How is a Facelift Done?
The facelift is considered to be the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. Since 1901, this surgical procedure has helped countless people turn back the clock on aging. How a facelift is done varies from patient to patient and varies based on the patient’s specific anatomy, but it generally includes lifting and repositioning facial tissues, restoring volume loss and removing excess skin.
Dr. Michelle Lee is a board-certified and Ivy League-trained plastic surgeon behind some of the most natural-appearing facelift results. In this blog, we’ll learn how a facelift is performed using the techniques Dr. Lee prefers to create a rejuvenated appearance.
Facelift Basics
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, creates a more youthful appearance by addressing signs of aging in the face and neck. It involves repositioning underlying tissues, lifting the skin on the face and under the neck, and trimming away excess skin.
The procedure primarily targets the lower two-thirds of the face, including:
- Sagging skin: Loose skin around the midface, jawline, and neck is lifted and tightened.
- Deep creases: Lines and wrinkles between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds) and along the jawline are smoothed out.
- Fat displacement: Excess fat beneath the chin is removed. Fat that has drooped or diminished is repositioned and/or restored with fat grafting.
- Muscle tone: Underlying muscles and tissues are repositioned to provide a strong foundation and reduce the appearance of jowls.
How a Facelift is Done
Facelift
- Incisions are carefully placed along the natural folds of the ears, beginning in the front, wrapping along the crease behind the ear and sometimes extending into the hairline. One small incision is made underneath the chin to access the tissues of the neck.
- Excess fatty tissue beneath the chin is removed
- The underlying tissues of the lower face and neck are repositioned, tightened and contoured.
- Any excess skin is trimmed away
- The incisions are closed with meticulous attention
Deep Plane Facelift
- Similar to a traditional facelift, incisions are made around the ears and under the chin
- The surgeon lifts and repositions the deeper layers of facial muscles and tissues (SMAS layer) without separating the skin from the deeper tissues, which provides more natural and longer-lasting results
- Excess fatty tissue beneath the chin is removed
- Any excess skin is trimmed
- Incisions are carefully closed
Neck Lift
The neck lift can address a double chin or “turkey wattle.”
- Incisions typically start at the earlobe and extend along the natural fold of the back of the ear
- An additional incision may be made under the chin
- The platysma muscle is tightened, and excess fat may be removed or redistributed
- The deep neck structures such as excess muscle or glands are contoured.
- Excess skin is removed to create a smoother neck contour
- Incisions are closed with sutures
Revision Facelift
If your initial facelift ended with asymmetry or unsatisfactory results, a revision facelift can address areas needing correction.
- Incisions are usually made following previous scars
- The surgeon corrects issues such as asymmetry, under-correction, or over-correction by adjusting the underlying tissues and skin
- Additional skin may be removed if necessary
- Incisions are closed meticulously
Questions About How a Facelift is Done? Dr. Lee is Here to Help.
Dr. Michelle Lee, the renowned founder of PERK Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA, is dedicated to providing clarity and personalized guidance to help you make an informed decision. With her extensive experience and advanced training in cosmetic surgery, Dr. Lee ensures that each patient receives a thorough understanding of their options and a tailored approach to achieving their aesthetic goals. Contact PERK Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation for a facelift!
