Face lift, lower face lift, mid face lift
A face lift can dramatically improve the appearance of your face and neck, combatting concerns such as:
- Loose, sagging tissues of the mid-face
- Deep folds of loose skin at the sides of the nose and mouth
- Jowls or loss of definition of the jaw line
- Excess fat or loose skin causing loss of definition and hanging of tissues in the neck.
A face lift is sometimes combined with procedures for simultaneous correction of such areas as forehead, eyelid or chin, to produce a balanced more youthful appearance for the whole face. Most face lift patients want to achieve a more youthful look, without appearing different. They want to turn back the clock, without looking as though they’ve had anything done.
A face lift can reduce sagging skin on the neck in some patients, however in others a face lift might also be combined with a neck lift to get the best results. Modern techniques involve repositioning the deeper layers of tissue and muscle to help achieve a more natural appearance. Experienced surgeons such as Dr Bill Lyon are able to minimise scarring and ensure any scars are well hidden behind the ears or the hairline.
A mid-face lift helps to elevate the cheeks. It is a very powerful procedure as it transforms the shape of the face from age deflation to arched youth. We lose facial fat as we age, and mid-facial curves are naturally one of the features of a young face. Ignoring the cheek lift will result in a less natural look.
Also available:
- Facial implants
- Facial fat transfer.
Some possible complications and risks associated with face lift surgery may include:
- There will be scars associated with the procedure, every effort will be made to make them as inconspicuous as possible, however these scars may spread or thicken.
- Bleeding following the procedure may occur and may necessitate a return to the operating theatre.
- There may be bruising (black, blue and yellow) for several weeks post procedure.
- There may be times that fluid or blood will accumulate in the operative sites which may require aspiration or drainage. (Possibly a further procedure).
- Wound infection may occur necessitating further antibiotics and may affect the overall scar quality.
- There may be areas of wound breakdown / necrosis that may necessitate ongoing dressings or further procedures.
- That there may be swelling in the face which may persist for several weeks, and in some cases, much longer following the procedure.
- Irregularities in the face may persist following the procedure.
- There may be scattered areas of numbness / sensory changes over the face and neck following the surgery which may persist for an indefinite period of time.
- Rarely there is persistent pain or headaches.
- The facial nerve, that controls facial movement may be damaged causing persistent or temporary dysfunction or disfigurement.
- There may be persistent irritation or fluid accumulation that may be associated with the parotid (salivary glands).
- The hair or beard line may be altered or there may be patches of hair loss.
- The ear shape can be altered, particularly the ear lobe.
- There may be changes in skin pigment following the surgery.
- Asymmetry / differences between the two sides of the face may become more obvious.
This is normally pre-existing and every attempt is made to match both sides of the face.
Smoking increases the risks of all complications and should be stopped 4 weeks prior and for 6 weeks following the procedure.
Who is a good candidate for a facelift?
Facelift surgery is individualised for each patient. The best candidates for facelift surgery have a face and neck-line beginning to sag, but whose skin has elasticity and whose bone structure is well defined.
What type of anesthesia will I receive for my facelift?
Facelifts are usually performed with general anesthesia.
How are facelifts performed?
For a traditional facelift, an incision is made behind and slightly in front of ears and the skin of the face is lifted from the underlying tissues and muscle. The underlying tissues are lifted and facial skin is redraped and excess removed. A bandage will be applied to the face at the completion of surgery.
How long is the surgery for a facelift?
Surgery is usually preformed as an outpatient or overnight stay and usually takes about two to four hours.
Will I have scars after my facelift?
Most women can use their hair to hide the scars. For women with short hair, it might be a good idea to allow your hair to grow slightly longer while the scars are still fresh.
How much pain can I expect after my facelift?
You may experience some temporary discomfort, particularly around the incisions, but this can be relieved with prescription medication.
What should I expect of the recovery after my Facelift?
You can expect some bruising and swelling after your facelift. Most of the swelling should fade within about a week, while the bruising may take two to three weeks to clear up. You may experience some headaches and numbness, itching and hair loss at the incision. Bandages applied after surgery are usually removed within a couple of days, and stitches may be removed within one to two weeks.
How much time should I plan to take off from work after my facelift?
Normal activities, including work, can usually be resumed within 2 weeks.
How soon after my facelift can I exercise?
Any strenuous exercise will need to be postponed for at least 4-6 weeks, and sun exposure will need to be limited for several months.
Important note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
