FACE SKIN SUTURE LIFT

Surgical procedure to rejuvenate the look of the face by lifting excess skin (wrinkles and bags), particularly under the chin and along the jawline, at the corners of the mouth and the cheeks.

Introduction

With ageing and sun damage, the face takes on different appearances. Often there is a change in skin texture with a development of blotchy pigmentation and fine lines. This may be more prominent around the eyes and mouth. At this stage laser resurfacing can produce a smooth and rejuvenated appearance with some skin contraction and tightening of the skin. In the next stage, the skin starts to droop from the facial structures and a type of facial lift is required. One option is the “facelift” procedure performed by surgeons. The “facelift” proceedure involves the skin to be cut and removed from around the ear in conjunction with an undermining of the facial skin and tightening of the underlying muscular and facial tissues. Another option is the “face skin suture lift”. It was developed by a surgeon in South Africa where the skin alone is elevated and lifted with only sutures and a few nicks behind the ear. Why This is an ideal procedure for patients who are not yet ready for face-lift surgery or for those patients who have previously had a face-lift and who want to improve the residual loose or drooping areas that remain or have recurred. Combinations: Dr Lanzer often performs liposuction of the neck to enhance the results. Some studies have shown that this lengthens the overall result as well. Dr Lanzer may also recommend laser resurfacing around the eyes and mouth. At the same time fillers in the lips, cheeks and chin together with face muscle relaxants may enhance the result.

SUTURE LIFT – ADVANTAGES

• Minimally invasive
• Quick procedure
• Skin procedure only
• No/very low risk nerve damage
• Reversible & adjustable
• Very little down time
• May be combined with other procedures

SUTURE LIFT -DISADVANTAGES

• May not be permanent.
• Fold of skin in front of ear
• Tenderness and occasional pain in ear

Procedure Technique

With this procedure there is no removal of facial skin. The stitches are made of a prolene material which are placed under the skin and left there permanently. After a few weeks, the skin is held in its new position by tissue that forms around the stitches. The procedure can be performed under a local anaesthetic or a light general anaesthetic. It takes approx 1 hour. Small nicks of approximately 1cm are made in the skin in the crease behind the ear. A long needle with the suture is then threaded until it reaches the sagging area. The suture is then fixed in this position and elevated to the ear. It is then tied and hidden under the skin. Several serial stitches are used to hold the skin in the desired position. There is a dissolvable suture on each of the nicks behind the ear which are removed in 5-7 days or may dissolve by itself. The disadvantage of suture alone is there will initially be a pleat, wrinkle or a fold of excess skin in front of the ear. The fold can easily be covered with one’s hair and usually this fold does relax and settle in the following months. If it does not settle, laser therapy to tighten the skin may be used or very rarely an excision of the excess skin.

Recovery

Recovery is rapid with the suture lift. Patients can sometimes return to ordinary duties the next day although there may be some bruising and swelling around the ear. There may be some pain behind the ears but painkillers will help this. This usually settles over a few days. Occasionally the ear pain can be more severe and persist longer.

The suture lift result may last for years, however they will loosen over time. The face may also continue to sag with the ageing process. There are no guarantees at this stage as to the length of time the sutures result will last. If you are unhappy with the result, the sutures can be removed or be redone with new sutures. With time, the skin may fix permanently in an elevated position, however it is best to expect a maintenance treatment which is cheaper than the first operation.

Dr Lanzer recommends Photorejuvenation laser to enhance and lengthen the results of skin suture lift. There is no downtime and is performed every 2-4 weeks

Dr Lanzer has performed many hundreds of skin suture lifts and it has shown to be a relatively safe and effective procedure. However, as with any medical procedure there are some potential risks. These include:
- Pain in ear
- Fold in front of ear
- Dent on outer cheek in front of the ear
- Need to repeat procedure to maintain the result
- Swelling, bruising and infection

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Commonoly asked questions

Will the wrinkles return?

Yes. During your medical consultation, Dr Lanzer will point out that the skin will continue to age. It is important that you understand that the ageing process will not stop after a skin suture lift.

Who is the most suitable candidate for the skin suture lift ?

The best patient is someone with jowls, loose neck skin and a general saggy appearance to the skin on the face and neck. If the patient also has lots of wrinkles, non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment’s can be combined with a skin suture lift for an improved overall result. Often Dr Lanzer will use the Erbium around the mouth and liposuction of the neck at the same time.

Could I have eye rejuvenation at the same time as a suture lift?

Yes, the best results are achieved when these two procedures are combined resulting in an overall improvement.

Will there be scarring after facial rejuvenation?

In the case of eye rejuvenation an incision is made close to the natural crease of the eyelid. During a skin suture lift nicks are made behind the ear. In both procedures post operative scarring will fade over time and become virtually undetectable.

When can I return to work?

Patients usually can resume work after four days.

Is there any pain?

The lift is not painful but the ears may be sore.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure takes about 1hour

Do I need to take any medication?

Dr Lanzer prescribes antibiotics as a preventative

Is the procedure good if a person has had a facelift?

Years after a facelift the skin can droop and this can be revised with the suture lift alone.

How does one test there skin to see if the suture lift is appropriate?

Many women push their cheeks back towards the ears. This is a very good indication of how the results will be immediately after the procedure. If you like this look then it may be an appropriate procedure for you.

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