What is a Facelift Surgery

Some of the most visible signs of aging first appear on the face. You may feel that the face you see in the mirror doesn’t reflect the way you feel about yourself. If you would like to look as good as you feel …a facelift can make your face appear firmer, fresher and younger.

Like most other aesthetic surgical procedures, the technique of facelift has evolved over the last decade. Plastic surgeons are now thinking more in terms of volume replacement and vectors (direction) of lift. The art of the modern facelift involves redraping, repositioning and in some, replenishing the tissue that has sagged and has been lost through aging. The end product is a more natural and harmonious facial appearance.

Considering

As we age, the effects of gravity, exposure to sun and the stress of daily life can be seen on our face. The skin and muscles become looser, forming folds and bands in the neck, the jawline grows slack, deep creases form between the nose and the upper lip.

The best candidates for a face lift are men or women whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined. Most patients are in their 50’s – 60’s, but face lifts can be done successfully on people on both sides of the spectrum.

Changes can occur in the upper, mid, and lower portions of the face and as such different procedures target each of these areas. The brow lift & other periorbital rejuvenative procedures correct the upper face, The mid face lift specifically corrects the aging changes of the lower eyelids, cheeks and nasolabial regions. The lower face/neck lift corrects these areas too but has a stronger emphasis on the jowls and neck regions.

A face lift can be combined with other procedures to achieve a more harmonious result. A good facelift should be one without the usual tell-tale signs of such a procedure.

Facelifts need to be approached with caution in patients who have Hypertension, chronic smokers, those with clotting problems and tendency to form excessive scars. Be sure to inform your plastic surgeon of these conditions.

Procedure

Every surgeon approaches the procedure in his or her own way. The exact placement of incisions and the sequence of events depends on your facial structure and the operative plan individualized for you.

Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of the ear), and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin (neck lift). In thin patients it is possible to do a facelift by a smaller incision. (MACS)

In general, the surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The surgeon then tightens the underlying muscle and membrane, provides volume where necessary, redrapes the skin back, and recontours it to the new dimensions. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions; metal clips may be used on the scalp.

Following surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might collect there. The surgeon may also wrap your head loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.

A face lift usually takes several hours-or somewhat longer if you’re having more than one procedure done.

Hospital Stay

We prefer to hospitalize patients for a day or two.

Anaesthesia

We prefer general anesthesia. In that case, you’ll sleep through the operation.

Recovery

The day after surgery, you will need to move around a bit to promote blood circulation. Drains if placed will be removed by 24 to 48 hours. You will be advised to rest with your head elevated to minimize swelling.

Although everyone heals at different rate, your recovery may be as follows:
By the first week the stiches will be removed and you will be permitted to wear makeup and do light activities. After two weeks you may resume all routine activities (except exercises) and most of the swelling would have disappeared.

You may resume exercises after 4 to 6 weeks. You should avoid exposure to direct sunlight post operatively. The final result is seen 1-4 months following the face lift.

Risks

When a face lift is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities. You may have a detailed discussion about this during your personal consultation.

Complications that can occur include haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be removed by the surgeon), injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary), infection, and reactions to the anesthesia. Poor healing of the skin is most likely to affect smokers. You can reduce your risks by closely following our advice both before and after surgery.

The New Look

You’ll have some scars from your face lift, but they’re usually hidden by your hair or in the natural creases of your face and ears. In any case, they’ll fade with time and should be scarcely visible.

Having a face lift doesn’t stop the clock. Your face will continue to age with time, and you may want to repeat the procedure one or more times-perhaps five or ten years down the line. But in another sense, the effects of even one face lift are lasting; years later, you’ll continue to look better than if you’d never had a face lift at all.

Brow Lift

Brow lift is a procedure designed to elevate the eyebrows to a more desirable and youthful position. The various methods to achieve brow lift are:

  • Non-invasive – Botox injections.
  • Minimally Invasive – Thread lift, Endotine lift or Endoscopic brow lift.
  • Operative brow lift.

The technique chosen will depend on patient factors, your cosmetic goals as well as your surgeon’s recommendation.

FACIAL SURGERY

Eyelid Reshaping
Neck Lift For Double Chin
Dimple Creation
Autologous Fat Transfer