Cervico-facial lift

Of the various types of facelift available to improve the disfigurements of facial aging, the cervico-facial lift is the most widely used. This procedure corrects sagging and slackening of the skin and muscles of the face and neck. The aim is not to change the structure of the face, but to restore it to its appearance before the effects of aging. The cervico-facial lift repositions the tissues in their original position. Over time, tissues sag, jowls appear, the cervico-facial angle becomes less pronounced and wrinkles set in. The principle of the cervico-facial lift is to re-tension the deep structures of the face (SMAS) and then re-drape the skin without tension to achieve a natural result.

Objective of facelift :

Correct the effects of aging on the face and neck by re-tensioning the muscles and re-draping the skin.

➊ Action on the Face: Restoration of the oval of the face by disappearance of jowls, bitterness wrinkles in the lower part of the nasolabial fold.
➋ Action on the Neck: Restoring the cervical-chin angle.

Procedures associated with a cervico-facial lift

Lipostructure:
To act on the middle third of the face (cheekbones, nasolabial fold, dark circles), the surgeon will often use lipofilling, i.e. fat transfer. Fat is usually taken from the knees or abdomen, then reinjected into the cheekbones, nasolabial fold and dark circles. This procedure will restore radiance to the face and reshape areas where fat has melted away.
Submental liposuction
Submental liposuction is performed if the face is too strong, with a double chin due to excess fat.
Temporal facelift
If eyebrows are drooping, a gentle lift of the brow tails will restore radiance to the eyes.
Blepharoplasty
If the upper eyelids are drooping, a blepharoplasty to remove the excess skin will reduce the tired look of the eyes.

Anaesthesia :

Facelift surgery requires general anesthesia.

Incision:

The facelift scar is hidden in the hair and around the ear.

Duration :

Facelift surgery takes 3 to 4 hours

Operative sequences :

-One day in hospital.
-Dressing for 24 to 48 hours.
-Edema lasting 10 to 15 days.
-Resumption of social activity between 15 days and 3 weeks, depending on the associated gestures.
-A natural appearance is achieved after about 3 to 6 months.

Find out more about facelift surgery?

A facelift has long been the only cosmetic surgery solution to the problem of sagging features and wrinkles. The principle is to tighten the skin via an incision that follows the contour of the ear. For a lasting effect, the "SMAS" superficial musculoaponeurotic system is also tightened. This surgical procedure requires a pre-operative assessment, general anaesthesia and a 24-hour hospital stay. This is followed by a few weeks' convalescence, during which the face may be swollen and marked by bruising. Today, this procedure is frequently combined with lipofilling (autologous fat transfer).
What are the possible complications?

Complications of anesthesia, infection, hematoma, necrosis, nerve damage. However, by using the services of a qualified plastic surgeon, you can minimize these rare complications.

What is a Cervical-Facial Lift?

The cervico-facial lift, also known as the face and neck lift, is a benchmark procedure for treating the sagging of tissues due to physiological aging. This process leads to a reduction in volume, particularly in the cheekbones, and progressive sagging of the skin. The cervico-facial lift is one of the most popular aesthetic surgeries for the face, with a high satisfaction rate.

Volume reduction and correction methods

Reduced volume, particularly visible on the cheekbones, can be corrected by aesthetic medicine techniques such as the use of fillers like hyaluronic acid, or by surgical procedures like lipofilling. Hyaluronic acid, which is naturally present in the body, generally resorbs within 6 to 9 months. Lipofilling, after an initial resorption of 30 to 50 %, then adapts to weight variations.

Objectives of the Cervical-Facial Lift

The main objective of the cervico-facial lift is to combat sagging of the muscles and skin of the face and neck, primarily targeting the oval of the face. The procedure aims to restructure the face to achieve a natural rejuvenating effect, without altering the original appearance and shape of the face. Patients generally appear about ten years younger after the procedure.

Candidates for Facelift

Facelifts are designed for patients with sagging skin of the face and neck. However, less invasive alternatives exist, such as medical facelifts using injections of resorbable products to restore volumes. For younger patients with toned skin wishing to redefine the oval of the face, jawline contouring using filler injections can be proposed. Facelifts are generally recommended for patients in their fifties and beyond.

Areas concerned by the Cervical-Facial Lift

The Front

Horizontal wrinkles, frown lines and crow's feet are treated with botox. A forehead lift may be considered for a very pronounced forehead.

Temples and Eyebrows

These areas are treated with fillers or lipofilling. Eyebrow lift can be partially corrected by botulinum toxin injections. A temporal lift raises the tail of the eyebrow in a more lasting way.

Upper and lower eyelids

An upper blepharoplasty can rejuvenate the eyes by treating excess eyelid skin. Fat pockets on the lower eyelids are treated through a transconjunctival incision.

Les Joues

Lipofilling or hyaluronic acid injections can restore volume to the cheeks. For a very round face, a bichectomy can be performed.

Les Bajoues

The appearance of jowls is linked to reduced cheekbone volume and loss of support, leading to sagging cheeks and deepening nasolabial folds.

L'Ovale du Visage

The cervico-facial lift restores tension to the skin and facial muscles (SMAS), treating the sagging oval of the face.

Procedure

The procedure, performed under general or extensive local anaesthetic, takes between one and three hours, depending on the extent of the corrections required. Infiltration of the subcutaneous tissues with adrenaline serum ensures bleeding-free detachment. The skin is re-draped and excess skin removed, with sutures applied without tension to avoid hypertrophic scars.

Operating Suites

The following day, the dressing is removed and the scars are left to air, with daily disinfection recommended. A post-operative check-up is scheduled to verify healing. On average, swelling and bruising disappear within 15 days of the operation.

Possible Complications

Although rare, certain complications can occur, such as hypertrophic scars or sensitivity disorders. Smoking cessation is essential to limit the risk of complications.

Conclusion

The cervico-facial lift is an effective procedure for treating sagging skin of the face and neck, enabling natural, harmonious rejuvenation. It is essential to follow pre- and post-operative recommendations to optimize results and minimize risks.