Facelift

What is a facelift?

As the years go by, sun exposure, stress, smoking, and hereditary characteristics cause certain wrinkles and furrows to appear on the face and neck, caused by the thinning and sagging of normal skin tissue.

A facelift is one of the most common surgical procedures in our society and can temporarily halt the aging process in both women and men.

The results obtained in the hands of a specialized plastic surgeon are currently very natural and long-lasting.

What is facial rejuvenation?

This is a set of surgical techniques aimed at repositioning lost or drooping structures. These can be performed in a single surgical procedure and cover various areas of the face, such as the eyelids, eyebrows, rhinoplasty, and cervicofacial lift. In this section, we will explain the surgery that covers the middle and lower thirds of the face, and the neck, most commonly known as the classic cervicofacial lift.

Who are the candidates for this surgery?

It is indicated for patients who experience a marked drooping of the face that leaves the lower third of the face and neck undefined. There is no upper age limit for this surgery, and it is recommended that patients over 40 years of age consider the procedure. It can be performed on both sexes.

¿Cómo es la cirugía?

El procedimiento quirúrgico dura aproximadamente 4/5 horas. Se realiza en un quirófano en sanatorios reconocidos. Se utiliza anestesia general para mayor confort del paciente.

Se realiza una incisión que comienza dentro del cuero cabelludo, desciende por delante de la oreja en caso de los hombres y por dentro de la oreja en caso de las mujeres, pasa por debajo del lóbulo y termina detrás de la oreja. Luego se levanta la piel y se elevan los tejidos profundos, reposicionando las estructuras anatómicas correspondientes. Se retira la piel redundante y se suturan las heridas. Suele asociarse la extirpación de la grasa del cuello (papada) por una pequeña incisión debajo del mentón o una lipoaspiración.

This procedure causes moderate to severe local swelling. Bruising is expected in the first few days. The intensity of the bruises depends on the individual patient and the extent of the treatment. You will be advised to sleep with your head elevated with two or three pillows for the first 48 hours to help relieve swelling. You may bathe normally the following day. The use of anti-inflammatory and healing balms is recommended after the stitches are removed, approximately 10 to 15 days after the procedure.

The scars that have settled are imperceptible; at first, they can be easily noticed, although as the months go by, they will become more difficult to distinguish.

What can I expect after surgery?

¿Qué es necesario para la cirugía?

Se realiza de rutina un laboratorio completo, electrocardiograma evaluado por cardiología, rx de tórax y evaluación de oftalmología, en caso de que el paciente presente algún antecedente de importancia para la cirugía.

¿Cuándo puedo reincorporarme a mis actividades diarias?

De acuerdo a la evolución y recuperación de cada paciente el edema o inflamación más los hematomas se irán en mayor o menor tiempo. Se estima por lo menos 2 a 3 semanas para recuperar actividad diaria laboral que no incluya esfuerzos laborales. En caso de actividad física se sugieren 20 a 30 días de reposo. En caso de un evento importante se programará la cirugía 4 semanas antes o luego del evento. Las actividades se irán sumando de manera paulatina, según indicación médica.