Facelift Surgical Procedure

Orange County Face Lifting Surgery

A facelift is an elective, cosmetic surgical operation in which the loose muscles of the face and neck are tightened and the skin redraped and the excess trimmed. If excess neck fat is present, it will be suctioned as part of this procedure.

Occasionally, the patient and surgeon may decide that in order to obtain the desired optimal result, additional ancillary procedures such as a midface lift, tear trough microfat grafting, eyelid surgery, a brow lift, skin resurfacing, or a chin implant may be required. These additional procedures will be discussed separately as they are not an actual part of the face or neck lift operation. If desired, your surgeon will go over these additional procedures with you.

A straight forward face or neck lift operation requires approximately two and a half hours. Of course, if additional procedures are requested or if you have an exceedingly full neck, a longer time will be required. The surgery will usually be performed under a light general anesthesia or deep sedation. An anesthesiologist will be present to administer the medications and assist in monitoring all patients to ensure their safety.

At the completion of the operation, drainage tubes are placed beneath the neck skin to minimize swelling and bruising. These tubes are connected to a bulb; it will be necessary for the nurse to empty the drainage fluid a few times during the first night. In the morning, she will drive you to the office for your first post operative visit. The drains will be removed in the office and a light wrap applied. Your family or other designated adult will pick you up from the office after this visit and home care instructions will be given.

Is A Facelift For Me?