Facelift

Indication
Age, illnesses, such as metabolic disorders, but also the general way of life (smoking and alcohol consumption), will often leave visible traces on the face of all persons during the course of their lives. The connective tissue and the facial musculature can become lax, skin can change, wrinkles and fat pads can form. Genetic factors, frequent exposure to the sun, or side effects of medication taken on a regular basis can also have an impact. This will often result in a worn out/exhausted, tired facial expression and sad mimics, which make the person look unhappy and unmotivated.

Course of the procedure
A face lift, which is often combined with a neck lift and / or lidplasty can counteract this development and correct those kind of changes. There are many ways to reach this goal since there are various operating methods.  Apart from endoscopic surgical procedures to the forehead, face and neck area, an incision is mostly made above the forehead in the hairline area, or, to achieve a facelift, incisions are made at the preauricular area continued around the ear lobe and continued behind the ear to the posterior hairline. Prior to tightening the skin and removing the excess skin area, underlying muscle layers are tightened in a way that the least amount of tension is caused to the freshly sutured wounds.  Additionally, bothersome fat can be removed, for example, in combination with liposuction in the chin area, which will make patients look younger without impairing the mimic characteristic for the person. Excessive tightening, which will result in a waxen, motionless face cannot be the goal of such a procedure. 

In addition, it is not uncommon to simultaneously perform a lid-tightening procedure. This will ensure a harmonic look, consistent with a facial rejuvenation. The modern operation methods rarely cause large swellings and hematoma-related discolorations. Placing soft silicone drains in the lower jaw area, which will exit behind the ear, help in most cases drain wound secretion and blood. The wounds are closed with finest suture material in 2 overlapping layers, which will provide the best preconditions for an unremarkable scar formation.

Prior to the surgery an anesthesia workup is required. During this workup, patients will inform the anesthesiologist of all previous illnesses they have had and of all medication they may have to take. 

Surgical time
Understandably, the surgical procedure will depend on the extent and complexity.

Hospital stay
Postoperative care also depends on the surgery required. Most of the time, postoperative care that cannot be performed on an outpatient basis requires a brief inpatient stay of only few days.

Instructions on postoperative behavior
A light, fluffy dressing will initially cover the surgical wounds for a few days, the drains will be removed on the second or third day. Few days later, the patients will be able to wash their hair again.

When patients will be able to return to work/perform sports will depend on the healing process and the type of the patients occupation. Usually it will take only a few days.