Principle
A face lift is an aesthetic surgical operation that corrects the slackening of the facial muscles and skin due to the natural ageing of the tissues. The muscles are tightened, and the skin is then fitted to the new curves of the face. Thanks to this dual action, the result is both lasting and natural.
A cervico-facial lift is the most complete type: it involves the neck, the cheeks and the temples. Some of the incisions are concealed in the hair and around the ears. From those incision points, the skin is tightened to varying degrees, depending in particular on how much the tissues have relaxed.
The muscles are then tightened in an extremely precise, measured process, to correct sagging while preserving the face’s capacity for expression. The skin is then re-draped naturally, with the excess removed, and the sutures are stitched without tension.
The centro-facial lift acts only on the lower eyelids, the hollows of dark circles and the cheekbones. Two incisions are required: the first, at the lower eyelid (right below the lashes and continuing into the crow’s feet), and a second concealed under the hair by the temples. Once these two incisions have been made on both sides of the face, the surgeon can pull back the deep subperiosteal plane (in contact with the bone). Depending on the surgeon, the cheekbones will be vertically suspended using thread or more sophisticated absorbable anchoring systems.
Results
Although results can be seen within two months, it takes three to six months after the lift for the face to be really redefined and for the tissues to have settled back in place. The effect is “natural”, and the facial features appear rested and rejuvenated.
Possible side effects
The after-effects of a cervico-facial lift include oedema (swelling), bruising at the chin and neck, and painful tension behind the ears and around the neck. For centro-facial lifts, it is normal for oedema to appear on the face, accompanied by bruising at the eyelids.