What is the face lift procedure?
Face lift procedure is one of the most effective therapies for refreshing and rejuvenating the face. We have developed a variety of techniques that allow stretching of the skin, face and neck; it gives firmness to the skin and muscles and, last but not least, removes excess skin. The role is to help the patient to have a smooth and youthful facial shape with minimal intervention effort. This procedure can be performed alone or combined with other procedures, such as brow lifting or eyelid shaping.
Is it for me?
The ideal candidate for the face lift procedure is a person who shows signs of aging, hanging skin on the face, with a healthy bone structure and some skin elasticity. Most patients are between 40 and 70 years old, but the procedure can be carried out successful even at an older age. Face lift surgery can be performed once in a lifetime or can be repeated at intervals of 10-15 years, depending on preferences.
During the consultation with Dr. Fodor, you will be able to express your expectations, desires and fears of the procedure. It is very important to have an open and sincere discussion to obtain the best results.
During the consultation and after a full evaluation,the doctor will explain if this procedure is for you and what are its advantages. Depending on the situation,the most suitable technique will be recommended,and the risks and benefits of the surgical intervention will be explained to you. Smokers will be advised to stop smoking and those who take certain medications that affect blood clottingwill have to stop them two weeks before the surgery.
How is the face lift procedure done?
Although various techniques have been developed, the process is the same. In selected cases, surgery can be performed under local anesthesia. Alternatives such as intravenous and general anesthesia can be performed by qualified personnel. Blood pressure is monitored and adjusted to be optimum. When you wake up after surgery, you will be relaxed and you will not feel pain.
The procedure begins with an incision above the insertion of the hair at the temporal boundary and carefully extends into the front and behind the ears so that the scars will be unnoticeable. Depending on the case,the path of the incision lines can be different. There are many situations where the cuts are minimal (for example “short scar face lift” technique). For a neck lift, a small incision can be made under the chin. The surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscles, strengthens the tissue and removes excess skin and fat. The skin is carefully restored; the layers are fixed and carefully closed at the incision line. Sometimes putting a small tube for 24 hours behind the ear prevents the accumulation of blood.
The endoscope can be used for a better view of the structures, allowing a smaller incision line. A face lift with a small scar, the so called MACS technique, is another possibility for therapy.
After face lift surgery
Postoperatively you will need one day of hospitalization to recover. Postoperative effects include numbness of the area where the surgery was done (to prevent discomfort) but temporary. Swelling of the area and contusions will fade away within 1-2 weeks after the surgery. Scars are hidden in the hair or in the physiological folds of the skin. A few days after surgery, applying makeup is allowed. However you should take care of yourself, rest and avoid intense activities, smoking and steam baths or saunas. Most patients return to work in about 7-10 days after surgery. Although aging cannot be stopped, by having surgery your appearance will be refreshed and rejuvenated.
More details about the intervention and postoperative recommendations will be given at the first consultation.
Frequently asked questions about face lifting
Someone showing signs of ageing and hanging skin on the face, with a healthy bone structure and some remaining skin elasticity. Most patients are between 40 and 70 years old, but the procedure can be carried out successfully at an older age too.
It can be performed once in a lifetime, or repeated after several years if the patient wants.
Intravenous and general anaesthesia are carried out by qualified personnel. Blood pressure is monitored and adjusted throughout.
The incision begins above the hairline at the temporal boundary and extends carefully in front of and behind the ears, so that the scars are unnoticeable. For a neck lift, a small incision can be made under the chin. The exact lines vary from case to case.
Yes. There are many situations where the cuts are minimal, such as the short scar face lift or the MACS technique. Deep plane face lift is the standard technique in nowadays.
Smokers are advised to stop smoking. Those taking medications that affect blood clotting will have to stop them two weeks before the surgery. Specific instructions are given at the consultation.
Yes. A face lift can be performed alone or combined with other procedures, such as brow lifting or eyelid shaping.
Documented cases (2)
Real cases operated by Dr. Lucian Fodor, each with a full description of the procedure.
- Cervical lift (neck lift) with deep muscle tightening and intermuscular fat removal – Case 20Cervical lift with deep muscle tightening and removal of intermuscular fat. The neck is slimmer and better defined, restoring the angle between chin and neck.
- Deep Plane Facelift – natural rejuvenation and restored facial contour – Case 19Deep plane facelift for descended cheeks, deep nasolabial folds and jowling along the jawline. The face looks younger and refreshed while keeping the patient's own features.
