As the effects of gravity, age, and sun damage progress, drooping and laxity of the lower face and neck result. One of the most common areas of concern for patients seeking facial rejuvenation is the fullness and drooping of the jaw line, giving the common appearance of “jowls.” Patients are commonly distressed by the deep wrinkling that develops between the corner of the mouth and chin, commonly referred to as “marionette lines.” These similar changes in the chin and neck produce a “turkey neck” appearance. The face lift procedure has advanced in recent years. Ten years ago, patients undergoing this procedure were in surgery for up to 7 hours and hospital bound for up to a week. Today, the procedure can be performed in as little as 2 hours, patients are routinely discharged home after surgery, and are up and about 1 to 2 days later.

During this procedure, an incision line is placed in the natural skin fold at the front and back edges of the ears. The front incision lines are the most inconspicuous as Dr. Bassin traces the line just to the inside of what is commonly visible. The skin is then carefully raised, and the supporting structure of the face is then tightened. The skin is then carefully repositioned. Dr. Bassin does not advance the surgery to an area which leaves the nerves which innervate the muscles of the face at risk. The surgery is also commonly performed with a minimal amount of fat removal from under the chin, to optimally contour the neck and jaw line. The procedure can be performed at a hospital or outpatient surgical facility. Patients are commonly in surgery for 2 hours, and are sent home afterward. Dr. Bassin will most commonly see his facelift patients the day after surgery, at which time the bandage is removed. Patients should expect to be minimally bruised or swollen for 4 to 6 days. This procedure can be combined with any other type of facial rejuvenation, as well as laser skin resurfacing. For those patients that are candidates for a non-invasive face lift, Dr. Bassin offers the ThermaCool TC® procedure.