Lifting cervico-facial

Multiple types of face and neck lifts exist today, targeting localized or more extensive aging issues. The cervico-facial lift is the most commonly performed procedure, correcting sagging in the neck and face from the temple to the jowl region. This aesthetic surgery is not covered by health insurance.

The procedure aims to treat lax skin and muscles of the face (temples, brow, cheeks, jowls, facial contour) and neck. Rather than altering facial appearance, the goal is to restore anatomical structures : skin, muscle, fat, to their previous state, giving patients back their youthful appearance from years past.

Muscles are repositioned to correct sagging, and the skin is redraped naturally without excessive tension. This dual approach achieves natural, long-lasting results with minimal skin trauma. If there’s excess fat, liposuction may be performed. Conversely, autologous fat injection (lipostructure) can restore volume if needed.

However, expression lines, crow’s feet, and perioral wrinkles aren’t corrected by this procedure, though deep wrinkles improve due to skin tightening.

A cervico-facial lift does not address eyelid appearance.

Incisions are discreetly placed within the hairline (temples, nape) and around the ears. The lift is suitable as soon as aging signs appear, typically from age 40 – 45.

It can be combined with other facial aesthetic procedures (blepharoplasty, temporal lift, forehead lift, suspension threads) or non‑surgical treatments like laser resurfacing, chemical peels, hyaluronic acid or Botox injections, or PRP.

Consultations will define your priorities and guide technique selection; alternatives may be offered.

A standard pre-operative assessment and anesthesiologist consultation (within 48 hours of surgery) are required. Avoid aspirin for 10 days before surgery. Wash your hair the night before and remove makeup on the day of surgery.

Depending on anesthesia type, fasting (no food or drink) is required for 6 hours pre-op.

Smoking & Healing

Scientific consensus confirms that smoking severely impairs wound healing, increases scar complications, and raises infection risk. Complete smoking cessation is required at least one month pre-op and until healing (~15 days post-op).

E-cigarettes are treated similarly.

Three anesthesia options :

• Local anesthesia alone
• Local anesthesia with IV sedation (“twilight”)
• General anesthesia

Surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, with same-day discharge after monitoring. However, patients with hypertension or other conditions may require brief inpatient observation.

Techniques vary, but principles include :

1. Incisions concealed in hairline and around the ear
2. Targeted skin undermining based on tissue relaxation
3. Precise tightening of the SMAS layer to lift without changing natural expression
4. Liposuction or fat grafting if needed
5. Skin is re‑draped, excess removed, and incisions closed without tension
6. A compressive head dressing is applied at the end
7. Men may have hair thinning or scalp differences to discuss

Procedure duration: typically 2 – 4 hours.

Discharge occurs one to two days later.

Rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least 10 days. Expect swelling peaking on day 2, then subsiding over two weeks. Tension and mild pain near ears and neck are common. Most swelling resolves by one month, with slight induration of dissected areas; skin sensation returns over 1 – 2 months.

Appearance timeline :

• Day 5 – 6 : presentable to close family
• Day 12 : presentable to friends
• 2 – 3 weeks : acceptable in public, assuming no complications

Final results appear after 2–3 months, though slight pink scars and firmness persist until around 6 months. The face typically looks refreshed, not “surgical,” resembling how it appeared 8–12 years earlier, a rested, natural look, usually improving psychological wellbeing. A cervico-facial lift delays aging effects, though further procedures may be desired after a decade.

• Persistent swelling in certain areas beyond 3 months (may require massage)
• Partial tissue sagging recurrence in the neck region, depending on pre-op condition
• Visible scars or localized hair loss at temples, treatable later surgically

Although generally safe when performed properly, cervico-facial lift carries surgical risks:

Anesthesia-related : Modern anesthetics and monitoring have greatly increased safety, though all procedures carry minimal risks.

Surgical complications (rare) :

• Hematoma requiring drainage
• Skin necrosis, especially in smokers
• Infection (very rare)
• Nerve injury (facial or spinal), usually temporary
• Altered sensation around ear scars, typically resolving in 3 – 12 months
• Abnormal scars (hypertrophic or keloid), unpredictable and may require treatment

Risks are minimized by selecting a qualified plastic surgeon. While rare, understanding potential adverse events is vital. Choosing a skilled plastic surgeon further ensures minimized complications and effective management if required.

Patients are encouraged to keep this document, review it after consultation, and prepare questions. The team is available for follow-up discussions or on the day of surgery.