A Facelift is one of the most technically demanding areas in plastic surgery, and our surgeons take pride in their approach.
Your Facelift Consultation
When considering a facelift procedure, we must assess your facial balance. This includes your skin quality, the appearance and position of facial lines, and the bony facial structure. The meticulous analysis of a patient’s facial form is one of the most interesting and complex aspects of plastic surgery. Our surgeons will take you through all the facial issues that need to be addressed, thoroughly explaining the treatment available for your specific condition. These consultations are highly informative and educational.
The difference between mini, short scar, and full face lifts are:
Mini Face Lift: The incision/scar will be above the hairline. Mini Face Lifts have a short recovery time of 2-5 days, and lower cost.
Short Scar Face Lift: The incision/scar is at the junction of the ear and the side of the cheek. It finishes at the earlobe and does not extend behind the ear. This incurs an average cost, and an average recovery time of 5-8 days.
Full Face Lift: The incision/scar is at the junction of the cheek and the side of the cheek. It extends behind the ear and reaches the scalp. This has a higher cost and is a longer procedure. Recovery times can be up to 8-14 days.
After making the right incision, the surgeon then 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, pulls the skin back, and trims the excess.
Volume is usually added to certain areas to enhance it e.g. cheek bone areas.
Liposuction usually done for the neck and targeted facial area.
Other synergistic procedures are often included e.g. tear trough, eyelids, and cheek enhancement surgery may be performed to optimise the results.
Finally, the incisions are secured with resorbable stitches, so you do not need to go through the inconvenience of removing them.
The procedure will take between 90 minutes and 6 hours depending on the extent of face lift, rejuvenation, or contouring procedure. It can be done under General Anaesthetic or Local Anaesthetics with some sedation.
A bandage covering the whole treated area must be worn for 24 hours.
Routinely, we will be seeing you twice within the first week to review the wound and make sure that you are comfortable. The stitches are resorbable so they do not need to be taken away as they usually fall apart by themselves.
Temporary bruising under the eyes is common and subsides gradually after the first week.
Initially, your face will feel stiff and appear artificially tightened.
This subsides naturally and the process can be accelerated by the application of cold compresses to the affected areas.
Normal activity can be resumed in about 5 days after mini face lifts, 8 days after short scar face lifts, and 14 days after full face lifts.
What Are The Risks Associated With This Procedure?
Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.
Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.