How is a Lower Facelift Surgery Performed?

Lower facelift surgery is always performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Depending on the complexity of the procedure it takes 3 hours, and Dr Turner recommends patient rest in hospital overnight before being discharged home the next day.

Here is an overview of the surgical process:

Incisions: Small incisions are strategically placed around the ears and sometimes under the chin, allowing for the removal of excess skin and the repositioning of deeper tissues. These incisions are designed to be discreet and are usually well-hidden within the natural contours of the face.

SMAS Tightening: The SMAS layer, which lies beneath the skin, is lifted and repositioned to enhance the longevity of the lower facelift results. Tightening this layer not only improves the appearance of sagging but also helps maintain a natural contour.

Platysma Muscle Adjustment: In cases where the neck shows significant signs of aging, the platysma muscle is addressed as part of a combination lower face and neck lift. This can involve tightening or repositioning the muscle to smooth out the neck and eliminate vertical bands.

Skin Re-draping: Once the underlying structures have been adjusted, the skin is carefully re-draped over the newly contoured face and neck. Excess skin is trimmed away, ensuring a smooth, youthful result.

Closing the Incisions: The incisions are closed using fine sutures to minimize scarring, and a bandage is often applied to support healing.