Our Summary

This research paper discusses the importance of protecting the facial nerve during facelift procedures. The facial nerve is a crucial part of the face that can be at risk during surgery, especially if the surgeon does not fully understand its structure. The nerve is particularly vulnerable in certain areas where it is close to the surface or passes through facial ligaments (bands of tissue that support the face). These ligaments play a key role in facelifts as they stop the face from being pulled too much during surgery. However, getting a good lift on the soft tissues of the face may be difficult without loosening these ligaments. Traditional facelift methods often do not involve loosening these ligaments, while more extensive facelift techniques do. These extended techniques are often debated because they involve more surgery, which can lead to a higher risk of nerve damage. The aim of this article is to explain the relationship between the facial nerve and ligaments and their exact locations in the face, with the goal of safely performing extensive facelift procedures.

FAQs

  1. Why is the facial nerve important during a facelift procedure?
  2. What role do the facial ligaments play in facelift surgeries?
  3. Why could more extensive facelift techniques potentially lead to a higher risk of nerve damage?

Doctor’s Tip

One important tip a doctor might tell a patient about facelift surgery is to choose a highly skilled and experienced surgeon who understands the anatomy of the face, including the location of the facial nerve. This is crucial to minimize the risk of nerve damage during the procedure. Additionally, it is important for patients to carefully follow their doctor’s post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing and optimal results.

Suitable For

Patients who are considering facelift surgery are typically those who are experiencing signs of aging on their face that cannot be addressed with non-invasive treatments such as Botox or fillers. These signs of aging may include sagging skin, deep wrinkles, jowls, and loss of facial volume.

Ideal candidates for facelift surgery are generally in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. It is also important for patients to have good skin elasticity in order to achieve optimal results from a facelift.

While there is no specific age requirement for facelift surgery, most patients are in their 40s to 60s. However, some younger patients may also be suitable candidates if they are experiencing significant signs of aging due to genetics or lifestyle factors.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo a facelift should be made in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess the patient’s individual needs and goals. The surgeon will be able to determine if a facelift is the best option for achieving the desired results, or if alternative treatments may be more suitable.

Timeline

Before facelift:

  • Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations for the procedure
  • Pre-operative assessments and tests are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including avoiding certain medications and fasting before the procedure
  • Facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia, with the surgeon making incisions around the ears and possibly the hairline to access underlying tissues
  • Excess skin and tissue are removed, and muscles are tightened to create a more youthful appearance
  • Incisions are closed with sutures and bandages are applied to aid in healing

After facelift:

  • Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage pain and prevent infection
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing and remove sutures
  • Patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities and to protect their face from sun exposure during the recovery period
  • Results of the facelift become more apparent as swelling subsides, with final results typically visible within a few months
  • Patient can enjoy a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance with long-lasting results

It is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific techniques will be used during the facelift procedure?
  2. How will the facial nerve be protected during the surgery?
  3. What measures will be taken to minimize the risk of nerve damage?
  4. How experienced is the surgeon in performing facelift procedures and protecting the facial nerve?
  5. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery, particularly related to the facial nerve?
  6. What is the recovery process like, and what can I expect in terms of post-operative care and follow-up visits?
  7. Are there alternative treatment options that do not involve surgery, and how do they compare in terms of results and risks?
  8. Can I see before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone similar facelift procedures?
  9. What is the expected outcome of the facelift procedure, and what realistic expectations should I have?
  10. How long will the results of the facelift last, and are there any steps I can take to prolong the effects of the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Cakmak O, Emre IE. Journal: Facial Plast Surg. 2020 Jun;36(3):309-316. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1712472. Epub 2020 Jun 17. PMID: 32557438