Full Face Lift (Long Incision)

About the Procedure

The aging process is natural and unavoidable. Some of us accept the signs of aging as a natural part of growing older. Others believe that there is not good reason to look older than they feel, and explore cosmetic surgery as a way of regaining the smooth and tight facial appearance they enjoyed in their youth. Major advancements in facelift surgery over the past decade have resulted in more natural looking results. No one wants the “obvious” or “pulled” plastic surgery look that comes from an overaggressive or outdated surgical face-lift technique. When performed by an expert facial surgeon, facelift surgery can take years off your face and help restore an overall more youthful appearance. Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Buonassisi places great importance on using a variety of surgical techniques that create a naturally results and leave patients looking refreshed and reinvigorated. Vancouver facelift surgery is primarily designed to enhance and tighten the lower portions of the face, particularly the cheeks and jaw line. Some people who choose facelift surgery have a neck lift as well to tighten and rejuvenate the neck, eliminating excess tissue and “banding” or wrinkling that often forms as we age.

the Facelift, Using a Long Incision

The specialized facelift procedures performed by Dr. Buonassisi address the SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system), which is a deep underlying structure of the face that, when it begins to sag, contributes as much to the aging face as does loss of elasticity of the skin. The classic or traditional facelift surgery addresses only the superficial skin, and usually results in a “too tight” or pinched look. A complete facelift addresses the SMAS, so that the deeper structures of the face are elevated. The term “long scar” refers to the types of incision used behind and below the ear. Patients who require significant lifting of the neck and don’t need to be able to wear a pony tail after surgery may choose this approach. Others, who rate the importance of being able to wear a ponytail highly may choose a short scar incision, and understand that there may be a tradeoff in terms of how much neck lifting can be achieved. In most cases, incisions are small enough and located in well-concealed areas to make scarring a minor issue. People should notice your youthful facial contour, not your scars.

Types of Facelifts

There are several different types of facelift and necklift surgeries, each with their own unique benefits and risks. The type of facial rejuvenation surgery that is best for you depends on your objectives, the specific features of your face and skin, and the degree of sagginess of the neck and jowl area. Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Buonassisi is an expert facelift surgeon and uses a wide variety of techniques to achieve your facial rejuvenation objectives. He treats the deep underlying structures of the face to reverse the visible signs of aging and restore a more youthful, rested appearance, with natural looking results. In you surgical consultation, Dr. Buonassisi will evaluate your facial features and recommend which type of facelift or necklift is best for you.

Find Out More About:

• Mini Facelift (S Lift)
• Complete Facelift (Short Scar)
• Complete Facelift (Long Scar)
• Mini Necklift
• Mini Necklift with Platismaplasty
• Combination Facial Rejuvenation Surgery

How the Full Face Lift Is Performed

Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Buonassisi places incisions in the natural skin creases in front and behind the ear. They may extend upward into the temporal scalp. “Long scar” refers to the posterior incisions, which stop in the skin behind the ear.  These incisions extend backwards into the scalp, allowing for significant neck lifting. The skin of the lower face and neck is elevated away from the underlying muscle and fat.  These deep SMAS structures are then suspended upward and slightly backward to a more youthful position.  Excess skin is then trimmed and the incisions are meticulously closed to minimize their appearance. Significant reshaping of the aging features of the face and neck can be achieved with this technique.  The abbreviated posterior scar (short scar) allows for patients to continue wearing their hair in a ponytail if that is specifically requested. The short scar techniques allows for slightly less lifting of the neck area. Patients who would like to be able to wear a ponytail following surgery may be candidates for a short scar facelift.

Benefits of the Full Face Lift Using Long Incision Surgery

• Sharpening of the jaw line
• Definition of the neck angle
• Reduction of double chin
• Reduced neck fullness
• Cheek volume and elevation

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for facelift surgery if you have any of the following physical features:

• jowls
• sagging neck
• double chin
• flattening and sagging of the cheeks

General Health

You may be a candidate for facelift surgery if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your physician could safely recommend that you discontinue them for 2 weeks
• You do not smoke

Ideal Candidates for Cosmetic Surgery

Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. Ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. Internally motivated to have cosmetic surgery
2. Have realistic expectations
3. Comprehend the potential risks and complications
4. Motivated to follow pre and post operative instructions
5. Can comfortably afford the cost of cosmetic surgery

Full Face Lift Recovery

Most patients describe the recovery period from facelift surgery to be associated with some discomfort which lasts for the first week. Oral pain medication can help with this discomfort for the first few days afters surgery, after which time it is typically not required. Swelling and bruising is at its worst on day three following surgery, and usually subsides one to three weeks following surgery. Everyone heals differently. The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people who work in the public eye take two to three weeks off work
• Two weeks after surgery, some people have perceptible swelling, which can last for another week or two
• People who work from home are typically feeling good and are able to be back at their desks one week following surgery

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the three days after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, two weeks after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, four weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for three weeks after surgery

Restaurant Ready

• You will typically feel “restaurant ready”, meaning that you would feel comfortable meeting up with friends – three weeks after surgery

Complete Recovery

• While you will be looking and feeling great at the three week mark, your face is still healing and the complete healing process can take up to three months

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Buonassisi will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of facelift surgery, while not expected, include:

• Risk of infection
• Risk of bleeding
• Risk of poor wound healing
• Risk of patient dissatisfaction with cosmetic result

Combination Facial Rejuvenation Procedures

Vancouver neck lift surgery is often combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries. Some people choose to have their puffy eyelids treated at the same time, with upper or lower eyelid surgery.

What Vancouver Facelift Procedure Is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon can provide the specific information they require to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Needs With Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.