FACELIFT

As we journey through life, the delicate skin around our neck, jawline, and cheekbones undergoes changes, losing its youthful elasticity. The emergence of wrinkles, frown lines, and sagging skin can reshape our facial profile in ways that challenge our confidence. Despite our best efforts—exercise, hydration, nourishing vitamins, and premium skincare products—combating these effects can be an uphill battle without the aid of a facelift and other cosmetic procedures. Several facelift options are available, each uniquely suited to address individual needs. Your surgeon, during a personalised consultation, will craft a treatment plan tailored to your specific requirements.

 

Benefits of a Facelift Procedure

 

• Restore firmness to sagging skin

• Re-sculpt the neck and jawline

• Minimise the visibility of scars

• Manageable downtime

• Long-lasting results

 

Different Types of Facelifts

 

Mini Facelift

 

The mini facelift is ideal for patients seeking enhancement in the lower facial region without the need to manipulate underlying muscle structure. This procedure targets loose skin in the jowls or beneath the chin by gently tightening the surface skin and the layer of fatty tissue just beneath it.

 

Mid or Ponytail Facelift

 

Also known as a mid facelift or cheek lift, this procedure primarily addresses the middle section of the face without the extensive scope of a full facelift (SMAS facelift). It tightens the skin and elevates the cheek fat pads but does not address loose skin in the lower jowls or neck.

 

SMAS Facelift

 

The SMAS facelift involves the tightening of surface skin, fatty tissue, and the muscle structure known as the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) to address extensive laxity. This constitutes a full facelift.

 

During a SMAS facelift, your surgeon will lift the skin off the muscle layer, which is then elevated and tightened before the skin is re-draped over the deeper tissues. Any excess or loose skin is removed to restore natural contours and expressions.

 

Deep Plane Facelift

 

With a deep plane facelift, the skin and SMAS are lifted and tightened as one cohesive unit. This also qualifies as a full facelift.

 

For individuals with thick facial skin and a full face, a deep plane lift may provide superior support. Your surgeon will tailor the facelift technique based on the width and shape of your face, skin thickness, and fat distribution. During the deep plane facelift, your surgeon may release specific retaining ligaments in the face to better mobilise and elevate the cheeks and jowls.

 

Facelift Recovery

 

The typical recovery period for facelifts spans 1-2 weeks, although this doesn't mean you'll be confined to bed for that duration. In fact, most patients resume their normal routines within a couple of days. The 1-2 week timeline accounts for visible bruising and swelling to subside. As facelift procedures are often combined with laser resurfacing treatments, this recovery timeframe accommodates both aspects.

 

Swelling & Bruising

 

Moderate swelling and bruising, accompanied by a sensation of heaviness, are common after facial surgery and may take 2-3 weeks to resolve. Following surgery, the treated areas may appear different due to swelling, but these variations will even out with time. It's important to shield any bruised areas and incisions from the sun or tanning beds to prevent hyperpigmentation. If you experience severe swelling and bruising, it's advisable to inform your surgeon promptly. Drainage of thin, reddish fluid is normal until the incisions seal, which typically takes 24-72 hours.

 

Incision Care

 

You can remove any gauze bandages and shower the morning after surgery. Most sutures will absorb naturally, while non-absorbable ones will be removed at the office after 5-7 days for facial surgery, such as neck lifts or facelifts.

 

Numbness

 

Numbness is a common post-surgery sensation resulting from the interruption of small sensory nerves to the skin. Sensation gradually returns as the nerve endings heal, typically within three to six months, varying with the extent of surgery and age.

 

Scars

 

Initially, the incision may appear reddened and raised. Over 8-12 months, the scar will fade and flatten, resulting in a less noticeable appearance.