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: Treatment focuses on the cheeks, jawline, and lower face, where nasolabial folds (the lines between the nose and mouth), wrinkles around the mouth, and loss of definition along the jawline typically appear.
– The neck: The surgery also addresses loose skin and visible muscle bands in the neck, areas that often show the first signs of aging.

During a facelift, the surgeon makes incisions strategically placed along the face’s natural contours—such as around the ears and on the scalp—to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, the underlying muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed, improving the skin’s firmness and tautness, which results in a more youthful appearance.

What to expect from a cervico-facial lift?

The main goal is to restore the natural, fresh appearance of the face and neck without creating a “tight” or unnatural look. The results are usually subtle but significant: firmer skin, a more defined facial contour, and a noticeable reduction in deep wrinkles and folds.

The surgery can be tailored 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 covers both the face and neck. Depending on the goals, a facelift can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), dermal fillers, or botulinum toxin.

How do you know which type of facelift to choose?

The key to achieving a good result with a facelift is to determine how much importance the patient places on the neck. If the neck is an area the patient wishes to improve, they usually mention this during the consultation and it’s often the first thing they bring up. In this case, it is necessary to explain that a “mini facelift” or an anterior facelift—that is, one with an incision in front of the ear—will produce a tightening effect on the cheeks and the lower third of the face, as well as on the neck, although the neck will not undergo a perfect correction. For patients who express a specific interest in improving the appearance of their neck, it is necessary to extend the incision behind the ear.
A standalone neck lift is not recommended in cases of facial sagging, as it will leave the middle and lower thirds of the face uncorrected. However, if the facial tissues are taut or have previously undergone a facelift, a standalone neck lift may be appropriate.

When we talk about neck lifts, there are several approaches or methods: one involves making an anterior or transverse incision in the neck to access the deep layers and tighten them. This technique results in a transverse scar on the neck that rarely provides a uniform appearance and may cause irregularities. In contrast, the posterior approach—that is, one that leaves no scars on the front of the neck—provides optimal tightening and results in a smooth, even neck contour. This is the technique we recommend and perform at MMG.

Recovery and results

The recovery period varies depending on the type of facelift and the extent of the surgery, but in general, it takes about two weeks to resume normal activities, although residual swelling may last several weeks. During this time, it is essential to follow the surgeon’s instructions to ensure proper healing and achieve the best possible results.

The results 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 skincare 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 for other areas of the face to be affected by the passage of time. This is the case with the eyelids, or even the nose or upper lip. During a cervicofacial lift, procedures such as blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, or a lip lift (upper lip lift) can be performed. At the same time, skin texture can be improved through CO2 laser treatment, which will eliminate the most superficial wrinkles and leave the skin smooth during the postoperative period.

A cervico-facial lift is an excellent option for those seeking a long-lasting improvement in their appearance, combining effective results with a safe and well-established surgical procedure. Dr. García Ceballos is a surgeon in Mallorca who specializes in facelifts. If you have any other questions or would like more information about this procedure, please feel free to contact us here