Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre
Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre Logo

Facelift in Toronto, Ontario

As we age, the cumulative impact of gravitational forces, sun exposure, and everyday stress can manifest in visible signs on our faces. The development of pronounced creases between the nose and mouth, laxity in the jawline, and the appearance of folds and fat deposits around the neck are some common examples. However, with a facelift procedure performed by Dr. Chivers in Toronto, these aesthetic concerns can be effectively addressed for individuals.

Your Custom Facelift Surgery in Toronto

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, cannot halt the natural aging process, but it can certainly help turn back the clock. By removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and repositioning the skin on the face and neck, a facelift can improve the most prominent signs of aging. In some cases, additional procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping may be recommended to complement the overall outcome.

If you're considering a facelift procedure and reside in Toronto, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chivers at our office. With his expertise and attention to detail, he can help determine if a facelift or any other complementary procedures may be the best approach to address your individual aesthetic goals.

An abstract background image showing shadows of leaves

Facelift at a Glance

  • Alternative Names

    Rhytidectomy

  • Type of Anesthesia

    Local or General

  • Recovery

    After undergoing facelift surgery, it is generally recommended to take approximately 1-2 weeks off from work to allow for a proper recovery period. Engaging in strenuous physical activity too soon after the procedure can potentially impede the healing process and may result in complications. It is typically advised to wait at least 2-3 weeks before resuming any rigorous exercise or activities.

A woman in her 50s examining her face and pulling her face back

What is a facelift?

Although the term "facelift" is often used to describe any cosmetic surgery intended to modify the appearance of the face, this definition is not entirely accurate in the medical profession. The term "facelift" specifically refers to a surgical procedure that involves creating small incisions in front of and behind the ears to tighten facial muscles, resulting in a smoother and more toned skin around the neck, jawline, and cheeks.

At the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre, patients who undergo facelifts with Dr. Chivers experience a natural-looking transformation that helps them appear more youthful without appearing to have undergone an extreme facelift. Unlike other cosmetic procedures like rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, or ear pinning, facelifts are specifically tailored to tighten the facial muscles, producing a more rejuvenated look.

Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre
A woman in her 50s looking at and pointing to her wrinkles

The best candidates for a facelift

In Toronto, the ideal candidate for a facelift is typically someone who has begun to experience sagging in their face and neck but still possesses some degree of skin elasticity and strong, well-defined bone structure. While most patients range from their forties to sixties, individuals in their seventies and eighties can also be successful candidates for this procedure.

Dr. Chivers offers an extensive selection of facial rejuvenation options, including non-surgical solutions that can provide impressive results. During your consultation, he will take the time to discuss all available options with you and guide you towards the most suitable procedure based on your unique goals and needs.

Potential risks from a facelift

When a facelift procedure is performed by an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Chivers in Toronto, complications are rare and typically minor. However, every patient's anatomy, healing ability, and response to surgery may vary, making the outcome somewhat unpredictable.

Potential complications associated with facelift surgery may include hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the skin that requires removal by Dr. Chivers, temporary nerve damage that may affect facial muscles, infection, and anesthesia-related reactions. Smokers are at a higher risk of poor skin healing following the procedure.

To ensure that your facelift surgery goes smoothly and that you experience a comfortable recovery, Dr. Chivers will provide you with specific pre and post-operative instructions. These instructions will be tailored to your individual needs and will help minimize the risk of complications while optimizing your healing process.

Different types of facelifts

There are different types of facelifts because each patient's facial structure, skin laxity, and desired outcomes are unique. The goal of a facelift is to address sagging skin and restore a more youthful appearance, but the techniques used to achieve this goal can vary depending on the individual's needs.

Mini Facelift

A mini-facelift is an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate sagging in the cheek and jowl area. The procedure involves making incisions along the hairline, in front of and behind the ears, and removing excess skin to reduce sagging and improve the appearance of nasolabial folds. The recovery time and scarring associated with a mini-facelift are generally less than those of a full facelift. However, it's essential to note that a mini-facelift does not address any wrinkles in the forehead or crow's feet at the lateral aspects of the eyes.

Mid-face Facelift

A mid-face lift is a suitable option for individuals with moderate sagging and targets deeper tissues of the face. Like a mini-facelift, incisions are made along the hairline, in front of and behind the ears. The skin and fat beneath the skin are lifted off the deep structure of the face and anchored tightly, resulting in a more tightened and improved appearance at the nasolabial folds and jowls. However, similar to the mini-facelift, a mid-face lift does not address any wrinkles in the forehead or crow's feet at the lateral aspects of the eyes.

Full Facelift

A full facelift is an option for individuals with moderate to severe skin sagging and excess skin in the lower face. It also addresses concerns with wrinkles in the forehead and crow's feet at the lateral aspects of the eyes. Incisions for a full facelift are made along the hairline, the side of the ears, and behind the lower part of the head, just below the chin. The incisions are typically hidden in the natural creases and contours of the face. A full facelift can be performed by itself, or it can be combined with other techniques such as liposuction, neck lifts, or eye surgery. During this procedure, skin, fat, and tissues are lifted off the deep structures of the face, pulled back, and anchored tightly to create a more youthful appearance.

An abstract background image showing shadows of leaves

Your facelift surgery

In Toronto, a typical facelift procedure performed by Dr. Chivers usually takes several hours, or longer if additional procedures are required. Depending on the individual's preference and specific needs, the surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The exact placement of the incisions will depend on the patient's facial structure and desired outcomes. Before the surgery, Dr. Chivers will explain where the incisions will be placed to ensure that the patient understands what to expect in terms of scarring. The incisions generally begin above the hairline at the temples, continue around the ear, and end behind the earlobe.

During the surgery, Dr. Chivers will separate the skin from the underlying fat and muscle before suctioning excess fat from around the neck and chin to enhance the contour. He will then tighten the underlying muscle and membrane, pull the skin back, and remove any excess skin. The layers of tissue will be secured with stitches, and the incisions will be closed.

Following the surgery, Dr. Chivers will wrap the patient's head loosely with bandages to reduce bruising and swelling and promote proper healing. He will provide the patient with post-operative instructions and follow-up care to ensure a successful recovery.


After your facelift surgery

Following a facelift procedure with Dr. Chivers in Toronto, patients typically experience minimal discomfort. However, if there is any discomfort, Dr. Chivers may prescribe pain medication to manage it. Patients should immediately report severe or persistent pain or sudden swelling of the face to the office. Numbness of the skin is normal and will typically disappear within a few weeks or months.

To reduce swelling, Dr. Chivers may advise patients to keep their head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after the surgery. Drainage tubes, if inserted, are usually removed within one to two days after the procedure. Bandages are typically removed after one to five days.

Patients may experience a pale, bruised, and puffy appearance immediately after the procedure. However, it's important to remember that these effects are temporary and will subside in a few weeks. All stitches will dissolve, and Dr. Chivers will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure that patients are satisfied with their results.

An abstract background image showing ripples of water

Embark on Your Cosmetic Journey With Us

Schedule a Consultation

416-244-8377
An interior shot of the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre in Toronto

Follow Us @CanadianPlasticSurgery

Close Button