Facelift/Neck Lift

faceliftIf your face and neck are showing signs of aging with lax skin and muscle bands, you might benefit from a combination facelift and neck lift. This surgical procedure can take years off your appearance by tightening and smoothing the skin of your face and neck.

Dr. Ledding has performed numerous facial rejuvenation surgeries for his patients. No two patients are the same, however, so he will spend time with you during your initial consultation and examination to discuss your options and his recommended surgical plan for you.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Face/Neck Lift?

A face/neck lift is for people who have loose skin, jowling, excess fat, and/or muscle bands on the face and neck due to aging or significant weight loss. Muscle bands are sometimes referred to as “turkey neck.” Keep in mind, however, that face/neck lift surgery does not fully treat small/fine wrinkles. These can be better addressed by other, complementary methods.

Is a Face/Neck Lift an Outpatient Procedure?

A face/neck lift is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient under general anesthesia. In some cases, a local anesthetic and sedation may be used. You can go home the same day, provided someone is available to drive you.

What Incisions Are Used For a Face/Neck Lift?

Incision locations depend on what needs to be corrected. Whenever possible, incisions are placed in discreet locations, such as under the chin, hidden within the hairline, and/or behind the ears.

What Happens During the Face/Neck Lift Procedure?

After the incisions are made, Dr. Ledding removes any excess skin to tighten the area. In some cases, muscles must be tightened as well in order to create the desired result.

Liposuction may also be performed to remove localized pockets of fat. In this case, a cannula (small tube) is inserted into small incisions and attached to a suction device. The cannula is moved in and out to break up the fat, which is suctioned out.

The skin is then redraped for a tighter, more youthful look. The incisions are closed using sutures.

What Happens Immediately After a Face/Neck Lift?

After some time spent in the recovery room following your surgery, your incisions will be dressed with bandages. Most face/neck lift patients must wear a compression band for a week or two. You will go home the same day with instructions for after-care and an appointment set for a couple of days later for your first follow-up exam.

When Can I Return to Work After a Face/Neck Lift?

Most people take seven to 14 days off from work and resume exercise or sports activities in four to six weeks. If your occupation is physically demanding, you may need four to six weeks off work as well.

What Post-Operative Symptoms Can I Expect After a Face/Neck Lift?

Your recovery will include some bruising, numbness, a feeling of tightness, and pain for a couple of weeks. You can take prescription or non-prescription medications to ease you through this period.

Swelling takes a bit longer to resolve, gradually improving over a period of weeks. If you sleep sitting up for a few nights, you will probably feel more comfortable and might even reduce the initial swelling.

The sutures will be removed in about a week.

Are There Scars After a Face/Neck Lift?

There are scars after a neck lift, but Dr. Ledding will do everything he can to keep them in hidden areas. We will provide strategies for healing the scars as quickly as possible, and they will fade and become less prominent in the months following your surgery.

Contact our office for a consultation to discuss how a face/neck lift with Dr. Ledding can help you look years younger.