Tightens and smooths facial skin by using a long incision to excise loose skin without disrupting underlying muscles.

Facial Skin Laxity

Erin Storm, PA-C

Definitive guide on Cutaneous Facelift, including the procedure overview, benefits, risks, recovery, before & after photos, costs, and more. 

The Mini Zygoma Reduction Surgery: a Simple and Reliable Approach for Mid Face Narrowing

Innovative techniques for thread lifting of face and neck

Cutaneous Facelift

A cutaneous facelift is one of the earliest techniques developed for tightening aging, wrinkled skin. The cutaneous facelift does not manipulate the underlying musculature in the face like more modern SMAS facelifts. Like a thread lift, the results of a cutaneous facelift will not last as long as a technique that cuts and re-drapes the muscles however the recovery time will be faster. 

Once the skin has been marked for incision and the patient is thoroughly anesthetized, the surgeon will cut the skin. Next, the surgeon will undermine the skin, separating the skin from the muscle to the extent of where the excess laxity is present. Special care will be taken to only dissect as far as needed since aggressive undermining may lead to insufficient blood flow resulting in skin bunching or poor healing. The skin will then be pulled into its new position and extra skin will be excised. Removing more skin will produce a tighter result but will create increased tension at the closure and may create a windswept look. Also, earlobe deformities are more common when greater tension is applied near the lower earlobe. Drains may be used to reduce swelling. Sutures will be placed to close the incisions.

Facelift

Face

Head

facelift1

- Stop taking blood thinning medications for 2 weeks
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after surgery
- No alcohol 2 days prior
- Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before

Before Treatment

cute2

- Skin is marked for incision
- Skin is separated from the muscle 
- Skin is pulled into new position and extra skin is excised
- Drains may be placed to reduce swelling
- Sutures to close incisions

During Treatment

awake4

- Face is swollen and bruised
- Turn head by moving shoulders, not the neck
- Limit jaw movement
- Take antibiotics and pain medication as prescribed
- Return to work after 2 weeks

1-14 Days After Treatment

awake5

- Swelling and bruising less noticeable
- Resume light exercise after 3 weeks
- Strenuous activity resumed after 6 weeks

3 Weeks After Treatment and Beyond

cute6

- Noticeable immediately after surgery 
- Not permanent
- Last for 4-5 years
- Results will be affected by continued aging and gravity

Result Notes

A cutaneous facelift only removes excess skin from the face and does not address muscle laxity. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a cutaneous facelift. 

The cutaneous facelift is a traditional technique used when the patient only needs removal of excess skin from the face. A long incision is placed along the hairline and the surgeon will excise loose skin to tighten and smooth facial skin. The technique does not disturb the underlying muscles in the face.

AEDIT

AEDIT

Cutaneous Facelift

Concerns Treated

Facial Skin Laxity

Concerns Treated

Facial Skin Laxity

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

Learn More About
Cutaneous Facelift in The AEDITION

Facelifts vs Injectable Dermal Fillers: Which One Is Right For Me?

The New Face Of Facelifts

Is 40 Too Young For A Facelift?

AI Plastic Surgeon™

Scan. Simulate. Share.

Text to download The AI Plastic Surgeon by AEDIT

Cutaneous Facelift

Concerns Treated

Facial Skin Laxity

Concerns Treated

Facial Skin Laxity

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

Related Procedures

Learn More About Cutaneous Facelift in The AEDITION

Facelifts vs Injectable Dermal Fillers: Which One Is Right For Me?

The New Face Of Facelifts

Is 40 Too Young For A Facelift?

AI Plastic Surgeon™

Scan. Simulate. Share.

Text to download The AI Plastic Surgeon by AEDIT

Learn More About
Cutaneous Facelift in The AEDITION