FACE AND NECK (Rhytidectomy)

Some of our more popular procedures, face and neck lifts  improve the appearance of cheeks, jowls and neck. They are less effective for the mid-face (see: eyes, brow and cheek).

Face and neck lifts are performed through incisions planned around the ear to camouflage their presence. Face lifts may involve pulling on skin (a skin-lift) or pulling on deeper structures (the SMAS-lift). These procedures are technically different, and the differences may affect not only the longevity of the procedure but also the appearance. SMAS-lifts result in a non-operated look, whereas skin lifts can have consequences that make one look as if they have had surgery. Because we feel that an operated look is undesirable, we prefer SMAS lifts.

Neck lifts involve reshaping the SMAS layer in the neck, often with fat removal. Excess skin is removed around the ear as in a face-lift.

Surgical emphasis may be placed on the face, neck, or both, depending on the concerns of the patient. Because of the detail required in these procedures, they may take four to five hours to complete, longer when combined with eyes and brow. After the surgery, follow-up visits are frequent in the first two weeks, and continue less often through the first year.