facelift

header FACELIFT

FACE LIFT

 

Description   ( Overview)

A face-lift (rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic surgical procedure to create a younger appearance in your face. The procedure can reduce the sagging or folds of skin on the cheeks and jawline and other changes in the shape of your face that occur with age.

During a face-lift, a flap of skin on each side of the face is pulled back, and tissues below the skin are surgically altered to return the contour of the face to a more youthful shape. Before the flap is sutured closed, excess skin is removed.

A neck lift (platysmaplasty) is often done as part of a face-lift to reduce fat deposits and sagging skin on the neck.

A face-lift won’t decrease fine creases or wrinkles in your skin or damage from sun exposure. Other cosmetic procedures can address the appearance or quality of the skin itself.

Why Facelift  Is Reguired?

As you get older, the appearance and shape of your face is altered because of normal age-related changes. Your skin becomes less elastic and looser, and fat deposits decrease in some areas of your face and increase in others. Age-related changes in your face that may be reduced with a face-lift include the following:

  • Sagging appearance of your cheeks
  • Excess skin at your lower jawline (jowls)
  • Deepening of the fold of skin from the side of your nose to the corner of your mouth
  • Sagging skin and excess fat in the neck (if the procedure includes a neck lift)

A face-lift isn’t a treatment for superficial wrinkles, sun damage, creases around the nose and upper lip, or irregularities in skin color.

What Can a Face lift Accomplish?

If you feel like your face could convey more of the youthful energy you possess, then the rejuvenating effects of a face lift may be able to help you look and feel your best. Dr. Jean can perform a facelift to help you address a wide range of aesthetic concerns, including:

  • Jowls
  • Lines extending down from the corners of your mouth (marionette lines)
  • Nasolabial folds
  • Sagging facial skin and muscles
  • Sagging in the mid-face region
  • Fallen fat and tissue
  • Banding in the neck region
  • Deep creases across the face
  • Hollows underneath the eyes

While nonsurgical options such as dermal fillers can restore lost volume and improve the appearance of mild to moderate wrinkles, only a facelift can target sagging tissue in order to correct these other signs of aging.

Why Iran Is Suitable For  Face lift ?

Patient Eligibility \ Who Can Have  Face lift?

In general, you are most likely a good facelift candidate if you:

  • Are in good overall health
  • Have realistic expectations for the outcome of your procedure
  • Would like to reverse one or more of the facial aging signs listed above
  • Desire highly customized, long-lasting facial rejuvenation results
  • Do not smoke or are willing to quit prior to your procedure and throughout the recovery period (smoking can adversely impact healing and final results)

Often doctor  will recommend a neck lift in conjunction with a facelift for enhanced results. This is particularly effective if you are trying to eliminate jowls or significant banding in the neck region. Dr  offers the Precision TX neck lift, a procedure that uses laser energy to melt fat beneath the surface of the skin and stimulate collagen production. This minimally invasive treatment produces excellent results for men and women with excess fat and moderately loose skin in the neck region.

It’s important to understand that a facelift focuses on the middle and lower portions of your face. If you would like to reverse the signs of aging around the eyes or in the forehead region, Dr may recommend one or more of the following procedures:

  • Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
  • Brow lift

How Is Facelift Done ?(procedures)

Facelift surgery is individualized to a patient’s needs, and a cosmetic surgeon will tailor his or her techniques accordingly.

Mini-Facelift

Patients who exhibit a mild degree of jowling and sagging skin are often good candidates for a mini-facelift. This is a less invasive technique that allows a cosmetic surgeon to tighten deep facial tissues through shorter incisions, typically located along the hairline above each ear and/or in the natural creases surrounding the ear. Through these incisions, structural tissues around the cheeks are lifted and tightened to correct jowling, refine the jawline, and rejuvenate a “tired” appearance.

Depending on the case, a mini-facelift may be performed using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia; your cosmetic surgeon will recommend the best option for your individual needs. A mini-facelift can help you address unwelcome signs of aging before they become too pronounced, postponing the need for more extensive surgery for many years.

Standard Facelift

A standard or “traditional” facelift will more fully address moderate to advanced aging around the mid-face and neck. While the surgery is more extensive than those for a mini-facelift, and thus more recovery time is required, the results are more dramatic. Through incisions located just behind the hairline, starting near the temples, and around the front of the ear, hidden in the natural folds, a cosmetic surgeon can reposition the deeper tissues beneath the skin and remove excess skin to smooth creases, eliminate jowling and sagging skin under the chin, and restore a naturally youthful contour to the face and neck.

