Facelift

Operation is performed under local or general anesthesia.

Various methods are used to remowe wrinkles:

• Classical Facelift (Full Facelift)

An originally performed operation with incisions around the ears, elevating the skin towards the cheek, jaw and chin. A firm connective tissue is exposed (called SMAS - superficial musculo-aponeurotic system). This tissue can be hold and moved towards the ears to stretch the loose tissue in the face. The skin is elevated and excess skin is removed.

The SMAS can be folded and fixed in a new positon (SMAS-plication) or a part of the SMAS is cut-off (SMAS-resection), the preparation of the tissue can be also done under the SMAS (sub-SMAS preparation).

• Mini-Facelift (or S-lift)
  

Mini facelift is a more tissue-sparing operation with limited SMAS preparation and skin preparation (for younger facelift candidates).

• Deep plane facelift

The Deep Plane Facelift is focused on the middle and lower part of the face. Surgery is provided under the SMAS in a deeper layers. Deep plane facelift is especially effective to remove nasolabial folds with long-lasting results.

Facelift is designed to correct deeper wrinkles and sagging skin on the face and neck. Its advantage is thus the improvement of: 

• Facial and neck sagging
• The loss of volume and tension on your face (jowls)
• Wrinkles between nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
• Wrinkles between mouth’s corners and chin (marionette lines)
• Double chin and neck creases, folds and wrinkles

The time of recovery is longer in more extensive procedures and takes about 2 - 4 weeks. 

Bruising and swelling is typical after these operations and a compressive garment is usually worn. Numbness around ears lobes and cheeks can experienced for 4 - 6 weeks after surgery.

Cool packs are used for the first 24 hours after operation, head should be elevated, and smoking is strictly forbidden. Avoid lifting heavy objects or bending over. Showering is allowed, but not bathing or swimming in the pool. Avoid direct sunlight for 6 weeks (wear sunscreen and sunglasses).

Like any surgery, a facelift is also accompanied by the possibility of postoperative complications.

• The facial area is very well supplied with blood vessels and therefore the risk of necrosis of a part of the skin is rare.
• One of the most common complications is a hematoma - bleeding after surgery, which is manifested by swelling in the subcutaneous tissue and color changes (bruises). Small hematomas disappear on their own, larger ones may require surgical revision and removal of the hematoma from the wound.
• Wound infection and dehiscence (opening) of the wound edges are also very rare.
• The most serious and (fortunately) the most rare complication is an injury to the facial nerve. This nerve innervates facial muscles and its damage means paralysis (temporary or permanent) of part of the face.

If a local anesthesia is used during operation, you may have a problem with the control of facial muscles for 2 hours after facelift. All problems disappear after the local anesthesia wears off. If problems persist for more than 1 day, you should contact your doctor.

• Scars are usually very inconspicuous and visible only from the sides and up close.

Before the surgery and for at least 10 days after the surgery, it is necessary to maintain a no-smoking rule. Adverse complications are more frequent with heavy smoking.

Anticoagulant medications (aspirin and other any anti-inflammatory drugs) must be stopped for at least 10 days before surgery. If it is not possible to stop them, a temporary switch to subcutaneous injections of low molecular weight heparin is also possible.

Use additional pillow to elevate your head during the night for two weeks (reduces swelling).