Our Summary

The researchers examined the success and potential risks of using a facelift procedure to remove a specific type of tumor found in the space near the throat and jaw (the parapharyngeal space). They looked back on 10 patients who had this procedure from 2015 to 2019. The tumors in these patients were either benign nerve sheath tumors or pleomorphic adenomas. On average, the tumors were about 4.1 cm by 4.2 cm by 3.8 cm in size. They found that none of the patients needed to switch to a more conventional, open surgery. Some patients (30%) experienced temporary changes in sensation in the ear area, but this went away within four months. All surgical scars were hidden by the ear and hair. They didn’t find any cases where the tumor came back after surgery, over an average follow-up time of around 17 months. They concluded that a facelift procedure can give doctors a good view and enough space to work, and it also has excellent cosmetic results for the right cases.

FAQs

  1. What types of tumors were treated using the facelift procedure in this study?
  2. What were the results and complications encountered during the facelift procedure for patients with parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors?
  3. What are the benefits of using a facelift procedure for treating PPS tumors as highlighted in this study?

Doctor’s Tip

Helpful tip: A doctor may advise a patient considering a facelift to carefully follow post-operative instructions, including avoiding strenuous activities, getting plenty of rest, and keeping the surgical area clean to ensure optimal healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Facelift procedures are typically recommended for patients who are looking to address signs of aging in the face and neck, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. Candidates for facelift surgery are generally in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure, and have concerns about the appearance of their face that cannot be addressed with non-surgical treatments.

In the case of the study mentioned in the abstract, facelift procedures were used for patients with parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors. The facelift incision provided adequate visualization and workspace for the surgical removal of the tumors, while also providing excellent cosmetic results with minimal scarring. This approach was found to be effective in properly selected cases, resulting in successful outcomes and low rates of complications.

Timeline

Before facelift:

  • Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations
  • Pre-operative evaluation and medical history review
  • Surgical planning and discussion of risks and benefits
  • Pre-operative instructions for preparation, such as avoiding certain medications and alcohol
  • Procedure performed under general anesthesia
  • Facelift incisions made and excess skin and tissue removed
  • Closure of incisions with sutures or other techniques
  • Post-operative recovery period with instructions for care and follow-up appointments

After facelift:

  • Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove sutures
  • Potential for temporary sensory changes in the face or ear
  • Scars may initially be visible but should fade over time and be concealed by hair and natural contours of the face
  • Results of facelift become more apparent as swelling subsides and healing progresses
  • Patient can enjoy improved facial appearance and self-confidence
  • Long-term follow-up to monitor results and address any concerns or complications

Overall, the process of undergoing a facelift involves careful planning, skilled surgical technique, and dedicated post-operative care to achieve successful outcomes and patient satisfaction.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about facelift surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a facelift procedure?
  2. What is the recovery process like after a facelift surgery?
  3. How long will the results of a facelift typically last?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results?
  5. How many facelift procedures have you performed, and what is your experience with this specific type of surgery?
  6. Can you show me before and after photos of previous facelift patients you have treated?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the facelift procedure?
  8. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  9. How soon after the surgery can I resume normal activities and exercise?
  10. What is the cost of a facelift procedure, and will it be covered by insurance?

Reference

Authors: Ohta N, Matsuura K, Osafune H, Suzuki T, Noguchi N, Hirabayashi H, Kitaya S, Kusano Y, Saito Y, Kawata R, Ikeda R, Ishida Y, Shimada H, Murakami K, Murakami K, Nakamura Y, Wada K. Journal: Otolaryngol Pol. 2020 Jun 1;74(5):1-5. doi: 10.5604/01.3001.0014.1614. PMID: 33028736