Face lift

A facelift is the solution of choice for treating sagging skin, lifting sagging volumes and resecting excess skin.

A complete facelift will address the two tissue planes affected by sagging: the skin and the underlying muscular plane (SMAS or superficial musculoaponeurotic system).

Several complementary solutions can optimize the result of a facelift. In surgery, it can be accompanied by blepharoplasty, neck liposuction or lipofilling, which can be performed simultaneously with the facelift.

These procedures can also be accompanied by aesthetic medical procedures such as hyaluronic acid injections or botulinum toxin (Botox) injections.

A facelift can involve the entire face and neck (LCF or cervico-facial lift) or more targeted areas.

The LCF cervico-facial lift corrects the effects of sagging skin by reshaping the oval of the face and chin. Over time, the neck, jowls and temples sag: the cervico-facial lift rectifies these signs of aging by eliminating excess skin and fatty deposits, and pulling the facial muscles. It can be performed as soon as the first signs of skin aging appear on the face.

The aim of the cervico-facial lift is to restructure the face so that it regains its original appearance: a younger, more rested face. Under no circumstances is the face changed or transformed, as the aim of this operation is not to modify the patient's personality, but to restore the freshness and vitality of the face.

Scars are made in the hair and around the ear, to minimize their visibility after healing. They become virtually invisible once the healing process is complete.

The centrofacial lift acts on the lower eyelids, the hollow of the dark circles and the cheekbone. It repositions sagging cheekbones and fills in the hollow of the dark circles (valley of tears). The cheekbones are lifted vertically using surgical sutures, attached to the bony edges of the eye socket. The scars of the centro-facial lift are located at the level of the lower eyelids, just under the eyelashes, and extend into the crow's feet for 1 cm, hidden in an oblique wrinkle.

The temporal lift treats the sagging of the lateral part of the eyebrow, unfolding the crow's feet and slightly tightening the skin of the outer part of the eyelids. The aim is not to modify the features or the look of the eyes, but to restore the anatomical structures, and in particular the tail of the eyebrow, to the position it was in a few years ago. It can be considered on its own, or as a complement to blepharoplasty.

For an intracapillary scar, the temporal lift incision (approx. 4 to 6 cm) is completely hidden in the hair, a few centimeters behind and parallel to the hairline.

The short-scar facelift or MACS lift
(minimal access cranial suspension), is used to treat moderate sagging of the neck and, if necessary, to restore volume to a hollowed cheekbone. This lift is intended for patients with these anomalies, whatever their age, provided the neck sagging is moderate.

The scar is shorter than for a conventional facelift, as there is no scar behind the ear.

The post-operative period is short, and recovery is faster than for a conventional facelift.

Dr Christelle Santini offers a tailor-made solution for every patient, based on clinical examination, artistic analysis and expectations. Facelifts are not eligible for social security reimbursement, as they respond to aesthetic rather than functional needs.

There are several stages in a patient's pre-operative journey, some of which are required by law.

An initial pre-operative check-up with Dr. Santini enables us to determine the patient's objectives and consider possible techniques. This is a time for listening, when both patient and surgeon need to take their time to understand the expectations and limitations of each technique.

Dr Christelle Santini explains the incision zones according to the patient's anatomy and aesthetic needs.

It verifies indications and the absence of contraindications.

It also prescribes a consultation with the anaesthetist and, if necessary, additional tests that could reveal any contraindications.

In addition, a number of recommendations must be followed to ensure the success of the operation. Aspirin-containing medications must be discontinued for 10 days prior to the operation, and, as with any surgical procedure, the patient must fast (not eat, drink or smoke) for 6 hours prior to the operation.

Body and hair washing with Betadine on the morning of the facelift, and careful make-up removal, are also essential to ensure clean skin.

Finally, to limit the risk of infection and optimize scarring results, it is strongly recommended to stop smoking 1 month before and after the operation.

During the operation, the surgeon first makes the incision, then the skin is peeled back to be re-tensioned. Incisions are made in the hair and around the ear, to minimize their visibility after healing. Scars become virtually invisible once the healing process is complete.

The cervico-facial facelift thus aims to restore muscle tension, for a longer-lasting result. In the mini-lift or MACS LIFT, on the other hand, the act of traction is exclusively vertical, to reposition sagging volumes in the axis of their fall.

