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Facelift
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Facelift (or rhytidectomy) is cosmetic surgery to correct the signs of ageing by lifting up and pulling back the skin to make the skin smoother and to give more youthful appearance to the face. The facelift is designed to tighten sagging and loose skin around the the jaw line and neck. For the best result, this procedure can be also combined with surgery to enhance the forehead, eyelids, cheeks and other parts of the face. As we age, the production of elastin and collagen decreases causing the skin to loosen and wrinkle, the muscles of the neck weakens and the face contour may float. There are many factors affecting your skin including your heredity, lifestyle, health, sun exposure and your diet, that can provoke the ageing process.
The first signs of ageing can be easily prevented by non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as fillers for reducing fine lines, laser resurfacing, peeling and many other. Surgical facelift is recommended for men and women over 40 years old, and only when non-surgical treatments can't help.
A facelift surgery is an effective way to improve your appearance, correct signs of ageing, and getting younger and fresher look. However, it is important to understand that facelift is a surgical intervention that comes with risks, and you should absolutely learn more about the procedure, consult with a specialist and make a balanced decision before proceeding with this treatment. We understand that it is a big decision for you and GoMedTravel is happy to help with this.
Who is it suitable for
✔ Woman and man over 40 years old but a facelift surgery can also be successful on older patients in their 70s and 80s
✔ Facelift is recommended for people who want to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, jowls and to address sagging and drooping skin
✔ Facelift can be performed for people who lost a significant amount of weight
✔ This procedure is a a matter of personal choice and is recommended to people in good overall health. Please consult with a specialist before proceeding with this treatment
Treatment duration
✔ Facelift surgery normally takes 2-4 hours but might take longer if other cosmetic procedures are done at the same time
✔ Most patients need to stay in hospital overnight
✔ The complexity and duration of a facelift surgery vary from patient to patient, depending on their individual situation
Recovery
✔ It normally takes 2-4 weeks to fully recover from a facelift surgery but this can vary from patient to patient
✔ Bruises, scars and redness is usually visible for at least 2 weeks
✔ You need to take time-off for your recovery as patients can experience post-surgery symptoms such as pain, tiredness and swelling.
✔ It can take up to 9 months to see the full effect of the facelift.
Types Of Facelift Surgery
There are different types of a facelift surgery with different complexity, lasting effect, recovery times etc.
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Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is designed to remove severe facial and neck sagging and wrinkles, and involves making deeper incisions and cuts by removing excess skin while also reshaping and tightening underlying musculature. The deep plane facelift focuses on lifting only under the muscle layer, leaving the skin attached to the muscle layers, and raising the skin and the SMAS tissue (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) together. This procedure is similar to the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) technique but specifically targets the mid-face region and reaches deeper layers of the facial muscle, resulting in more substantial and longer lasting, dramatic results. However, the deeper nature of the procedure can lead to an increased risk of complications and recovery.
Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System SMAS-lifting
The SMAS-lifting is a surgical procedure performed to address sagging skin, jowls, excess fat and ageing skin, targeting the SMAS tissue of the face. The SMAS tissue is part of the superficial skin of the middle third and lower third of the face (the area between the forehead and the collarbone). The main difference from the deep plane facelift is that the SMAS-lifting is designed to raise the skin and the SMAS layers separately, often providing more natural and organic look. However, due to the nature of this procedure and separation of the the skin and SMAS layers, recovery time can be longer than from a deep plane facelift. In particular, it takes 3 to 8 weeks. This procedure is recommended for patients with mild to moderate facial sagging.
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Mini facelift
A mini facelift or S lift (short scar facelift) is an anti-ageing surgical procedure designed to address early signs of ageing by repositioning the facial skin and tightening the jowls. This procedure involves shorter incisions that leave minimal scarring, rapid recovery and targets mild to moderate skin sagging.
Before The Treatment
Facelift is a cosmetic surgery and preparation is similar to any other surgery. Before the surgery you will meet your surgeon to discuss your facelift surgery objectives and perform an examination:
• Goals and expectations - Your surgeon will likely ask you why do you want a facelift surgery and what are your expectations. A surgeon should explain you different types of a facelift surgery, potential risks, recovery and expected outcomes.
• Medical history - You should provide a complete medical history including your past and current medical conditions, chronic illnesses, previous surgeries, traumas, injuries and your lifestyle details such as smoking, alcohol and drugs use.
• Medication review - Prepare to provide a list of medications that you might be taking including prescription drugs, supplements, over the counter medication and anything else that you are taking regularly.
• Examination - A surgeon will examine your face and neck, your bone structure, fat distribution, quality of your skin to determine your best options for a facelift surgery.
• Photos - Photographs of your face will be taken from different angles so that your surgeon can use them for assessing the result after surgery and to educate you about the procedure and anticipated results.
• Diagnostics, tests and additional examination - Be prepared to undertake additional examination, diagnostics, a specialist consultation and blood tests if your surgeon requests before preceding with this treatment.
Before the surgery you will be advised by your surgeon how to prepare for this procedure, which may include dietary requirements and medication directions. It's recommended that you arrange for help during recovery and drive you home from a hospital since it's likely you will be under general anesthesia and may experience symptoms.
What does it involve?
There are different types of facelift surgery, but generally the following is involved:
• A facelift surgery is normally performed under general anaesthetic. Sometimes the procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic and sedation
• Incisions (cuts) are typically made above the the hairline near the temples extending down in front of the ear, underneath the earlobe, and behind the ears.
• Additional incisions might be done under the chin if the jawline is being lifted as well
• Fat and excess skin may be removed or redistributed from the face
• The remaining skin will be pulled backwards and upwards to its new position
• The incisions normally have dissolvable sutures or skin glue. However, sometimes you might need to have the stitches removed
• Bandage added to the face to minimise bruising and swelling
The procedure usually takes 2-4 hours depending on the complexity and your situation. In most cases you will be required to stay for an overnight stay at the hospital. After surgery you may experience discomfort and pain but painkillers and any required medication will be provided.
After the treatment
After a facelift surgery your face is likely to be covered with bandages to minimise bruising and swelling. You may also have drainage tubes in your face or neck to drain away any fluids or blood. After a facelift surgery you may experience some discomfort:
• Pain
• Numbness
• Swelling
• Bruses​
It is recommended to keep your head propped up with pillows for a couple of days to reduce swelling. Sutures, if not dissolvable sutures used, are generally removed about 5 - 10 days after surgery. Bruises, scars and redness is usually visible for at least 2 weeks but some scars can take nearly a year to fade and tone down. Recovery usually takes around 2 - 4 weeks but it can take up to 9 months to see the full effect of the facelift. Physical activity can resume only after 4 weeks but its advised to consult with your doctor before proceeding with any activities.
Risks
A facelift surgery can cause complications:
• Haematoma described as a a collection of blood underneath the skin
• Nerve injury and loss of sensation or movement in the face
• Asymmetrical facial features
• Hair and skin loss
• An allergic reaction to the anaesthetic
• Infection
• Scarring
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