Facelift

This operation aims to rejuvenate the face and leave it looking fresher and more youthful. The main areas to be improved are the neck, jowl and cheek areas. Depending upon the degree of laxity a Full Facelift or Short scar Facelift may be discussed and selected. The Full facelift is usually chosen when a lot of laxity in the neck is present. The ideal patient will be at a stable weight, a non-smoker and have reasonable skin quality.

Procedure in brief

Facelift

The skin is lifted away from the underlying fat and muscles to a variable degree depending upon chosen technique. The muscle layer (SMAS) is then tightened with stitches (this helps give a better and longer lift). The skin is then tightened and the wounds closed. Sometimes liposuction will be performed in the chin area. Eyelid and brow surgery may be done in addition.

Facelift Facts

Scars

These run from within or in front of the temple hair and down in front of the ear. In Full Facelift they extend behind the ear and then along the posterior hairline. Scars tend to be quite pink in the first 1-2 months and then fade to white after 3-4 months.

Length of surgery and hospital stay

The operation takes 2-4 hours depending upon techniques used. Hospital stay is usually one night. Any dressings or drains are removed before leaving hospital and a support garment fitted which is used for 4 weeks.

Time off work and recovery

Allow 2 weeks of ‘social down-time’ or off work. People vary in recovery. Most patients are very mobile after 2-3 days. You will be walking a distance at 5-7 days, swimming by 2-3 weeks and strenuous exercise (aerobics etc) by 6-8 weeks. Driving is usually possible in the second week.

Potential complications

This routine operation is a great success for the vast majority of patients, most patients having no problems. However, it is very important you understand that occasionally operations can have complications such as bleeding, infection, wound problems, altered skin sensation or variable scar quality. With Facelift surgery additional potential problems include skin irregularity, nerve injury and skin loss.

What is covered in costs