How is a Face Lift Performed?

The surgery will last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. It is usually not necessary to cut or shave off the hair.

1) Your face is first cleaned with an antiseptic solution and sterile cloths

2) Your face is then outlined with a marking pen to guide the doctor during the procedure

3) Anesthesia is administered. Typically a mixture of a local anesthesia is used with light MAC sedation. It is not recommended to have only local anesthesia because you will then be awake during the procedure. Many patients who are awake are squirmy and remember the surgery. If you are having other procedures done at the same time, the doctor will probably use general anesthesia.

4) The incisions are made. The incisions are the sites that your skin will be stretched. They are usually found in the hairline, front of the ear and under the chin. There is a natural crease at the ear and face. This is typically where the incision is placed. The incision then continues around in front of the earlobe. At the top of the ear it curves back into the hairline. Some incisions extend into the temple hair above the ear and curves slightly forward. Incisions can also be made underneath the chin.

5) The skin is then lifted. The skin is carefully cut beneath the fat. The skin is gently pulled at the lip, cheek and midline of neck. This is where the tissue is separated delicately. The thin fascia (connective tissue of the face) is also pulled back to provide deeper support to the facial skin, especially around the jaw line.

6) The tissue is then stitched behind the ear. Any fat is removed to give a sleek and clean look.

7) Some wrinkles may also be removed by gently smoothing the skin back toward the ears.

8) Usually 6 to 8 sutures, stitches, or closings are placed at either side of the neck to secure the connective tissue and muscular layer before the skin is redraped.

9) Extra skin is then trimmed while the cheek skin is also pulled.

10) Final stitching is used to hold the skin. The stitches also promote healing and less scarring.

11) Finally, at the end of the procedure a small tube is placed behind or near the ear where the stitches are located to drain away any fluids.

12) Sterile dressings and bandages are applied to secure the head and neck area, and prevent infection.