The principle is to achieve minimal under-skin detachment, but sufficient to expose the SMAS muscle and obtain sufficient mobility of the cleavage planes.

Dr Christelle Santini always aims for natural traction, respecting the tension lines of the face and the elasticity of the skin: this is what guarantees a natural result that does not detract from expressions or the identity of features.

All in all, a cervical facelift takes about 2h30 in the operating room.

Any surgical operation carries the risk of complications. However, the LCF remains a perfectly controlled surgery in terms of techniques and side effects.

Dr Christelle Santini attaches great importance to preventive pain management, to ensure optimum comfort.

The appearance of edema (swelling) and ecchymosis (bruising) is quite common. In most cases, these marks disappear within 10 to 20 days, revealing the first results of the operation.

A press-lift facial dressing is designed to accelerate healing and prevent tissue detachment.

At first, there may also be a significant loss of sensitivity in the neck and cheeks, due in particular to the tension associated with the scars, but this sensation disappears fairly quickly.

It's a good idea to ask someone to drive you home.

It's important to allow a few days' rest following a facelift, and to avoid social contact for around two weeks. Shampooing should be avoided for the first 48 hours, and make-up for the first week.

No coloring or perming should be done for 6 weeks after the facelift.

To ensure follow-up of the result and removal of the sutures, several post-operative consultations will be held in Dr. Santini's office during the first month following the operation.

The final result of this aesthetic surgery will be obtained between the second and third month after the operation, with complete remodelling between 6 and 12 months.

The effect is clear on rejuvenation, with an average gain of ten years.

The results of a facelift can be impressive, offering visible rejuvenation and a noticeable improvement in overall appearance. After the operation, the skin of the face and neck appears firmer and more toned, with better definition of facial contours. Scars are usually discreet, hidden in the hairline or behind the ears. If, however, they become a source of discomfort for the patient, it is possible to carry out sessions of UrgoTouch laser sessions to fade them.

However, it's important to note that results vary from person to person, depending on skin quality, techniques used and post-operative follow-up.

• A night at the clinic
• 10 to 15 days of professional downtime
• Final result at 6 months, without altering expressions or physiognomy

What to do before a facelift?

• 1-2 consultations with me, including medical photography. A consultation with the anaesthetist
• Delivery and signature of the estimate respecting the 15-day legal delay between the first consultation and the cervico-facial lift.
• Anesthesia consultation, blood test

How is a Cervical Facial Lift procedure performed?
General anesthesia.

• 2 to 3 hours of intervention
• Hidden incisions, partly behind the ears
• Overnight hospital stay most often for cervico-facial lift

How does a facelift procedure work?

• General anesthesia
• 2 to 3 hours of intervention
• Hidden incisions, partly behind the ears
• Overnight hospital stay most often for cervico-facial lift

What is the postoperative course of a cervical facelift?

• Possibility of wearing a press-lift
• Follow-up visit to my office and removal of sutures 10 days before surgery
• Allow 10 to 15 days off work after a facelift.
• 1 month off sports after a facelift
• Return to work: 15 days
• Final result after 6 months

How long does the facelift procedure last?

A facelift generally takes between 2 and 4 hours, but this depends on the type of facelift performed and the extent of the area to be treated. If several areas are involved, such as the neck and cheeks, the procedure may take longer. The surgeon also takes into account the complexity of the adjustments required to achieve natural, harmonious results.

Are there any risks associated with a facelift?

Like all surgical procedures, facelifts entail certain risks. Among the most common are infection, hematomas (accumulations of blood under the skin), and scarring. Finally, smokers and people with underlying medical conditions may be more susceptible to complications, which should be discussed during pre-operative consultations.

Are the results of a facelift permanent?

The results of a facelift are not totally permanent, as the natural aging process continues after the procedure. However, the effects of a facelift are long-lasting, and can improve the appearance of the face for 10 to 15 years. Results vary according to individual factors such as skin quality, lifestyle habits and post-operative care.

At what age can a facelift be considered?

There's no set age for considering a facelift, but the majority of patients are between 40 and 60, when the signs of aging become more visible. That said, facelifts can also be performed on younger patients wishing to correct premature sagging, or on healthy older people, if their skin is still sufficiently elastic.

Does a facelift leave visible scars?

As with any surgical procedure, scars are inevitable, but an experienced surgeon takes care to place them in discreet areas, such as behind the ears or in the hairline. Over time, these scars fade and generally become very inconspicuous.