How does a Facelift work?
A facelift procedure is performed through carefully placed incisions, allowing the incisions to be well camouflaged. The incisions are placed in front of and behind the ear. Attention is focused on hiding the incision and maintaining a patient’s natural hairline. Placement of the incision is critical. The incision follows the natural curves in front of and behind the ear, allowing it to be well camouflaged and not readily visible once healed. The retrotragal/post tragal incision is commonly used to preferably hide the incision so it is not visible in front of the ear, compared to the traditional preauricular incision which is placed in front of the ear which results in a greater possibility for scar visibility.
Through the incision, the deep structures of the face, including the SMAS layer and platysma muscle, are treated. The key to a natural facelift in Philadelphia is to tighten the deep structures – the SMAS and platysma – in addition to tightening the skin. This method of tightening the deeper structures is called tissue plication. This allows the results to be long lasting and natural in appearance. Dr. Corrado creator of the C-LiftSM facelift, has devised a double layered SMAS plication technique with his colleague Dr. Sadati, termed the Double C Plication technique. This technique creates radial traction on the SMAS and Platysma allowing for a powerful and lasting “lift” with a natural appearing result.
If neck laxity and muscle banding are present, a small incision is made under the chin, and a platysmaplasty is performed where the neck muscles are tightened. Once the SMAS and neck muscles are tightened, areas of excess skin are also removed and tightened.
Many times, excess fat is present in the neck leading to a “Double Chin”, or along the jawline leading to heavy jowls. Liposuction, otherwise known as Liposculpting, is commonly used during a facelift. Small cannulas are used to contour and remove excess fatty tissue to create a slimmer neckline and a more well-defined jawline.
Once the deep tissues are tightened, the excess skin is trimmed. The skin is then redraped in a higher position to combat the effects of gravity. Small drains may be placed to remove any excess fluid and are typically removed in 24 hours.
Finally, the incisions are delicately sutured to allow for the best possible healing. The incisions are meticulously closed to allow them to heal virtually unnoticeable.
A light dressing is then placed on the cheeks and neck to allow for gentle compression in these areas. This dressing will be removed the following day during your first post-operative visit.