How Does Facelift Surgery Work?

The exact technique a cosmetic surgeon uses during a facelift depends on a number of factors, including a patient’s anatomy and personal goals, the extent of the facelift (mini vs. standard), and whether or not another procedure is being performed at the same time. Facelifts are typically performed using general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may be used in certain less extensive procedures.

After making the initial incisions, the skin is separated from the underlying connective tissue and muscles. This allows the cosmetic surgeon to reposition the deeper facial tissues, get rid of the jowls and create a firmer foundation for the skin. Then, excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is gently laid back over the newly rejuvenated facial tissues, giving the face a smoother, more youthful contour without over-tightening the skin.

Can a Facelift Improve My Eyelids Too?

It’s not uncommon to hear the word “facelift” used when referring to any type of facial rejuvenation surgery, and understandably, a lot of people think that a facelift involves operating on the entire face—eyes, brow, cheeks and chin. That’s understandable; after all, your eyes and forehead are part of your face too. However, a facelift on its own only addresses the lower two thirds of the face – the cheeks and jawline.

Why is this the case? It is largely due to differences in anatomy. The skin, muscles and other tissues along the brow and surrounding the eyelids are very distinct, and cosmetic surgery to each of these areas requires an entirely different set of techniques than those used during a facelift.

It is common for patients to choose to have an eyelid lift, brow lift or neck contouring at the same time as a facelift, but in these cases, a cosmetic surgeon will actually be performing two different procedures in one single operation. Likewise, patients who only want to address aging around the eyes or neck can typically achieve their goals with only an eyelid lift or neck lift, and not a facelift.

Preparation & recovery

Initially, you’ll talk to a plastic surgeon about a face-lift. The visit will likely include:

  • Medical history and exam. Prepare to answer questions about past and current medical conditions, previous surgeries, previous plastic surgeries, complications from previous surgeries, history of smoking, and drug or alcohol use. Your surgeon will do a physical exam, may request recent records from your doctor or order a consultation with a specialist if there are any concerns about your ability to undergo surgery.
  • Medication review. Provide the name and dosages of all medications you regularly take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal medications, vitamins and other dietary supplements.
  • Facial exam. Your plastic surgeon will take photos of your face from different angles and close-up photos of some features. The surgeon will also examine your bone structure, shape of your face, fat distribution and quality of your skin to determine your best options for face-lift surgery.
  • Expectations. Your surgeon will ask questions about your expectations for the outcomes of a face-lift. He or she will help you understand how a face-lift will likely change your appearance and what a face-lift doesn’t address, such as fine wrinkles or naturally occurring asymmetry in your face.

Before a face-lift:

  • Follow medication directions. You’ll receive instructions about what medications to stop taking and when to stop. For example, you’ll likely be asked to discontinue any blood-thinning medication or supplement at least two weeks before surgery. Talk to your doctor about what medications are safe to take or whether the dosage should be adjusted.
  • Wash your face and hair. You’ll likely be asked to wash your hair and face with a germicidal soap the morning of the surgery.
  • Avoid eating. You’ll be asked to avoid eating anything after midnight the night before your face-lift. You will be able to drink water and take medications that have been approved by your surgeon.
  • Arrange for help during recovery. If your face-lift is done as an outpatient procedure, make plans for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you the first night after surgery.

What you can expect

A face-lift can be done in a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility.

Before the procedure

Sometimes the procedure is done with sedation and local anesthesia, which numbs only part of your body. In other cases, general anesthesia — which renders you unconscious — is recommended.

During the procedure

In general, a face-lift involves elevating the skin and tightening the underlying tissues and muscles. Fat in the face and neck may be sculpted, removed or redistributed. Facial skin is then re-draped over the newly repositioned contours of the face, excess skin is removed, and the wound is stitched or taped closed.

The incisions for the procedure depend on the techniques that will be used and the patient’s preferences. Options include:

  • A traditional face-lift incision starts at your temples in the hairline, continues down and around the front of your ears and ends behind your ears in your lower scalp. An incision might be made under your chin to improve the appearance of your neck.
  • A limited incision is a shorter incision that begins in your hairline just above your ear, wraps around the front of your ear, but does not extend all the way into the lower scalp.
  • Neck lift incision starts in front of your earlobe and continues around your ear into your lower scalp. A small incision also is made under your chin.

A face-lift generally takes two to four hours but might take longer if other cosmetic procedures are done at the same time.

