Face and neck lift

A face and neck lift (facelift, necklift) is a surgical procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the face and neck by correcting wrinkles, skin laxity and loss of firmness. I perform it using the Deep Plane Face Lift technique, i.e. a lift in the deep tissue plane. The procedure allows for correction of lax skin, smoothing of wrinkles and improvement of facial contours. The use of deeper techniques than in traditional facelifts aims to achieve a lasting and natural result.

In my practice, I emphasise an individual approach, careful planning and patient safety. Depending on needs, a lift can be combined with other treatments, such as eyelid surgery or brow lift, to achieve a consistent effect.

Indications

The decision to undergo a face and neck lift depends on the individual needs and expectations of the patient. The most common indications are:

• visible signs of skin ageing, such as wrinkles, furrows, skin folds and loss of firmness and elasticity,
• sagging and lax tissues on the face and neck, which give the face a tired or droopy appearance,
• excess skin and fat in the cheek and jaw areas,
• desire to improve facial contours and restore the facial oval.

Preparation

During the consultation, I discuss in detail the patient’s needs and expectations, the expected results, and the potential risks associated with the procedure. The procedure begins with detailed planning of the incisions so that they are as inconspicuous as possible.

For six months before the procedure, strong stimulants should not be used. It is also worth planning at least two weeks off work.

What the procedure involves

The procedure lasts approximately 4 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. I usually make the incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and in the area of the jaw, which ensures that the scars remain subtle and hidden.

In the Deep Plane technique, I work on deeper tissue layers than in a traditional face lift. During the operation:

• I lift the skin to reach the deeper tissue layers,
• I tighten the musculoaponeurotic structures (SMAS) to ensure the longevity of the effect,
• I remove excess skin and precisely close the incisions.

To finish, I apply dressings. My aim is a natural result. After the operation, the patient usually stays in the clinic for 1 day.

After the procedure, I provide detailed recommendations regarding recovery. These include:

• for the first week, the patient wears a dressing around the head,
• avoiding strenuous physical exertion and lifting heavy objects for 6 weeks,
• applying cold compresses to the face during the first days to reduce swelling and redness,
• regularly taking prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs,
• avoiding smoking and alcohol, which may delay the healing process and negatively affect the result,
• protecting the skin from direct sun exposure and using creams with a high SPF on the treated areas.

It is worth planning two weeks off work; full physical activity can be resumed after 6 weeks.

The full effect of a face and neck lift is assessed several months after the operation. After recovery, patients usually observe smoothing of wrinkles and skin folds, lifting of sagging skin and muscles, improvement of the facial contour and jawline, and greater skin firmness. The result depends on the patient’s individual anatomical features.