How is a Facelift Procedure Performed?
Most facelift techniques focus on the lower facial areas, such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck. In most techniques, deeper facial tissues may be repositioned or tightened to restore a more youthful contour. Removal or addition of fat may be part of the procedure to enhance the results. Incisions will depend on the area of the face that is targeted and the amount of change desired. All incisions are carefully designed to be well-hidden.
Once the incisions are made, ‘undermining’ of the skin is performed. Undermining separates the overlying skin of the face and neck from the muscles and tissues deep to the skin. This frees or loosens facial and neck skin so it can be re-draped at the end of the procedure, ensuring a more natural appearing result.
The deeper tissues are then tightened or appropriately modified, and the excess fat is removed. The neck muscles will often be drawn together, sutured together at the midline to form a strong sling of muscles that defines the neckline.
Liposuction of the neck may also be included. Facial Implants or fat transfers may also be added to increase cheek or chin volume.
Finally, the skin will be re-draped over the new underlying structure, the excess skin removed, and the incisions will be closed with stitches and/or small metal clips. Where needed, drainage tubes may be placed. A padded, supportive dressing is usually applied.
The goal of William Umansky, MD and Jeffrey Umansky, MD and their entire staff is to help our patients achieve the most beautiful and natural-looking results, and to make each Facelift surgery experience as safe and comfortable as possible.