After the procedure

After a face-lift, you may experience:

  • Mild to moderate pain
  • Drainage from the incisions
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Numbness

Your incisions will likely be covered with bandages that provide gentle pressure to minimize swelling and bruising. A small tube might be placed under the skin behind one or both of your ears to drain any excess blood or fluid.

In the first few days after surgery:

  • Rest with your head elevated
  • Take pain medication as recommended by your doctor
  • Apply cool packs to the face to ease pain and reduce swelling

Follow-up appointments

  .The day after surgery, your surgeon will likely remove your drainage tube, apply antibiotic ointment to your incisions and place new bandages on your face.

 . Two to three days after your face-lift, you may be able to switch from wearing bandages to wearing an elasticized facial sling.

Other Options

A nonsurgical facelift is a combination of minimally invasive and nonsurgical procedures, designed to rejuvenate and refresh the appearance. Compared with a surgical facelift, these techniques do not require large incisions, general anesthesia or overnight hospitalization. The noninvasive treatments get patients in and out of the doctor’s office quickly, with little post-op discomfort and minimal downtime. Even though you will not “go under the knife,” the anti-aging results from a nonsurgical facelift are still significant.

Pros of the nonsurgical facelift              

  • Fast
  • Little discomfort
  • No general anesthesia
  • Economical
  • Temporarily try out a new look

Cons of the nonsurgical facelift

  • Moderate, less dramatic results
  • Treatments must be repeated
  • Costs can add up over months

The components of a nonsurgical facelift

Each nonsurgical facelift is custom-tailored to meet the individual’s unique needs. A variety of noninvasive techniques are available, addressing anything from fine lines, deep creases, lax skin, thinning lips, sunken cheeks, large pores, acne scarring and the loss of facial volume. Common components of a nonsurgical facelift include:

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are a cornerstone of nonsurgical facelifts. These smooth-gel injectibles immediately restore volume along the cheeks, temples, lips and under the eyes. Plumping sunken areas, dark shadows are eliminated, creating youthful vibrancy. Placed along the Nasolabial Folds or Marionette Lines, fillers can create definition and smooth tissues for a wrinkle-free look. Dermal fillers can be made from several products, including moisture-rich Hyaluronic Acid (HA). Their plumping and smoothing properties can last from six months to over a full year.

Botox

An important piece of the nonsurgical facelift puzzle, Botox offers unmatched wrinkle reduction. Often used to smooth forehead creases, frown lines and crow’s feet, Botox works on any dynamic wrinkle. Temporarily relaxing the targeted muscle, Botox smooths lines associated with repetitive expressions. Although Botox does not provide immediate wrinkle relief, patients will see results in one to two weeks. Benefits of Botox can last three months.

Fat injections

Fat injections are a semi-invasive procedure, using fatty tissue extracted through liposuction on a different area of the body. These fat cells are cleaned and processed, then reinjected into the face to enhance facial volume. The living fat cells will integrate with the existing tissues, offering youthful contours that will last for years to come.

Needleless treatments

Several components of a nonsurgical facelift work to create a glowing complexion while skipping the needle altogether. Modern-day chemical peels are a trusted, noninvasive technique, shrinking large pores and improving overall skin quality. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion resurface and exfoliate the skin, ridding dry and damaged tissue. Fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation are reduced as fresher skin comes to the surface. Laser and ultrasound treatments, such as Ultherapy and ThermiTight, use concentrated energy to address the deepest, foundational layers of the skin. Over the months to come, tissues become firmer and tauter.

Nonsurgical facelift maintenance

Noninvasive treatments need to be repeated every few months to maintain optimal results. Note that the more diligent you are about maintaining these nonsurgical treatments, over time, the less you may need. After a Botox session, as the skin and muscles are relaxed, expression lines will not worsen, meaning less product can provide similar results in the future. Additionally, the HA in dermal fillers will increase the body’s collagen production, creating a sturdy scaffolding layer beneath the skin. Wrinkles are not as deep, so later on, fewer syringes of fillers may be needed.

No matter the treatment, the aging process will continue. Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon means that each nonsurgical facelift can be custom-tailored for your skin’s evolving needs. Eventually, if the noninvasive techniques can no longer achieve the desired results, a surgical procedure can be considered.

