and the tissues settle. How long the results last depends largely on the skin’s natural aging process and its initial condition.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelifts
The results can last for several years, even as the natural aging process continues.
Yes, certain procedures such as blepharoplasty, lipofilling, or aesthetic medicine treatments can be combined as needed.
No. The goal is to restore the contours of the face without altering its natural expression.
The scars are placed in the natural creases around the ear and usually become less noticeable over time.
There is no specific age. A facelift is generally considered when sagging skin becomes visible and bothersome, often around the age of 50, but this depends on each individual case. Some people develop excess skin as early as age 35–40, while others do so later.
>> This page is intended to provide general information. Only a consultation with Dr. Vairinho will allow for an accurate assessment of your situation and the recommendation of an appropriate treatment plan. A personalized quote is provided only during a consultation.
