Face Lift

There are many types of face lifts that can be performed depending on the particular look aiming to be achieved.  Generally the surgeon looks at the individual’s face in three parts;

1. The Brow
2. Upper and Lower eye area
3. the lower jaw and neck line.

The most requested type of face lift involves lifting and redraping the lower jaw area.  It can involve skin and muscle tightening and the removal of excess skin. In the last five years more and more men and women are requesting this type of surgery at a younger age so that they can achieve a natural, enhanced look rather than waiting until they are in their sixties when the results can be more dramatic. 

Procedure
Normally undertaken under a general anaesthetic with an overnight stay in hospital.  It takes approximately 3 hours if it excludes any eye or brow surgery.  In certain instances can be undertaken as a day case if it is not such an invasive face lift.  This will be discussed at your consultation.  The incision is made inside the ear in the shape of an ‘s’, so gone are the tell tell signs of the older type of facelift when the incision was made in front of the ear.  Depending on the amount of lift required the incision will extend behind the ear and into the hair line.  It can be performed with Browlift and Eyelid and Eyebag surgery.  In the UK it is much more acceptable to have a natural look rather than the old windswept, tunnel look.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS & RISKS
Bruising and swelling
There is bruising and swelling following this procedure which in the first instance is contained with a bandage which is secured around the head immediately post operatively.  This is removed before leaving the hospital and hair is washed with antibacterial shampoo.  Arnica tablets and cream are encouraged to be used post operatively and it is advisable in the immediate week following the operation to be propped up with pillows to help with swelling and fluid collection.
Infection
Antibiotics are usually given at the time of the operation in theatre and a short course maybe given on your discharge to prevent any infection.  It is advisable to use an anti bacterial shampoo to wash the hair in the post operative period.  Any abnormal pain, redness or swelling should be reported to the clinic once on your return home. 

 

Bleeding & Haematoma
In rare instances a small collection of blood can gather under the skin, on the cheek bone or behind the ear.  To avoid this occurring two small plastic drains are inserted on each side behind the ear after the operation.  They are usually removed the following day but if the blood does still collect this can be easily rectified.  You should notify the clinic if there is any unusual swelling or discomfort and any necessary action can be taken accordingly.

Sensitivity and Numbness
Following this procedure there can be some numbness on the cheek and in front of the ear, with time, this usually resolves itself.  Permanent nerve damage is extremely rare especially in the hands of a competent of Plastic/Facial Aesthetic Surgeon.

RECOVERY
It is normal to expect a recovery period of 2 -3 weeks for this procedure and if it is performed with either brow or eye surgery it is better to allow up to 1 month.  It is important to keep your head elevated on a couple of pillows to aid your recovery and to minimise swelling.  There will be a number of post operative visits required to remove stitches and to check up on your progression of healing.  Strenuous activities such as exercise and aerobic should be avoided for six weeks.   Although this procedure involves a fairly lengthy recovery period, it is important to rest, use cold compresses, take arnica and drink plenty of fluids and you will make a speedy recovery.
Not all the risks associated with this operation can be covered in a fact sheet so it is important for you to attend a consultation to discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure.
SUCCESS RATE
A highly satisfying procedure that involves being in crucial expert facial hands to achieve the desired individual look.  In most instances this operation can last up to ten years but is often performed with the additional treatments such as botox, fillers and medical peels to enhance the surgery and to improve the general texture of the skin.  This will be discussed in more detail at your first consultation.

EVERY PERSON HAS INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS AND IT IS VERY IMPORTANT IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING THIS PROCEDURE THAT YOU ATTEND A CONSULTATION SO YOU CAN CAREFULLY DISCUSS YOUR GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SURGERY, THE TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC TO BE USED, WHERE THE SURGERY IS PERFORMED AND THE RISKS AND COSTS INVOLVED. 

A NEW YOU WANTS YOU TO BE FULLY PREPARED AND HAVE ALL YOUR QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS ANSWERED FULLY WHICH CAN BE DONE BY ATTENDING OUR CLINIC FOR A CONFIDENTIAL, NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.  PLEASE CALL US AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT SO YOU CAN BE FULLY INFORMED BEFORE UNDERGOING ANY COSMETIC SURGERY PROCEDURE.