A Face Lift or Rhytidectomy removes excess skin and repositions fat and muscles to correct jowls, deep lines from the nose to the mouth, and minimal to moderate neck laxity which naturally occur with aging. Some patients having facelift surgery may also require a neck lift, neck liposuction, or neck muscle repair (platysmaplasty) for more extensive neck treatment.In short, a face lift, will address cheek laxity, jowls , and neck laxity. It usually involves tightening not only the skin, but also underlying fat and muscle. Since a face lift does not change the quality of the skin itself, a chemical peel or laser resurfacing is often performed in the same setting.
The incision is made in front of the ear, inside the ear, and then extends behind the ear by the earlobe. The skin, fat, and muscle are separated, lifted and then re-draped to a more youthful-appearing position. Often times, the fat and muscle are sutured in place to prevent premature descent. Dr. Hoenig is an expert in the deep plane face lift, SMAS lift, and other advanced facelift surgery techniques. Extra care is taken in suturing the incision to minimize the scar, rendering it virtually invisible after the initial healing period.
A Neck Lift (Cervicoplasty), Platysmaplasty (Superficial Neck Muscle Repair) or Neck Liposuction rejuvenate the neck by reducing fullness as well as skin and muscle laxity (sagging) that can occur due to heredity or the effects of aging. A small or receding chin and abnormal position of the jaw or hyoid bone (in the neck) can further contribute to a poorly defined neckline, and may be corrected with the placement of a chin implant.
- Cervicoplasty is a true neck lift for those with poor skin elasticity and need for excess skin removal.
- Platysmaplasty means repair of the neck muscle (platysma) that can contribute to a poorly defined neckline and/or cause noticeable bands in the neck. The platysmaplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with a neck lift.
- Neck Liposuction reduces fullness in the neck by suctioning out excess fatty deposits. This can be done on the whole neck, or simply beneath the chin, and can be combined with a neck lift.
- Botox is sometimes used to improve the appearance of the neck by relaxing segments of the platysma (superficial neck muscle) that can cause the appearance of bands or neck fullness.
The Mid Face Lift or Cheek Lift restores the natural convex shape of the lower eyelid and cheek to correct puffiness of the lower eyelids, an indentation of the upper cheek and a prominent naso-labial (nose to lip) fold, or to minimize the look of big eyes. The mid face lift provides a natural and youthful appearance without an overdone or pulled look. For a more complete introduction to the mid face lift, please read Dr. Hoenig’s article, “The Mid Face Lift – Now There’s 33% More To Facial Surgery “.
A small incision is made inside the lower eyelid or through the mouth to provide direct visualization of the cheek and lower eyelid. The tissues are replaced to a more aesthetic position, and the incisions are closed. Often times a cheek or tear trough implant is placed simultaneously.
Fat Transfer, also known as Fat Injections or Fat Grafting is the technique of moving fat from one area of the body to another to improve contour, correct defects, or enhance features, such as in Lip Augmentation. Similar, less permanent results can also be achieved with injections of fillers.
Fat is harvested through a liposuction canula (tube) from the abdomen or hips and carefully prepared for re-implantation by spinning the fat in a centrifuge to separate the cells from the fluid. The fat is then injected with a blunt needle and syringe into the desired locations such as the cheeks, under the eyes, the lips, or around the mouth for Lip Augmentation. Incisions are typically limited to small puncture wounds less than 0.2 cm in size.
Facial Implants such as cheek, chin, or midface implants permanently enhance features with poor definition or inadequate projection. Hollowness in the region under the eye causing a tired or sunken appearance can be corrected with Tear Trough Implants, such as those designed by Dr. Hoenig in conjunction with Porex for this purpose. To perform facial implant surgery, an incision is made through the mouth, under the chin, or through the lower eyelid and a pocket is created adjacent to the bone for placement of the implant. The implant is then positioned and the pocket is sutured closed.