Cervicofacial lift

The cervical-facial facelift, also called rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the aesthetics of the face by correcting some of the defects that may arise due to ageing, bad habits (especially smoking) or sun damage (UV rays). The tired appearance of the face produced by ageing is caused by the loss of volume and elasticity of facial tissue. The aim of the operation is to give the face a more youthful appearance, but without deforming its original shape.

There are several surgical techniques for performing a cervicofacial lift. The traditional method consists of making incisions in the skin from the scalp at the temple to the anterior margin of the pinna. After freeing the skin and superficial subcutaneous fat from the underlying tissues, the deep subcutaneous tissues are repositioned, securing them with absorbable sutures. Following the exertion of traction, the deep tissues are repositioned upwards and the excess skin is removed. Folds in the neck can also be corrected with this technique, via an incision measuring about 5 centimetres long, in the groove behind the ear and in the scalp. Cervicofacial surgery lasts about 6 hours, with the time varying depending on the area to be treated, and is performed under general anaesthetic.

Thanks to the correction of facial blemishes caused by sagging tissues, the patient’s face will look much more relaxed after cervicofacial lifting surgery. The position of the incisions in this procedure means that the scars will be hidden. Although the cervicofacial lift can slow down the ageing process, it cannot stop it. Consequently, the patient may decide to undergo surgery again years after the first operation.