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Face Lift

Face lift (Rhytidectomy)

A face-lift, known as a rhytidectomy, is a procedure performed to restore your face and neck to a more youthful looking, but natural version of you. There are a number of conditions that develop with ageing and there are different procedures and treatments available to address each area of the face. A rhytidectomy is used to address problems with the lower half of the face whereas if it’s your eyes that look tired or sad, eyelid surgery may well be the solution; if it’s your forehead, a brow-lift may be needed instead.  Sometimes, a number of different procedures or treatments are used in combination to recreate the look that you want to achieve. Mr Henley will advise you at your consultation.

Modern face-lifts have come a long way since the earlier days, when it was often obvious that surgery had been performed. These days, it’s not only about using skin tension to shape the face but about repositioning the delicate soft tissues of the face, removing, redistributing and sometimes adding fat and tissue, to make you look younger, all without giving the appearance that you have had something done. 

Am I a good candidate for face lift surgery?

Face lifts are popular with both men and women and the best candidates for this type of surgery are those with realistic expectations; a face lift can’t make you look 18 again!  There is no set age for having this type of surgery, in fact, skin condition and texture are more important than age.  Ideal candidates are in good health and do not smoke.

 

How long does it take to do the procedure?

The operation takes between two to five hours to perform and you are likely to be in hospital overnight.  A face-lift is commonly performed under a general anaesthetic, or with local anaesthetic and sedation.

 

Where are the incisions placed for facelift surgery?

Cuts (incisions) are made in front of the ear, extending up and forward along the hairline and, if necessary, up along the natural curve of the ear and back along the hairline. Mr Henley then restores the soft tissues to where they once were, contours them, redistributing and adding fat as necessary. Finally, your skin is redraped over its new foundation, with any surplus being carefully removed before closing the incisions.

 

What are the risks and side effects of surgery?

Complications are usually minor, but all surgery carries a degree of risk. Mr Henley will discuss these risks with you in detail at your consultation.

A specific risk of which you must be aware is damage to the nerves of the face. This can cause weakness of movement of your eyebrow and lip. This is an uncommon complication, getting better over three to six weeks. However, permanent weakness has been reported by some surgeons.

Whilst not considered a complication, you will normally have numbness in your cheeks for three to six months. Other risks include bleeding or a collection of fluid forming underneath the skin. Wound healing can be slow, particularly if the area becomes infected, although infection is uncommon.  If identified and treated promptly at an early stage, infection is a minor complication with very little or no long-term consequences.

You will be provided with detailed written information to help you make an informed decision about any surgery.

 

How will I feel after my surgery?

There will be some discomfort following surgery and your face may feel tight when opening your mouth. Most people say that it is not a painful operation. Swelling and bruising is at its worst two or three days after surgery and you will look quite unpleasant. Sleeping upright in bed and the use of ice packs will help with this.

During the first week you may feel quite low, but this feeling should quickly pass over. Make sure that you have a good friend or relative around to lend support.

 

When will I be able to get back to my usual schedule?

Within a week, stitches can be removed and after ten to fourteen days, you can think about returning to work or going out in public as most of the swelling and bruising will have settled down by this time. Within four weeks, you will be feeling more like yourself, albeit a younger looking version.

 

How long do the results last?

The results produced by a face lift are generally long lasting; it will turn the clock back but the face will continue to age naturally over time.

 

Recovery

There will be some discomfort following surgery and your face may feel tight when opening your mouth. Most people say that it is not a painful operation. Swelling and bruising is at its worst two or three days after surgery and you will look quite unpleasant. Sleeping upright in bed and the use of ice packs will help greatly. During the first week you may feel quite depressed, but this feeling should quickly pass over. Make sure that you have a good friend or relative around to lend support. Within a week, stitches can be removed and after ten to fourteen days, you can think about returning to work or going out in public. Within four weeks, you will be feeling more like yourself, albeit a younger looking version. However, don’t judge the final result of your face-lift for about six to nine months.

Face lift procedure before and after surgery

Before surgery

 

Sevent months after surgery

Mr Henley would like to thank this patient for allowing her photographs to be displayed for the benefit of others who may be considering cosmetic surgery.

The information provided is intended to give a brief outline of the procedure. It is not a substitute for a personal consultation with a surgeon.

 

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