Face
Cervicofacial lift
The facelift, or rhytidectomy, repositions the tissues of the face and neck to reduce age-related sagging. The indication and extent of the procedure are assessed in consultation, case by case.
What is it?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that repositions the loose tissues of the face and neck to reduce deep wrinkles and age-related sagging. It notably addresses the jowls and the jawline, within the limits of each patient's anatomy.
Process
Consultation
We will begin with a detailed consultation to understand your expectations and assess your overall health, in order to determine the best care plan for you.
Preparation
Before surgery, we will provide you with precise instructions on preparation, including which medications to take or avoid.
Procedure
The surgeon will begin by making incisions in the concealed areas of the face. Then, they will remove or reposition fat deposits for a more natural result.
Closure
Once the lift is complete, the incisions are closed. Drains may be placed to help reduce swelling and bruising.
Recovery
Recovery can last from 2 to 4 weeks. However, the final results generally appear within three to six months after surgery.
Why choose our clinic?
Experienced surgeons
Our surgeons have years of experience in cosmetic surgery and are certified by health regulatory bodies.
Advanced technologies
The procedure uses techniques adapted to the degree of laxity and the quality of the tissues.
Rigorous post-operative follow-up
Attentive post-operative follow-up supports healing and the return to activity.
Expected results
3 hDuration of the procedure50 %Recovery after 2 weeks90 %Recovery after 6 weeks
Before / after results
The facelift: definition, techniques and areas treated
The facelift (or rhytidectomy) covers several surgical techniques that aim to correct the skin laxity and the shifting of deep tissues associated with age. It is not about "pulling the skin", but about repositioning the structures that have slipped over time.
What a facelift actually corrects
Over the years, the skin loses its elasticity, the supporting tissues relax and the facial fat redistributes. A facelift acts on this whole: it re-tensions the deep plane (the SMAS, the musculo-aponeurotic layer) and removes the excess skin, which helps redefine the oval of the face, soften the jowls and smooth neck laxity. The aim is a natural result, without a frozen appearance.
The main techniques
- Cervicofacial lift: the most complete technique, which treats the lower face (jowls, oval) and the neck at the same time.
- Mini-lift: a more targeted indication when the laxity is moderate and localized, with more limited incisions.
- SMAS lift: acts on the deep plane for a lasting repositioning of the tissues, rather than tensioning the skin alone.
- Possible combination with other facial procedures (fat grafting, blepharoplasty) depending on the project, discussed during consultation.
The choice of technique depends on your anatomy, the extent of the laxity and your goals. No method is universal: your surgeon determines the most suitable approach after a clinical examination.
The right candidate, indications and alternatives
A facelift is intended for people bothered by visible laxity of the face and neck. Knowing whether you are a good candidate always requires an individualized medical assessment.
When is a facelift relevant?
- Laxity of the facial oval with the appearance of jowls.
- Distended neck skin, sometimes associated with excess fat under the chin.
- Marked folds between the nose and the mouth that non-surgical techniques can no longer correct.
- A wish for a lasting result rather than a temporary correction.
Profile and precautions
Good general health, a stable weight and stopping smoking around the procedure favour quality healing. Certain medical situations may contraindicate or delay the procedure. Realistic expectations are essential: a facelift rejuvenates the appearance of the face but does not fundamentally change the features.
Alternatives and complements
Depending on the case, non-surgical solutions may be offered for early laxity, or as a complement to a facelift to treat the quality and volume of the skin. Conversely, when the laxity is significant, only surgery provides a meaningful correction. Your surgeon helps you place your situation within this spectrum.
Consultation, anesthesia and how the operation unfolds
Understanding the major steps, from the first consultation to the operating room, often helps to approach the procedure more calmly.
The preoperative consultation
It includes an examination of the face and neck, an analysis of the skin quality and a thorough discussion of your expectations. You are given guidance on medications to avoid, stopping smoking and skincare. A preoperative work-up is carried out according to the usual recommendations.
Anesthesia and incisions
Depending on the case, the facelift is performed under general anesthesia or under deep local anesthesia, according to the extent of the procedure and the assessment of the anesthesia team. The incisions are designed to be concealed, generally around the ear and in the scalp, so as to make the scars discreet.
The surgical steps
- Making the incisions in the concealed areas.
- Lifting and repositioning of the deep plane (SMAS) to put the tissues back in place.
- Treatment of excess fat or addition of volume if necessary.
- Measured removal of excess skin, without excessive tension.
- Careful closure and possible placement of drains according to the team's protocols.
Aftercare, scars and durability of results
The most frequent questions concern recovery, the appearance of the scars and how long the benefit lasts. The timeframes given are orders of magnitude that vary from one person to another.
The immediate aftermath
Edema (swelling) and bruising are normal in the first days and gradually subside. Discomfort rather than true pain is generally reported. Most people resume social and professional life within two to four weeks, while intense physical exertion is postponed longer, according to your surgeon's approval.
Scars and their evolution
The scars, placed in concealed areas, fade over the months. Their quality depends on individual factors, postoperative care and adherence to the instructions. The result generally refines over several months, as the swelling disappears and the tissues stabilize.
Durability of the result
A facelift corrects the laxity present on the day of the procedure, but ageing then continues naturally. The benefit is generally long-lasting, and the face often keeps a more rested appearance over the long term. Sun protection, a healthy lifestyle and appropriate skincare help preserve the result.
Frequently asked questions
How do I prepare for a facelift?
During the consultation, the doctor will give you detailed instructions on preparing for the procedure. This includes which medications to take or avoid and the skincare rules to follow.
What is recovery like after a facelift?
Most patients can resume their normal activities 2 to 4 weeks after the operation. However, it is advisable to avoid intense physical exertion during the first 6 weeks.
What are the risks of a facelift?
As with any surgical procedure, a facelift carries risks, including infections, reactions to anesthesia, and complications related to healing. However, these risks are minimized when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon.
At what age can a facelift be considered?
There is no single age: the indication depends more on the degree of skin laxity and tissue quality than on the number on your ID. A facelift is generally considered when the ageing of the lower face and neck becomes marked and no longer responds to non-surgical techniques. Your surgeon assesses your situation on a case-by-case basis during the consultation.
Are facelift results permanent?
A facelift repositions the tissues and corrects the laxity present on the day of the procedure, but it does not stop the natural ageing that continues afterwards. The benefit is generally long-lasting, and the face often keeps a more rested appearance than if it had not been operated on. A healthy lifestyle, sun protection and appropriate skincare help preserve the result over time.
Next step
Have questions?
Discuss your goals with our team during a personalised consultation.
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