Skin Incision

          Incisions are made in the temporal region, in front of the ear, around the earlobe, and into the back of the scalp.  The skin on the face is then gently lifted up.  A counter incision may sometimes also be made under the chin

Underlying Muscles
         
          The underlying muscle can be tightened in the face and neck.  It is called the SMAS in the face region and the platysma in the neck region.  It is pulled and tightened in an upward and outward direction.

Removing Excess Skin

          The redundant facial skin is elevated.  The skin is redraped over the face and neck region.  It is also pulled in an upward and outward direction.  The excess skin is carefully removed.

Skin Closure
         
          The skin incisions are closed.  Staples are usually  used in the scalp region, and fine sutures are usually used to close the skin in the temporal region and around the ear.

* There are other variations and techniques in facelift surgery.  This simplified schematic serves as a tool to better understand the basic principles behind facelift surgery.

Disclaimer:  This informational facelift web site is intended solely to provide a basic understanding of facelift surgery.  The views on facelift surgery shared by the author may differ from the views on facelift surgery of your plastic surgeon.  Results from facelift surgery can vary from one person to another.  This facelift web site is in no way a guarantee or warranty of the results you may obtain with facelift surgery.  For additional information on facelift surgery contact your Plastic Surgeon or the American Society of Plastic Surgery.  Thank you for your interest in facelift surgery.