Risks & Complication

A face-lift surgery can cause complications. Some can be managed with appropriate care, medication or surgical correction. Long-term or permanent complications, while rare, can cause significant changes in appearance. The risks include:

  • Hematoma. A collection of blood (hematoma) under the skin that causes swelling and pressure is the most common complication of face-lift surgery. Hematoma formation, which usually occurs with 24 hours of surgery, is treated promptly with surgery to prevent damage to skin and other tissues.
  • Scarring. Incision scars from a face-lift are permanent but typically concealed by the hairline and natural contours of the face and ear. Rarely, incisions can result in raised, red scars. Injections of a corticosteroid medication or other treatments might be used to improve the appearance of scars.
  • Nerve injury. Injury to nerves, while rare, can temporarily or permanently affect nerves that control sensation or muscles. Temporary paralysis of a select muscle, resulting in an uneven facial appearance or expression, or temporary loss of sensation can last a few months to a year. Surgical interventions may offer some improvement.
  • Hair loss. You might experience temporary or permanent hair loss near the incision sites. Permanent hair loss can be addressed with surgery to transplant skin with hair follicles.
  • Skin loss. Rarely, a face-lift can interrupt the blood supply to your facial tissues. This can result in skin loss (sloughing). Sloughing is treated with medications, appropriate wound care and, if necessary, a procedure to minimize scarring.

Like any other type of major surgery, a face-lift poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Certain medical conditions or lifestyle habits also can increase your risk of complications. The following factors may present a significant risk or result in unfavorable results, and your doctor may advise against a face-lift.

  • Blood-thinning medications or supplements. Medications or supplements that thin the blood can affect your blood’s ability to clot and increase the risk of hematomas after surgery. These medications include blood thinners (Coumadin, Plavix, others), aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, fish oil and others.
  • Medical conditions. If you have a medical condition that prevents blood clotting, you won’t be able to have a face-lift. Other conditions, such as poorly controlled diabetes or high blood pressure, increase the risk of poor wound healing, hematomas and heart complications.
  • Smoking. Smoking significantly increases the risk of poor wound healing, hematomas and skin loss after a face-lift.
  • Weight fluctuation. If you have a history of repeated weight gain and loss — factors that affect the shape of your face and condition of your skin — the outcome of the surgery may not be satisfactory or may be satisfactory for only a short time

cost

The cost of a facelift varies based on a variety of factors including the technique used and whether you are experiencing early or more advanced signs of facial aging. During your consultation, Dr  will be able to give you a cost estimate based on the treatment plan he recommends for you.

we are committed to making sure you can fit your desired procedure into your budget. During your consultation, our staff will review these options with you in detail.

FAQ

My excess neck skin is bothering me, will a Micro-Lift help?

Yes, a Micro-Lift may be the perfect solution for your excess neck skin, but there are other solutions.

The Micro-Lift procedure is designed to help alleviate early signs of ageing and mild loss of elasticity loss.

This procedure commences with the making of a tiny incision below each ear. The connective tissue below the skin is pulled and held back to create a subtle structural lift in your jawline and neck. The skin will become taut and contours defined again.

The Micro-Lift does not offer drastic results. This is the subtlest in facelift procedures. If you have moderate skin laxity a mini-facelift may be a better choice for you. Or, if you have a problem with severe folds or prominent jowls you may want to consider a full facelift. However, if you are in your late 30s to late 40s and are looking for a light “pick up” in your face and neck area, the Micro-Lift is probably the best solution for you.

Remember that these modern lifting procedures are often combined with fat transfer and stem cell transfer to restore volume in the right places and rejuvenate the skin.

Any extra unwanted fat or double chin is removed by liposuction.

The recovery period for a Micro-Lift is really short. Most patients are back to their regular routines after just a few days. You will experience minimal discomfort after surgery. In addition, the smallness of the facial incisions means that your skin’s healing process will be quicker as well. You have minimal chance of poor scarring.

Will I have any scarring after a facelift?

Of all the scars you may have from plastic surgeries, scars on the face are the best of the whole body. They are not only well hidden, but also settle inefficiently. For most healthy people, surgical scars of a well-performed facelift do not cause any issues. Even for patients who produce keloid scars can consider having a facelift, Facelifts are becoming less invasive and scars fewer. Nevertheless, the standard scars themselves are short and hidden around the contours of the face, in the front of the ear, under the earlobe and in the crease behind the ear. Most will be hidden by the hair from day one, and make-up can be applied immediately after the sutures have been removed. Majority of clients find that the scars are fine with make-up after a week or so, and that they are happy with the visibility of scars without wearing any make-up after a month or so.

How should I prepare for facelift surgery?

