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: : Face-Lift : :

As time passes, the effects of gravity, sun exposure and stress of daily life can betray our ageing facial appearance. Some of the outward signs of ageing include loss of skin elasticity around the eyebrows, cheeks, and neck: often the most visible parts of our body. If these changes are of concern to you, cosmetic or plastic surgery could be the answer. A face-lift, known as rhytidectomy, can improve the most visible signs of ageing and result in a more youthful appearance. A skilled cosmetic surgeon can enhance your appearance in a subtle way, resulting in improved self-confidence without changing your overall appearance. Face-lifts can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures if necessary.

If you believe a face-lift may be the answer you are looking for, we recommend you read our face-lift guidelines below for further information:

How to prepare for treatment
    Your cosmetic or plastic surgeon will evaluate your face, skin and underlying bone structure, and also discuss the expected outcome of the surgery at your first consultation. Your current medical condition will also be evaluated, to assess whether any issues such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or the tendency to form excessive scars are likely to cause problems during or after surgery. If you are a smoker or take any medications or drugs (especially aspirin or other drugs that could affect clotting) please ensure you inform your surgeon during the consultation.
    Your cosmetic surgeon will explain the surgical techniques and anesthesia that will be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed as well as the costs and the risks involved. Please take time to discuss with your surgeon any concerns you have, especially those regarding your expectations and results.
Before cosmetic surgery, your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery and also guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. For a smoker, you should stop smoking at least 1-2 weeks before and after surgery, because smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin and can interfere with the healing of your incision areas. You may let your hair grow out to hide the scars while they heal.
    Last but not least, you should have someone drive you home after surgery and also to help you out for a day or two if needed.

How long does face-lift surgery take?
Face-lift surgery usually takes several hours or more depending on the number and complexity of the procedures. In the case of extensive surgery, your cosmetic surgeon may need to schedule 2 separate sessions. Some cosmetic surgeons may hospitalize their patients for a day when using general anesthesia. For special medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, close monitoring is required after surgery with the possibility of a short inpatient stay.

How is a face-lift performed?
A face-lift is performed according to the surgical technique of the cosmetic surgeon and the patient’s facial structure. Some cosmetic surgeons start from one side of the face at a time, while others move back and forth between the sides. The procedure may begin with an incision above the hairline at the temple, extend in a natural line in front of the patient’s ear or inside the cartilage at the front of the patient’s ear. The incision will then continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. A small incision may need to be made under the chin in the event that surgery is required on the neck. Normally, the cosmetic or plastic surgeon will separate the skin from the fat and muscle below. The surgeon will trim or suction the fat from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The surgeon will then tighten the underlying muscle and membrane, pull the skin back, and remove any excess. Stitches will be needed to secure the layers of tissue and also close the incisions. Metal clips may need to be used on the scalp. The cosmetic surgeon may also temporarily place a small, thin tube under the skin behind the patient’s ear to drain any blood. Finally, the patient’s head may be wrapped loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.
Most face-lift surgery is performed under local anesthesia, combined with a sedative that allows the patient to be awake, but drowsy and relaxed. The patient will not feel any pain in the face during surgery, but may experience a tugging sensation or an occasional feeling of discomfort. Some surgeons, however, prefer to perform the operation under general anesthesia.

How long will it take to recover from the treatment?
Your cosmetic surgeon will inform you about what you should expect after surgery and the best method of post-operative care. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication, as well as offer some of the following suggestions:

You may need to keep your head upright as much as possible for a couple days after the surgery in order to keep the swelling down.

If you have severe or persistent pain or sudden swelling in your face, this should be reported to your surgeon immediately.

Some numbness of the skin may be experienced, but this will disappear in a few weeks or months.

You should take things easy for the first week after surgery and be gentle with your face and hair.

Try to get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing. It is important to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your surgeon before you leave the hospital, to ensure you are fully aware of what to expect after surgery.

What are the risks involved?
Since each patient varies greatly according to anatomy, physical reaction, and healing ability, the outcome of cosmetic surgery is never completely predictable. Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss the medical risks associated with the procedure with you during consultation. The surgeon will encourage you to raise as many questions or concerns as possible. Before surgery, you will be required to sign a consent form stating that you have been informed about the risks involved and you understand and accept those risks. The surgeon will not commence any treatment until the consent form has been signed.
It is important to remember that you can minimize the risks of surgery by closely following your cosmetic surgeon’s advice both before and after surgery.