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The surgery
A facelift usually takes several hours-or somewhat longer if you're having
more than one procedure done. For extensive procedures, some surgeons may
schedule two separate sessions.
Every surgeon approaches the procedure in his or her own way. Some complete
one side of the face at a time, and others move back and forth between the
sides. The exact placement of incisions and the sequence of events depends
on your facial structure and your surgeon's technique.
Incisions usually begin above the
hairline at the temples, follow the
natural line in front of the ear, curve
behind the earlobe into the crease
behind the ear, and into or along the
lower scalp.
Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural
line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of the
ear), and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs
work, a small incision may also be made under the chin.
Facial, neck tissue and muscle may
be separated; fat may be trimmed or
suctioned and underlying muscle
may be tightened.
In general, the surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below.
Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve
the contour. The surgeon then tightens the underlying muscle and membrane,
pulls the skin back, and removes the excess. Stitches secure the layers
of tissue and close the incisions; metal clips may be used on the scalp.
After deep tissues are tightened, the
excess skin is pulled up and back,
trimmed and sutured into place.
Following surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the
skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might collect there. The surgeon
may also wrap your head loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.
Continue reading about facelift
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Rhytidectomy (Facelift Surgery) Patient Information 
Highlights: About Facelift Surgery
Preparing for Surgery
Pre-operative Instructions
Post-Operative Care
Activity Restrictions
Recovery Time
Resuming Normal Activities
Pre-operative Instructions
Post-operative Instructions
FAQs on Facelift
FAQs on Recovery From Plastic Surgery
Facelift Illustrations
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