How long will my facelift last? Everybody ages a bit differently; but, generally speaking, a successful facelift may not need to be repeated for 8-12 years.
Why can't I have a full facelift under local anesthesia?
Remember from our discussion on the previous pages that a full facelift = a cheek lift + a neck lift. Dr. Bentkover believes that it is not realistic to believe that a full facelift or a well done minilift can be performed as effectively and as safely under straight local anesthesia as it can under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
So, can I just have my cheek lift (minilift) under straight local anesthesia? "Facelifts" done with only straight local anesthesia are generally limited procedures that usually involve just tightening sutures placed in the deep tissues (the SMAS) in front of the ear. They are usually a form of a minilift, specifically a limited cheeklift. Dr. Bentkover does not believe that just placing tightening sutures in the SMAS is sufficient, even for a minilift. For the procedure to be as long lasting as possible and as effective as possible, he believes that the operation must include elevating the SMAS tissue as a flap (see Full Facelift/Overview) and repositioning it. This is called a sub-SMAS dissection. To do an effective minilift on the cheeks for the purpose of lifting your face in front of you ears and your jawline, Dr. Bentkover believes that the surgeon should elevate the same sub-SMAS cheek flap that he/she would in a full facelift. (The only difference from a full facelift is that the necklift part of the procedure is not performed). While this could be done under local anesthesia, it would not be as comfortable for the patient or as safe. You can place tightening sutures in the deep tissues (SMAS) under straight local anesthesia, but Dr. Bentkover does not believe that this will last as long and be as effective as the sub-SMAS flap procedure that he performs. To do the sub-SMAS dissection safely and comfortably for the patient, he believes that intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is advisable.
