What is a facelift in aesthetic surgery?

At its inception, the facelift was primarily designed to offset the effects of aging by correcting excess skin. Introduced by Eugen Holländer in 1901, the classic or traditional “lift”—from the English for “to raise”—involves tightening and pulling the skin.

There are different types of lifts such as face lifts, which include cosmetic surgeries aimed at rejuvenating the face. These procedures address sagging skin and excess tissue on the face and neck. An arm lift is also a cosmetic surgical procedure. Its objective is to remove excess skin and fat in the arm area, thereby reducing the appearance of bulky arms. On the same principle, the thigh lift aims to eliminate excess fat and skin in the thigh region to refine the body contour. The breast lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to rejuvenate and reshape the breasts by lifting them. The abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure dedicated to removing excess abdominal fat and to reshaping sagging skin in that area. In cases of diastasis, it ensures the repair of the abdominal wall. The bodylift addresses excess fat and skin throughout the central body region. It thereby tightens sagging skin in that area while lifting the buttocks.

There is no specific age to undergo a facelift, as this procedure primarily depends on skin condition and individual needs. While individuals between 40 and 60 years old are the most commonly affected, other factors such as genetics, lifestyle, or certain events (weight loss, pregnancy) may justify an earlier facelift. In younger patients, less invasive solutions can suffice. Therefore, the overall assessment of skin laxity guides the decision rather than age alone.

Before the procedure, the plastic surgeon will generally schedule consultations dedicated to planning the operation. A visit to the anesthesiologist will also be required no later than 48 hours before the procedure. Likewise, a series of examinations will be requested , such as a blood panel, an X-ray, etc. The facelift is performed under local anesthesia, or even general anesthesia in the operating room, and lasts from 1 to 4 hours depending on the chosen type.

There are various types of lifting procedures, each tailored to a specific area of the body or face, aimed at correcting skin laxity, improving contours, and restoring a firmer, more toned appearance.

A one-night hospital stay is often required, followed by at least two weeks of recovery. The outcome of the facelift is generally visible about three months after surgery. Once home, effective pain management is essential. It is structured around several key elements, including, the use of analgesic medications, adherence to guidelines regarding positioning or activity restriction, rest, and abstention from self-medication.

A facelift does not provide permanent results, as the natural aging process continues after the procedure. On average, the effects of a facelift last between 10 and 15 years, but this duration varies according to the technique used, the treated area, the patient’s lifestyle, and their genetics. A study of 42 patients showed that the interval between the first and second facelift ranges from 1 to 34 years, with most repeat procedures occurring between 10 and 20 years. Skin laxity can gradually reappear, especially around the neck, jowls, and eyelids. To prolong the effects of a facelift, an appropriate skincare regimen, healthy lifestyle habits, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity are essential. Thus, although a facelift provides long-lasting results, it does not halt the aging process and may require another procedure in the long term.

The surgeon is required to inform the patient of the risks and hazards associated with cosmetic surgery procedures, including anesthetic risks stemming from incorrect dosing by the anesthesiologist. In this context, contraindications for a facelift include patients with cardiac arrhythmias or those for whom anesthesia is inadvisable. Likewise, tobacco use is forbidden in the weeks before surgery. Moreover, the risk of infection due to inadequate sterilization or preparation by the practitioner cannot be discounted, necessitating mandatory postoperative patient monitoring. Depending on the type of aesthetic procedure and the suturing techniques employed, the potential for scarring must also be anticipated. Scars, which are inevitable, will vary in visibility, ranging from more pronounced to fairly discreet.

Major complications remain rare, particularly in the case of a body lift. Nevertheless, the following signs may occur in some patients, such as delayed wound healing, often associated with smoking, hematoma, edema or bruising, infection, wound healing disturbances, or asymmetrical scarring.

• LOCKWOOD T. The Role Of Excisional Lifting In Body Contour Surgery. Clinics in Plastic Sugery (1996).

• CAPELLA J.F. Body Lift. Clinics in Plastic Surgery (2008).

• BONNEFON A. Le lifting cervicofacial, une intervention légère, performante et durable. Annales de chirurgie plastique esthétique (2011).

• LE LOUARN C. Specificity of facelift surgery, including mid facelift, in case of facial palsy. Annales de chirurgie plastique esthétique (2015).

• ROHRICH R.J. & al. Safety and Adjuncts in Face Lifting. Plastic and reconstructive surgery (2019).

• SUNG GUN B. & al. An Approach to Selection of Face-Lift Techniques for Different Types of Faces. An Analysis of 1000 Asian Patients Over 9 Years. Annals of Plastic Surgery (2024).