Aesthetic surgery of the face

Le lifting cervico-facial :

It is the most commonly practiced. It is indicated when one observes a lowering of the skin and muscles of the face and the neck. It is generally performed around the age of 50, sometimes earlier if the skin has aged prematurely (sun, rapid weight variations, smoking …): it concerns lifting of the oval of the face (double chin, neck, jowls, nasogenien crease), it has no action on the forehead and eyelids.

The consultation

It is essential because it allows the surgeon to appreciate the patient’s expectations.


The surgeon examines the face, evaluates the quality of the skin and muscles, the importance of the wrinkles, and studies the defects to be corrected. He can then explain the intervention (manner of proceeding, location of scars, pre and postoperative care and, obviously, result that can be expected).

Photographs are also one of the most important elements of the analysis. It is often useful to ask for old and recent photographs.


The technique

During this intervention, the skin will be redraped without excessive tension, which will give a natural result and will allow the cutaneous envelope to preserve all its quality.

It is essential to put the superficial muscle layer (SMAS) under tension in the neck and cheek areas : it constitutes the foundation of the structure, thus insuring quality and duration of the result. Scars are place in less exposed zones (hair, bottom of the ear furrow and inside the ear), and are thus practically invisible : there is little or no modification of the hairline.

During the face lift, liposuction will be done in case of fullness of the neck and of the oval.

It is in the course of the second week that the face gradually resumes its natural aspect. At this stage, lymphatic drainage undertaken by an esthetician perfectly trained for this technique can be a very useful adjunct.

Important remarks

  1. It can be combined with a peeling which erases wrinkles and improves the state of the skin.
  2. Facial expressions are not modified, the result is natural.
  3. Undertaken in good conditions, the results of this lift will last 8 to 12 years.
  4. This face lift can then be renewed in the same manner.

Face lifts

Cervicofacial lift : one year result.
The reconstitution of the oval of the face is perfect.

Cervicofacial lift on a 43 year old lady.
Neck and contours are restored.

  • Preoperative tests are required.
  • Hospitalization : 24 to 48 hours.
  • Duration of the intervention : 2 and a half hours.
  • Anesthesia : either general, or IV sedation (local anesthesia plus tranquilizers).
  • Follow-up and postoperative care are done in the surgeon’s office : sutures are removed after one week, compressive dressing after 3 days.
  • Resumption of normal activity : 15 days after the surgery