The cervico-facial lift, also known as a facelift, is a cosmetic surgery designed to rejuvenate the face and neck, eliminating or reducing the visible signs of aging, such as sagging skin and deep wrinkles. With the passage of time, factors such as loss of skin elasticity, gravity, sun exposure and stress generate changes in the facial structure that many wish to reverse or attenuate. In this post we provide you with 6 key ideas about facelifts.

What does the cervico-facial lifting consist of?

This procedure focuses primarily on two key areas:
– The lower face: Work is done on the cheek, jaw and lower face area, where nasolabial folds (the lines between the nose and mouth), wrinkles around the mouth, and loss of definition in the jawline often appear. – Neck: The surgery also addresses lax skin and visible muscle bands in the neck, areas that often show early signs of aging. During the facelift, the surgeon makes strategically placed incisions in the natural lines of the face, such as around the ears and scalp, to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, the underlying muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed, improving the firmness and tightness of the skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

What to expect from a cervico-facial lift?

The primary goal is to restore the natural, fresh appearance of the face and neck, without creating a “tight” or unnatural effect. The results are usually subtle, but important: firmer skin, a more defined facial contour and a noticeable reduction of wrinkles and deep folds. The surgery can be customized to each patient’s needs. Some people may need a mini facelift, which is less invasive and focuses only on specific areas, while others opt for a full facelift that encompasses both the face and neck. Depending on the goals, a facelift can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), the use of dermal fillers or botulinum toxin.

How do you know which type of facelift to choose?

The key to have a good result with a facelift is to define the importance that the patient gives to the neck. If the neck is an area that the patient wishes to recover, this is usually expressed during the consultation and it is usually the first thing he/she talks about. In this case it is necessary to explain that a “mini lift” or an anterior lift, that is, with an incision in front of the ear, will produce a tightening effect on the cheek and the lower third of the face as well as on the neck, although the neck will not experience a perfect correction. For those patients who express a specific interest in neck improvement, it is necessary to extend the incision behind the ear.
The isolated neck lift is of no interest in the presence of facial sagging since it will leave the middle and lower third of the face uncorrected. If the facial tissues are tight or have undergone a previous facelift, it may make sense to perform an isolated neck lift. When it comes to the neck lift there are several approaches or ways to do it: one is to use an anterior or transverse incision in the neck to access the deep planes and stretch them. This technique results in a transverse scar on the neck that rarely provides a homogeneous aspect and may cause irregularities. In contrast, the posterior approach, i.e. without scars in the anterior part of the neck, provides an optimal tightening effect and leaves a smooth and homogeneous neck contour. The latter is the technique we recommend and practice at MMG.

Recovery and results

The recovery period varies according to the type of facelift and the extent of the surgery, but in general, about two weeks are required to return to normal activities, although residual swelling may last for several weeks. During this time, it is essential to follow the surgeon’s instructions to ensure good healing and the best possible results. The effects of a cervico-facial lift can last between 5 and 12 years, depending on the patient’s lifestyle, skin type and other external factors, such as skin care and sun exposure.

Who is a candidate for a cervico-facial lift?

Ideal candidates for a cervico-facial lift are typically individuals over the age of 40 who are experiencing visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as loss of skin firmness, sagging and the appearance of deep wrinkles. In addition, it is essential that patients have realistic expectations about the results and are in good general health.

Can other procedures be associated with a facelift?

Yes. In the context of cervicofacial rejuvenation it is common that other areas of the face may be affected by the passage of time. This is the case with the eyelids or even the nose or upper lip. During the course of a cervicofacial lift, procedures such as blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty or lip lift or upper lip lift can be performed. At the same time the skin texture can be treated by applying a CO2 laser treatment which will eliminate the most superficial wrinkles and give smoothness to the skin postoperatively. The cervicofacial lift is an excellent option for those seeking a lasting improvement in their appearance, combining effective results with a safe and well established surgery. Dr. Garcia Ceballos is an expert facelift surgeon in Mallorca. If you have any other questions or would like more information about this procedure, do not hesitate to contact us here.