The procedure

There are variations depending on your individual anatomy and goals. The standard surgery can be done under local anaesthesia and sedation or general anaesthesia depending on the extent of change needed. Short scar versions can be done under local anaesthetic alone. Skin incisions are placed as discretely as possible in the natural line along your temple hairline, in front of your ear at the junction between your ear and cheek, around your earlobe and usually but not always behind your ear. An incision may be made underneath your chin as well. The skin is lifted up. The SMAS tissues of your cheek and lower face are lifted and secured in a more youthful position. The equivalent neck muscle (the platysma muscle) is also tightened and/or repositioned (except in short scar facelifts). Sometimes excess fat in the neck is removed directly or with liposuction. Excess skin is removed. Drains are sometimes used. Stitches will need to be removed 5 to 7 days later. A ‘haemostatic net’ of external sutures may be placed to help skin position and reduce the chances of haematomas or seromas. If used, these sutures will be removed 2 to 3 days later.