Surgical face and neck lift (Facelift)

Because of gravity, exposure to sun or polluted environment, during the years, elastic fibers almost lose their elasticity. And the outcome is facial and neck skin dullness.

Prof. Mislav Gjuric, M.D., Ph.D.

German and Croatian board certified otorhinolaryngologist specialising in cosmetic surgery with emphasis on facial, head & neck plastic and reconstructive surgery; founder, director and head of practice at Sinteza Clinic in Zagreb
Professor of Otorhinolaryngology at the FA-University of Erlangen, Germany; former Professor and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the J.W. Goethe University of Frankfurt, Germany
Professor and Chairman of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Zagreb, Croatia; active member of numerous medical associations around the world

How is facelift done?

The surgeon makes a small incisions, separates the epidermis, fat and muscles, removes excess fat and skin to model contours, then tightens the skin and the muscles of face and neck, and sutures the incisions. The result is tight face and firmer and softer skin.

The incisions are commonly placed so, that they are almost inconspicuous after healing. Where the incisions will be and which method is optimal for you, depends on the structure of your face and the results you expect after the surgery.

What happens before a facelift?

During a detailed consultation with the surgeon, you will be informed about other procedures that might be suitable for you and which can be combined with neck and facelift. You will be instructed not to eat or drink in the six hours preceding the surgery. The surgery is done under local and regional anesthesia, and it lasts from two to five hours. Before and after the surgery, you must restrain yourself from smoking and avoid taking blood thinners (consult your general general practitioner).

What happens after a face lift?

After the surgery, the surgeon places bandages and drainage tubes to remove the secretion from the wound, until the next day. The bandages will be removed after approximately five days, and your hair will be washed by a hairdresser, following certain rules. Part of the sutures will be removed after six days. A week later you have to come for a check up, and to remove sutures and metal clips in the hairline. In case of greater swelling, you generally undergo a lymph drainage and a gentle massage. You should absolutely avoid sauna, vapor-baths and sunbathing, as well as sport activities and hair dyeing.

What are the results of a facelift?

Two weeks after the surgery, with skilled application of makeup, you will be able to go public, and you will be able to enjoy going out with your friends after three weeks, and ten to twelve weeks after the surgery you will get back normal sensation in your face. It would last approximately three months until a definite appraisal of the surgery success can be given .Facelift can be combined with other facial surgery as e.g. eyelid surgery or wrinkle iron around the mouth.