Centrofacial lift

Description:

Many lift techniques exist. They all aim at correcting the unsightly aspects caused by face and neck aging.

The two types of face lift frequently carried out are cervicofacial lift and centrofacial lift. They are not opposed but have different aesthetic aims. In some cases they can be carried out at the same time.
Face and neck lift treats the neck, the cheeks and the temples. You can find more details about this procedure in another information page.
Centrofacial lift treats the lower eyelids, deep under eye circles and the cheekbones.
This procedure is a cosmetic surgery, it is not paid for by health insurance.

Aim of the centrofacial lift

This lifting is discussed when the patient, in front of a mirror, corrects some signs of aging with a vertical lift towards the top of the cheekbones.
The centrofacial lifting is not suitable for all patients and only the surgeon can determine if it is appropriate.
This procedure can be combined with other facial aesthetic surgery procedures, such as face lipostructure and neck lift. It can also be completed by medico-surgical therapies (dermabrasion, laser, peel, botulinum toxin injection, filler injection such as hyaluronic acid).
The centrofacial lifting does not aim to modify features, but to place the anatomical structures back into a younger position.

Before the procedure

A usual preoperative check-up is made following your surgeon’s recommendations. An anaesthesiologist will see you in consultation at the latest 48 hours before the operation. No aspirin-based medication should be taken during the 10 days preceding the operation. You must wash your hair the day before the operation and make-up must be thoroughly removed the day of the surgery. You need to fast (neither eat or drink) 6 hours before the operation.

The procedure

Two incisions are generally necessary. The first one is situated in the lower eyelids, under the eyelashes and extends in the crow's feet to remain discreet. The second one is concealed in the hair of the temple. The surgeon proceeds to these two incisions on each side to detach the deep subperiosteal plan (in contact with the bone). The surgeon can proceed to the vertical suspension of the cheekbones with strands or with more sophisticated dissolvable anchoring systems. The excess of lower eyelids is resected at the end of the surgery. The procedure lasts between one and two hours. An absorbent dressing is placed for the hours after the operation. There is a different strategy which does not require a temporal incision. Only one incision is done in the lower eyelids, under the eyelashes and extends in the crow's feet to remain discreet. The detachment of the cheekbone is realised in depth, in contact with the bone. The repositioning of the skin, strictly vertical, does not extend towards the side of the cheekbone, which makes temporal lifting not necessary.

Suspension of the cheekbones is carried out as described.

After the procedure

You can return home in the evening or the day after the operation, usually without any bandage. Moisturizing eye drops may be prescribed, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. During the first few days rest is advised, with no physical strain. On the first days after the operation, you should not be surprised by, or worried by, the following:

• hypercorrection,
• swelling of the face which can grow rapidly (can be worse on the second day than the first) and can be asymmetrical,
• bruises in the eyelids area,
• painless irritation of the eyes (redness),
• tension in the periorbital bone structure. Swelling and bruising usually disappear between 2 and 3 weeks after surgery. Some areas heal more slowly.