The cervico-facial face lift treats sagging of the skin and muscles of the face and neck. It corrects drooping cheeks, jowls, loss of definition of the jawline and a slack neck. It is intended for people who are bothered by the effects of ageing on the lower face and neck. It does not treat skin quality or fine wrinkles.
How the procedure unfolds
In practice
- In consultation, I analyse your request and I examine your face and neck: jawline, jowls, skin quality and elasticity, neck muscles.
- I also collect information concerning your state of health.
- We take photographs for your medical record.
- I give you all the information about the surgery and I give you an estimate.
A second consultation is mandatory before any procedure. You must stop smoking at least one month before the operation.
Surgery
The cervico-facial face lift is performed at the Clinique Pasteur, in Toulouse. It is most often performed under general anesthesia, sometimes under local anesthesia with sedation. A short hospital stay of one night is usually planned.
The principle is to tighten the deep muscular layer of the face and neck, then to redrape the skin without excessive tension. The excess skin is removed. Liposuction of the neck can be associated.
The scars are hidden in the scalp at the temples, in the natural folds in front of the ear, behind the ear and in the scalp at the back of the neck.
The operation usually lasts between two and four hours. A bandage is placed around the head. It is removed the next day.
Postoperative effects
Pain is usually moderate. A feeling of tension in the face and neck is usual.
- Edema (swelling) and bruises are at their highest in the first days. They most often fade in two to three weeks.
- Numbness of the skin of the cheeks and ears is frequent. It disappears gradually over several weeks to several months.
- The stitches are removed in one to two weeks.
- Time away from social life is usually two to three weeks.
The scars stay pink for a few months and then fade. The result can be assessed after about three months. The final result is obtained after six months to one year.
I see you again in follow-up consultation and I follow you personally during this whole period.
Face lift and aesthetic medicine
The face lift repositions the tissues that have sagged. It does not replace aesthetic medicine treatments (botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, peels), which act on wrinkles and skin quality. These treatments can complete it. In some cases, a face lift can be associated with a blepharoplasty, an eyebrow lift or lipofilling (grafting of your own fat) to restore the volumes of the face.
What to do to optimize the result?
- Rest during the first weeks, with your head raised when you sleep.
- Do not smoke before and after the operation.
- Avoid physical effort and sport for about one month.
- Protect the scars from the sun for several months.
- Hydrate your skin.
- Wait for your surgeon’s agreement before any hair colouring.
Social security coverage
The cervico-facial face lift is an aesthetic surgery. It is usually not covered by social security and remains at your expense.
Pricing
From 5300 euros, on estimate given at the end of the consultation.
The SOFCPRE information sheet for your procedure is given to you during the consultation.