Your surgeon will give you detailed advice which may include preparation of the skin by applications for a few weeks prior to surgery. The most important advice is for smokers to stop smoking for a minimum of two weeks, but four weeks or longer, if possible. They should not recommence until the wounds are well healed, two weeks after surgery. Haematomas or haemorrhage under the skin was common in the past but now with our more refined techniques, is rare. You do need however, to avoid drugs such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as these all increase the risk of bleeding. High blood pressure is another risk and should be well-controlled at the time of surgery. Bathe and wash your hair the night before surgery, and stop eating 6 hours prior to the operation. You may drink water up until 2 hours before surgery. You will need to return to the clinic for a dressing the next morning. we can arrange for a nurse from the clinic to stay with you.

Do I need downtime after my facelift?

A facelift is not painful, and it is unlikely that you will need anything stronger than paracetamol, if that. There are dressings overnight and you will need to return the next morning to have the wounds checked and dressings reduced or removed. Healing is better and swelling reduced if activity is kept to a minimum. For the first few days keeping the head higher than the heart, also reduces pressure in the vessels and reduces bruising. Add a few extra pillows for the first night.
The visible stitches are removed a week after surgery, and a few more behind the ear later. During that first week, you will be perfectly able to work from a computer, but avoid the commute into work.
The stitches are easily hidden, but once they are removed, you will look perfectly good, indeed much better than before surgery, but still a little puffy. It is the smokers that may have slower and less satisfactory healing. It will be wise to avoid the gym for four weeks.

How much does a facelift cost?

There is not a ‘one size fits all’ answer regarding the cost of facelift, as there are so many versions and many patients elect to have further fat grafting of the face or treatment to the forehead and eyelids. Depending on what different options you decide to go with for your customized treatment, the pricing will change.

We will be able to quote accurately after you have seen your surgeon, but prices begin at ………for a full regular facelift. But first, there are lesser, and not necessarily less effective, options to consider.

Do I need a general anaesthetic?

It is perfectly possible to carry out a facelift under a local anaesthetic, but most of our patients prefer the type of general anaesthesia, which is Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (T.I.V.A.). Oxygen is the only gas you receive, and the anaesthetic is given intravenously using a computerised pump. You are kept only just asleep with a modified encephalogram monitoring your consciousness so that you are kept unaware and only lightly asleep. There is no sickness after the procedure and you wake up immediately after the procedure is finished. This allows you to go home an hour or two after the surgery is completed, even if the surgery has taken several hours.

Your anaesthetist will see your medical history when the operation is booked and may ask for blood tests, an electrocardiogram or respiratory tests. All being well, you will not see your anaesthetist until the day of the operation when he/she will discuss any medical problems. If you do have particular issues you can meet your anaesthetist earlier.

How long do the results of a facelift last?

You will always retain the benefits from your facelift surgery. You put the clock back and start again. However, you are up against the continued ageing process. It would be fair to say that, if a facelift makes you appear 10 years younger, you will always retain that 10-year advantage. The trick, of course, is to delay the effects of ageing with aesthetic treatments, which are non-surgical.

There are other factors that determine how long a facelift will last, such as age of the patient and the condition of the patient’s skin. Darker skin that is in a healthy condition will respond better at the time of the surgery, as opposed to fairer skin that has sun damage or is thinner. However, patients who are under the age of 60 typically have the longest lasting results. Most will not need another.

The skill of the surgeon and the technique used are also an important factor in the longevity of a facelift. The natural ageing process will continue after a facelift, but with a skilled surgeon and with the proper maintenance you can expect to stay looking 10 years younger than your current age for a minimum of 5 years following the procedure. There are a lucky few who retain all the benefit and never seem to age again.

Clinic has a full range of advice available from not only our surgeons, but also our dermatologists and aestheticians. Most patients will only need one facelift in their lives and there are some who 10 years later look as fresh as immediately after their facelift feeling fresh and youthful. A facelift repositions the skin and soft tissues. We have lasers, peels, botox and fillers to enhance the skin quality. The latest and possibly the best adjunct is Stem cell treatment.

Helpful tips to make your facelift last longer!

+ Don’t smoke! Smoking ages you, accelerating the ageing process dramatically.
+ Drink less alcohol! Alcohol dehydrates your skin and we want your skin to remain firm and supple in order for results to be long-lasting.
+ Keep a healthy weight! Significant weight fluctuations can change the shape and elasticity of the skin on your face. To remain that vibrant, youthful look following your facelift, avoid or cut back on alcohol.
+ Drink lots of water! Water hydrates your skin, it keeps the face looking full and fabulous.
+ Always wear sunscreen! Every day- no exceptions. The sun damages your skin, causes wrinkles and advanced ageing.
+ Take care of your skin! Following the instructions laid out to you by your surgeon for proper aftercare are of the utmost importance. It’s also important to use high-quality skin creams, serums and to continue having professional treatments such as peels, fillers or Botox to continue to support your desired aesthetic.

