Face Lift: Procedure, Types & Recovery

A face lift is a cosmetic procedure used to rejuvenate the face. It can reduce wrinkles in the face and neck, improve skin laxity, and remove excess skin or fat from the face.

A face lift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that can be performed using several different techniques. Other minimally invasive facial rejuvenation treatments do not involve surgery and may use absorbable injectable products that stimulate collagen production.

A face lift is performed by a plastic surgeon using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. In some cases, it may be combined with other procedures, such as blepharoplasty or rhinoplasty.

Who is a good candidate

A face lift may be indicated for:

• Deep wrinkles, folds, and expression lines

• Droopy eyes

• A wrinkle that extends from the mouth to the chin, called a marionette line

• A double chin or loose skin in the neck

• Sagging cheeks

A face lift should be discussed with a board-certified plastic surgeon, since less invasive cosmetic procedures may be recommended depending on the desired result.

Pre-op instructions

Before a face lift, a general health evaluation is needed. Blood work and an electrocardiogram (ECG) are usually recommended.

It is important to tell the doctor about any health conditions, allergies, and any medications you are taking, since they may recommend stopping anticoagulants a few days before surgery.

If you smoke, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, quitting smoking as soon as possible before surgery, preferably at least a week in advance, can help lower the risk of complications and support healing.

On the day before surgery, fasting for at least 8 to 10 hours is usually required, or as directed by the doctor.

Surgical procedure

A face lift is usually performed by a plastic surgeon in a hospital or outpatient surgical center, using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

To perform a face lift, the doctor usually follows these steps:

• Cleans the skin with antiseptics

• Marks the treatment areas on the face with a surgical pen

• Administers general anesthesia through a vein or local anesthesia with sedation

• Makes an incision behind the ear, along the hairline, or under the chin

• Repositions the tissue, tightens the muscles, repositions fat, and removes excess skin and/or fat

• Closes the incisions with stitches or surgical glue

• Applies a dressing over the incision sites

Because this is a procedure that requires care and precision, a face lift may take several hours. While it is often done as an outpatient procedure, some people may need a short observation period or an overnight stay depending on the extent of the surgery and their recovery.

Does the surgery leave scars?

Facial surgery always leaves scars, but they vary depending on the technique used by the doctor. In most cases, they are not very noticeable because they are hidden by the hair and around the ears.

The scar also changes color over time. At first it is pink, and later it becomes more similar to the natural skin tone, which may take about 1 year.

Main types

The main types of face lift are:

1. Full face lift

A full face lift is done with larger incisions in areas such as around the ears, along the hairline, and under the chin.

This type of face lift makes it possible to tighten the muscles, reposition fat, and remove excess skin, giving the face a more youthful appearance.

In a traditional face lift, the doctor may also correct a double chin and loose skin in the neck.

2. Deep face lift

A deep face lift is done through surgery to lift and strengthen the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), which is located beneath the skin of the neck and chin, along with the fat and skin.

This type of face lift helps reduce wrinkles and make the face look more rejuvenated.

3. Mini face lift

A mini face lift is done through small incisions along the hairline to remove excess tissue, lift the skin, and tighten the muscles in the lower part of the face.

In general, a mini face lift, also called a minilift, is indicated to reduce or eliminate a double chin and improve jawline definition. Read more about how to get rid of a double chin with both surgical and non-surgical techniques.

4. Mid face lift

A mid face lift is done to lift the cheeks and reduce excess sagging through small incisions and, in some cases, placement of absorbable suspension devices or implants, improving cheek appearance and contour.

This type of face lift is generally indicated for people who do not have a double chin or marionette lines.

5. Cutaneous face lift

A cutaneous face lift is done to remove excess skin from the lower part of the face through small incisions along the hairline and around the ears.

This type of face lift is indicated to rejuvenate the lower face, including the neck and jawline.

6. Jawline rejuvenation

Jawline rejuvenation is a type of face lift that aims to improve jawline contour.

This type of face lift is done with liposuction in the neck area to remove excess fat and give the face a younger-looking appearance.

7. Upper face lift

An upper face lift is indicated to soften wrinkles in the temple area and lift drooping eyebrows.

This type of face lift, also known as a temporal lift or brow lift, is done by lifting and tightening the skin in this area through small incisions along the hairline.

8. Non-surgical face lift

Non-surgical facial rejuvenation, sometimes called a liquid face lift, is done with injections of dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid fillers and certain collagen-stimulating fillers.

According to the FDA, these treatments may temporarily improve certain facial wrinkles, folds, and volume loss because many dermal fillers are gradually absorbed by the body over time.

Face lift before and after

Before-and-after results vary depending on the type of face lift performed, although results are usually longer-lasting when the procedure is surgical.

In the case of non-surgical rejuvenation, results are immediate. However, the procedure may need to be repeated over time because the substances used are gradually absorbed by the body.

Recovery time

Recovery from facial surgery is slow and may cause some discomfort during the first week.

During the postoperative period, it is recommended to:

• Take pain medication as directed by the doctor

• Sleep on your back with your head supported by 2 pillows

• Keep the head of the bed elevated for about 1 week to help prevent swelling

• Keep dressings, bandages, or a compression wrap in place for as long as directed by the surgeon
• Only have lymphatic drainage or other postoperative treatments if recommended by the surgeon

• Avoid using cosmetics during the first week after surgery

• Avoid touching the scars to prevent complications

In some cases, the doctor may recommend applying cold compresses to the face for about 2 minutes during the first week to help reduce swelling.

In addition, if there are visible stitches on the face, they are usually removed about 15 days after surgery. It is also important to avoid physical exertion, hair dye, and sun exposure during the first 30 days.

Are face lift results permanent?

The results of surgery are usually visible about 1 month after the procedure. However, in most cases, they do not last forever.

This is because the results change over the years, since a face lift does not stop the aging process and only reduces its signs.

In addition, results may be affected by weight gain and prolonged sun exposure, for example.

Possible complications

A face lift usually causes purple marks on the skin, swelling, and small bruises, which tend to improve during the first 3 weeks after surgery.

However, other complications may occur, such as:

• An uneven, thick, wide, or dark scar

• Scar opening or infection

• Hardening under the skin

• Reduced skin sensitivity

• Facial paralysis

• Facial asymmetry

In these cases, touch-up procedures may be needed to improve the surgical result.