How is facelift surgery performed?

Facelift surgery generally lasts several hours and is performed with either general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. Incision patterns may vary; however, for the traditional facelift, the incision begins above the temples in the hairline and continue in a natural line in front of and behind the ear, ending in the lower scalp, hiding within natural shadows and creases. A separate small incision is made under the chin to help address the neck area. During the surgery the skin and subcutaneous tissue is separated from the structures, the “deep plane” is then entered, and further tissue elevation performed in order to successfully release all the ligamentous tether points for a natural and maximal suspension. The tissues are then resuspended in an anatomically more youthful position and the skin is gently contoured to remove excess skin and optimally hide incisions. Through contemporary techniques drains are typically avoided in this surgery, and a series of gentle compression dressings utilized the first few days after surgery.