How long does it take to recover from a facelift?

 You will need to avoid exercise for a few weeks, but you will be able to back in front of a computer as soon as the next day. There will be some swelling and bruising at the incision areas, which is normal and will fade in time and heal over the next week or so.

All our patients are treated as a day case. If you live far away, it may be wise to book into one of our local hotels, via our patient advisor, who can obtain preferential rates. We will need to see you the day after surgery to change or remove dressings, so ensure you will have an easy way to get back to the clinic the day after surgery.

If there is any pain, it will be minor. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with a prescription for pain medication, or you can treat the pain with over the counter medication such as paracetamol. To ensure a good recovery, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions. Don’t worry if you have more swelling on one area of your face than the other, it is normal.

You may have heard or read online about patients, who are in pain with considerable swelling for weeks or months following a facelift, but this is highly unusual. It may be the result of poor technique or deep plane facelift, where all the soft tissues are lifted off the bone and placed at a higher level. While this can give good results.

Differences between a non-surgical facelift and a surgical facelift?

Non-surgical facelifts are being touted as a viable alternative to a surgical facelift, but is it a better option? What are the main differences?

Non-surgical facelifts are being touted as a viable alternative to a surgical facelift, but is it a better option? What are the main differences?

Non-Surgical Facelift

Plastic surgeons tend to be sceptical of non-surgical treatments. we have been monitoring developments and are now highly impressed with non-surgical treatments and heartily recommend them particularly for younger patients.

 There are limits, however. It is very difficult to fix drooping, sagging older skin. with a non-surgical facelift. You simply cannot expect a 100% improvement of deep wrinkle lines and drooping skin with fillers and injections. And over time, fillers fade and need to be replenished with touch-ups.

For non-surgical facelifts, dermatologists and aestheticians at  our Clinic will recommend maintenance and anti-ageing creams as a routine. There are various laser treatments for red blood vessels, brown patches and wrinkles, chemical peels and the skin tightening Ultherapy. These treatments can be sufficient for some patients, depending entirely on the condition of the skin.

We should not forget that non-surgical treatments can help to maintain the good effects of surgery.

Surgical Facelift

With a surgical facelift, you can be sure that you will have incredible, lasting results. When it comes to drooping, sagging skin and deeply set wrinkles on the face, a facelift is the best option. Nowadays our cosmetic surgeons often suggest fat transplants for a fuller, more youthful face. This fat containing stem cells also improves skin quality.

Most patients never need to have another facelift after their first treatment. The results will be a natural, youthful look of 10-15 years younger.

Overall

The treatments available for non-surgical facelifts will delay the effects of ageing to a certain superficial level, but the emptiness of the face and folds of loose skin will require surgery. There are many different versions of surgery, which would be tailored to your condition.

What risks are associated with a facelift surgery?

Bleeding haematoma, or bleeding under the skin is a risk and we therefore ask patients to avoid any drugs that might increase this tendency. This would include the usual anti-coagulants, aspirin, anti-inflammatories and certain herbal remedies.

We keep scars to a minimum and scars of the face are better than elsewhere in the body.

How does a facelift work?

As we age our skin loses its elasticity, and the underlying tissues lose their volume, as well as bone losing its structure. A facelift works by repositioning the soft tissues and skin to its former level and plumping out the soft tissues to give the refreshed look of natural youth.

A facelift is regularly done as a Day Case procedure. The procedure may take several hours, but you, the patient, will be able to go home to rest on the day of the surgery.

For a full standard facelift, the surgeon creates an incision in the front of the ear, up towards the hairline and behind the ear into the scalp. He or she will then lift the skin up off the face, gently pulling it into an upwards direction and removing any excess skin.

Depending on your individual case, the surgeon is likely to also tighten the SMAS, the deeper tissues on the face, or perform a neck lift to tighten the skin around the chin and jowls. Once the procedure is completed, the incision will be closed with staples or sutures, and dressings will be applied.

These days we generally use fat grafting in association with non-surgical procedures to help fill in concaves in the face that occur with age. There are numerous types of facelifts, depending on the results you’re looking for, and the condition of your skin, your surgeon will decide what is best for you and make recommendations.