Face Lift

Depending on your genes and lifestyle, it's inevitable that the skin around the neck, jowls and upper cheeks will start to slacken. This can happen any time from your mid-thirties onwards.  A popular solution is to have a face lift which involves lifting and re-draping the lower jaw area.  It can also involve skin- and muscle-tightening and the removal of excess skin.  An increasing number of men and women are requesting this type of surgery at a younger age, keen to achieve a natural, enhanced look rather than waiting until they are in their sixties when the results can be a little too dramatic.

There are several types of face lift, depending on the particular look which you're aiming for.  Generally, the surgeon looks at an individual's face in three sections:

• Brow
• Upper and lower eye area
• Lower jaw and neck line

Who is it suitable for?

As long as you're fit and healthy it's not unusual to have these procedures during the later part of your life.  However, to achieve the best results, it's often advisable to take action before the skin has lost too much elasticity.

What can I expect?

Face lifts are normally undertaken under a general anaesthetic with an overnight stay in hospital.  It takes around 3 hours, excluding eye or brow surgery.  Some cases can be in and out in a day, depending on how involved the procedure is and whether it's a ‘mini' or a full face lift.   Overnight, a light bandage will be applied your head.  The following day, you will have your hair washed and the bandage will be removed before you leave the hospital.

Possible Risks and Side-effects

Bruising and swelling

There is always bruising and swelling following this procedure. Arnica tablets and cream are great for keeping the bruising and swelling down post operatively, and it helps enormously with your recovery to prop yourself up with pillows at night to help with post-operative swelling.

Infection

In rare circumstances, as with any surgery, there is a slight chance that you may develop an infection.  Antibiotics are usually given at the time of the operation in theatre, and you might also be given a short course on discharge to help prevent infection.  You will be advised to always use a good anti-bacterial shampoo to wash your hair with during your post-operative recovery.

Bleeding and haematoma

In rare instances it's possible that you may have a small collection of blood (haematoma) after this operation.  This can normally be dealt with at the clinic as an outpatient case.

Sensitivity and numbness

You will get some numbness on your cheek and in front of your ear.   This usually resolves itself on its own, over time.  Permanent nerve damage is extremely rare especially in the hands of a competent plastic surgeon.

Recovery

You can expect a recovery period of 2 - 3 weeks, or a week or so if you have had brow and eye surgery. We will invite you to come to the clinic within 5 - 7 days of your operation and you will be given further appointments to check on your progress at weekly intervals, as required.  As this is a more involved operation, it's imperative that you attend your post-operative clinic appointments.  We will wish to keep in close contact with you.

You should avoid strenuous physical activities, like the gym, for 6 weeks.  Although it takes some time to recover from a face lift, it is important to be patient and let yourself recover properly.  Rest, use cold compresses, take Arnica tablets and drink plenty of fluids to help make a speedy recovery.

Success Rate

The success rate is good for both men and women who have loose, redundant skin through the natural ageing process.  This operation can help achieve a greatly improved neck and jawline.  It's often undertaken in conjunction with eye surgery and/or a brow lift and can have a more enhanced result if the general condition of the skin is treated pre- and post-operatively with skin rejuvenation peels.

Impartial and informative cosmetic surgery consultation

As every person has individual requirements, it is vitally important to discuss your goals and expectations before making a decision. We want you to be fully and properly prepared and we'll answer all your questions and concerns.

Our cosmetic surgery consultations are held at our Brighton clinic. They're totally confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. Contact us today for friendly, helpful advice or to book a consultation: Call on 01273 604444, email us or fill in our contact form.

Our commitment to you

Everyone has individual needs. You're unique and we'll treat you that way.  At A New You, we know it's vital to discuss your goals and expectations carefully with experts before making a decision.  We understand this could be the most important decision you've ever made, and can be life-changing.  We're respectful and discreet at all times, and we provide top-quality advice and service in our conveniently located Brighton clinic, for both cosmetic surgery and our extensive range of cosmetic treatments.

Whatever you want, we promise you'll be fully prepared and properly informed.  We'll answer all your questions and  concerns so that you can make an informed decision, and after your treatment you will receive excellent after-care.  You can trust us to be your local, first-choice cosmetic surgery and treatment partner.