An initial consultation is a very important part of the surgery. The client tells the surgeon the reasons why they decided to undergo the procedure, and the surgeon explains what the client can expect from the surgery, what results are realistic, and advises them on the most suitable procedure for them. During the consultation, the doctor answers all the client’s questions.

Before each surgery, it is necessary to assess the overall health of each client, whether it is a procedure under local anesthesia, local anesthesia combined with analgosedation, or general anesthesia. Preoperative examination for general anesthesia is performed by an anesthesiologist or internist. For local anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with analgosedation, you may also have your blood samples taken in a laboratory.

A lower facelift is most often performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with analgosedation and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Before the surgery, the surgeon explains everything to the client again, and the client then receives premedication. In the operating room, we administer a local anesthetic by injection. This may be slightly uncomfortable, but the injection only takes a moment, and the client feels almost nothing during the subsequent operation. The incision is made under the chin and is 3-4 cm long, and then the incision is made behind the ear. During the operation, the doctor removes fat from the area under the chin above and below the muscle, as needed. The submandibular glands can also be reduced, and finally the neck muscle is adjusted and sutured. The deeper structures of the lower third of the face are then moved, which results in the contouring of the lower jaw. The advantage of local anesthesia is that the client can cooperate with the surgeon, e.g., by gently moving their head. Another advantage of this type of anesthesia is that it does not place too much strain on the body. In the case of general anesthesia, the client is put into a state of deep unconsciousness and wakes up only after the operation.

Immediately after the procedure, the scar is covered with a plaster, and the head is bandaged with a sterile dressing. The client receives a Redon drain, which is removed five to six days after the operation. Applying a drain after this procedure is very beneficial – the drain creates negative pressure in the area and serves to remove secretions or blood from the body. The client spends the first night at the clinic or at a hotel near the clinic. A 24-hour hotline is available, which can be used if necessary. A check-up takes place on the next day. The client can then go home but it is necessary to have their transport arranged. The next check-up follows five to six days later, when we remove the bandage, pull out the drain, and remove the plaster. The client then disinfects the scars twice a day and applies antibiotic ointment to them.

The stitches are absorbable, but we usually remove any knots or remaining material during the check-up, which takes place two weeks after the surgery. Two weeks after the surgery, the client starts doing gentle pressure massage on the scars and begins to apply silicone cream to them. The scars are less visible after two weeks and barely noticeable after a few months, but it is important to take care of them. Pressure massage should be performed twice a day for several months. The postoperative care bag that the client receives from us after the operation contains all the necessary medications and creams.

The client may feel a pulling sensation in the neck and jaw area immediately after the procedure. This feeling is normal and will fade with time. If pain occurs during the first few days, it can be relieved with common painkillers. Most clients report pain on the first day or two, but the pain threshold is, of course, individual. There is also a sensation of numbness on the cheeks around the scars. This is related to the reorganization of the nerve endings, and sensitivity returns within a few weeks. Swelling lasts for approximately fourteen days, during which time it is necessary to observe a rest, avoid bending over and physical exertion. In the first days after the procedure, we recommend eating foods that do not require chewing. After a few days, it is possible to return to normal office work. Air travel is possible two weeks after the operation.

A lower facelift contours the lower jaw, but the final effect depends on age and face type. The durability of the result after the procedure depends on age, genetics and lifestyle. To achieve the best effect of the surgery, we recommend combining it with dermatological procedures, if necessary. Fine wrinkles can be smoothed out with Morpheus 8 radiofrequency or CO2 laser. It is advisable to take care of your skin on the face and neck, both by regularly using appropriate cosmetics and, in older age, e.g., by treatments with a CO2 laser, which also increases skin elasticity and significantly slows down the aging process.

No surgery is completely risk-free. However, these risks are minimized by a skilled and experienced surgeon, adherence to preoperative instructions, and conscientious postoperative care. The client is informed of the most common risks before the surgery.