FACIAL LIFTING

As years go by, the groove between the nose and cheeks accentuate (nasogenian folds), neck folds appear and the face loses its oval definition.

The surgery does not stop this process, but can “remove some years”, through the skin tightening, the relocation of subcutaneous muscles and elimination of excess fat, especially in the neck.

This surgery improves the appearance in mature people (around 40 years) who have not yet age, and want to delay the onset of aging. It also rejuvenates the face of the elderly. The more advanced the degree of aging (wrinkles, skin hanging, etc.) the more important rejuvenation will be.

This type of surgery is divided into two parts:

  • The superior or temporal area (also known as minilifting), which has the effect of refreshing the stare and which can be performed as a single procedure in young people who do not need to rejuvenate their cheeks and cheekbones.

 
This lifting is done on both sides of the forehead at the temples; the surgeon makes a vertical incision over to the top part of the ear. This incision is usually made behind the hair line so that the scar remains hidden.

  • The middle area, which acts on the cheekbones and cheeks. In this case, is the same route of the temporal incision, which extends downwards in a vertical manner passing in front of the ear following its natural shape (preauricular area).


Through this incision, the surgeon separates the muscles and skin of the face, tense and lifts them repositioning and giving and a more youthful appearance. He cuts out the excess skin and sutures.

OTHER NAMES:

  • Facial stretching.
  • Cosmetic surgery of the face.

DEFINITION

It is a surgical procedure that repairs the skin of the face and neck, the withered, wrinkled and sunken skin that is produced by the passage of time, by a poor diet or by hereditary tendency. It is performed by removing excess fat, tightening the main muscles and filling the skin of the face and neck.

DESCRIPTION

Wrinkles appear on the skin as the years go by, especially in the area around the mouth and nose, eye "crow's feet", in the interciliar area (area between the eyebrows,) etc. Fat deposits appear around the neck.
The jaw becomes loose and falls (double chin). Other factors that may contribute to skin problems in younger people are a poor diet, the cigarette, obesity and hereditary factors. The lifting helps improve the visible damage of the skin and muscles and to regain a younger appearance. The lifting may also be done while having other surgeries such as nose reconstruction, or eyelids stretching.
The lifting is done with two types of anesthesia. One is local anesthesia (the patient is sleepy and without pain). The other is general anesthesia in which the patient is deeply asleep, without feeling pain.
The plastic surgeon makes incisions over the hair line at the temples, behind the ear lobe and at the lower area of the scalp. After he extracts the fatty tissue, tightens the skin and finaly stitches (sutures) the incisions.

INDICATIONS

Usually it is performed to reduce the signs of time passing (wrinkles) with which the patient is feeling dissatisfied. This may even create health problems.

EXPECTATIONS AFTER SURGERY

Most patients are pleased with the results.
Sometimes the surgeon has to place a small drainage tube under the skin behind the ear to drain a small amount of blood that can accumulate in this area. Compressive bandages are placed around the head, to prevent swelling and bruising (hematomas). Usually the patient does not feel very uncomfortable after the lifting.
In any case it can be given some pain medication. The patient may notice numbness of the skin: this is normal and will disappear in a few weeks.
The patient should keep the head elevated with two pillows (at least at an angle of 30 degrees) to prevent swelling.

The drainage tube (if it was necessary) is removed after 1 or 2 days of having carried out the intervention.

The bandages are removed after 1 to 5 days.

The face may appear pale, bruised and swollen, but over a period of 4 to 6 weeks should return to a normal appearance.

Most sutures are removed in 5 days, although sometimes the sutures or clips located on the edge of the scalp can be kept a few more days because they may take longer to heal.

CONVALESCENCE

For 10 to 14 days the patient notes swelling, tension, numbness, bruises, etc. Most of the scars are hidden in the hair line and a few months latter they disappear. No sun exposure is advisable.

RISKS

The risks of any intervention under anesthesia:

  • Reaction to the medication
  • Respiratory problems
  • Bleeding
  • Infections

Additional risks:

  • Emergence of hematomas under the skin, which must be drained
Lesions of facial nerve with palsy that is often temporary.