FACE/NECK LIFT: A face/neck lift is a comprehensive facial rejuvenation procedure. This procedure encompasses rejuvenation for the face, the jowls and the neck. Removal of any fat underneath the neck including tightening of the anterior muscle platysmal bands and the muscles in the face is also included in the face/neck lift. This operation is a combination of a neck lift and a mini lift or a tuck facelift. The incisions are placed at the anterior temporal hairline and behind the ears and up into the retroauricular incision. They are placed in such a fashion that patients are still able to wear their hair up off their shoulders after the incisions have healed. There is also a 1-inch incision underneath the chin to allow sculpting of the neck structures. The facial muscles, including the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) are tightened along the cheekbone area and the jowls are lifted. Any excess facial and neck skin is tightened and the fat above and below the platysmal muscle in the neck is removed. In addition, the neck muscles in the center front of the neck underneath the chin area are tightened, as well as the neck muscles in the posterior portion of the neck to accentuate and create a new defining jawline. Two Jackson-Pratt drains are placed underneath the neck area and left in place for a few days in the immediate postoperative period to remove blood and fluid from underneath the skin. The face / neck lift is performed under a general anesthesia and post operative pain is usually minimal. The surgery is performed at The Seattle Facial Plastic Surgery Center, which is a Medicare-certified surgery center under the direction of Dr. William Portuese. Board-certified physicians/anesthesiologists from Swedish Medical Center perform the anesthesia. Out-of-town patients can stay at one of the area’s three hotels within one block of the office.
During your facelift consultation with Dr. Portuese, the two of you will come up with the best way to improve your neck area while still giving it a fresh and natural look.
It can be done at the same time as other lifting procedures and skin resurfacing to get the best results. I don’t know how to start. The story of your journey is important to us. The moment you walk into our office, you become our number one. If you want a cosmetic change, we want to make sure we know why you want it.
