 | |
The classical operation of Face Lift, initially described
by Sir Harold Gillies has been in use for over 60 years.
It is a tried and trusted technique which rejuvenates the face
without changing one's facial features.
|
|
 | |
A Face Lift removes the tired heavy appearance by lifting and smoothing out the sagging jowls and neck, re-defining the contour of the neck and jaw line.
There are several factors which influence aging of the face. A major one is heredity. Gravity is a constant factor its effect being to pull the soft facial tissues downwards causing sagging of the cheeks, which accentuates the crease line running from the nostrils to the sides of the mouth. The effect is also seen on the jaw line and underneath the chin in the sub-mental area. As we age, we tend to loose some of the facial fat, and this in combination with decreased skin elasticity leads to sagging of the facial features. This can be made worse by excess exposure to ultraviolet light.
It is well known that people who live in tropical climates have a prematurely aged skin. The Face Lift procedure is most sought after within the over forties age group. However, increasingly facelifts are being carried out on younger patients.
The Face Lift has always been regarded as a major surgical procedure but recent advances in technique both surgical and anaesthetic have made it a much safer and comfortable experience. It is important to remember however, that although a Face Lift can wind the clock back by reversing the effects of gravity, it will not erase permanent creases, particularly around the lips. Further procedures like dermabrasion, laser resurfacing or chemical peels can improve those lines and can be carried out in conjunction with a Face Lift.
|
|
| |
|
A facelift can improve the deep cheek folds, jowls and loose, sagging skin around the neck that come with age.
|
|
|
After surgery, you'll present a fresher, more youthful face to the world.
|
|
 | |
At your consultation you should provide your surgeon with a general medical history, together with details of any previous facial surgery. Slight differences in facial symmetry are normal and will have been pointed out as they often go unnoticed by the patient. By gently lifting the facial skin, the surgeon is able to assess what could be expected post operatively. It is advisable to bring with you at the consultation photos from the time you felt you looked your best.
It is important that both men and women alike are aware that the position of the hair in front of the ear may be altered and could be elevated by two centimetres. In men, the beard may be re-positioned underneath and behind the ear, necessitating shaving also in these areas. The extent and the position of the scars will be carefully described at the consultation. If you have your hair tinted or permed, this should be done immediately before admission to the hospital.
Over the years the classical (skin only) Face Lift operation has undergone a number of modifications aimed at improving the overall results. Some of these modifications include the deep (S.M.A.S.) lift, chin fat removal and remodelling of the neck muscles. Each of these modifications can be tailor-made to suit individual needs. It is possible to undergo correction of eye bags (see notes regarding blepharoplasty) as well as other procedures at the same time as the facelift. Free fat transfer from other parts of the body is sometimes used to restore the lost volumes of the central part of the face.
|
|
 | |
The Face Lift procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic and an overnight stay in hospital is usually required. More limited procedures can sometimes be carried out under a local anaesthetic and sedation.
Starting high in the temple area (hidden by the hair at this point) the incision courses down following the curves in front of the ear round the earlobe and up behind the ear before curving gently back into the hair again. It may be necessary to add an incision under the chin which is also well hidden. Using these incisions on both sides, the skin and deep tissues are remodelled and re-draped. The incisions are enclosed with stitches in front of the ear and metal clips in the hair. Small drainage tubes are inserted underneath the skin during the operation and they are removed the day after the surgery. It is also usual for the surgeon to apply a head bandage in order to gently pressurise the incisions during the first post-operative night.
|
|
| |
|
Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, follow the natural line in front of the ear, curve behind the earlobe into the crease behind the ear, and into or along the lower scalp.
|
|
|
Facial, neck tissue and muscle may be separated; fat may be trimmed or suctioned and underlying muscle may be tightened.
|
|
 | |
Bandages are removed the morning after the Face Lift surgery. The hair will be washed and then the patient can return home. Over the subsequent few days, you can gently wash your hair with a mild shampoo, obviously exercising care in the suture area.
It is important not to stop or carry out vigorous activities for the first five days after the surgery otherwise post-operative bleeding can result. Patients are provided with written postoperative care instructions.
Any discomfort can be controlled by taking a mild analgesic such as Paracetamol (Aspirin must not be taken).
Sutures are usually removed ten days post-operatively. It is advisable not to apply any strong chemicals (bleach, ammonia etc) for four weeks following surgery.
|
| |
|
After deep tissues are tightened, the excess skin is pulled up and back, trimmed and surured into place.
|
|
|
Most of the scars will be hidden within your hair and in the normal creases of your skin.
|
|
| |
Scars are usually very faint after a Face Lift. However, a period of thickening and reddening of the scars can be expected to last for a few months before returning to more natural skin colour and texture. The scars in the hairline may stretch a little, as this is where the tension is carried. Bruising, swelling and numbness are temporary following a Face Lift and are mostly resolved after two weeks. To help lessen the bruising, we suggest taking Arnica one-week prior to surgery and two weeks after. Prolonged swelling and numbness are quite rare. Complications after facelift are rare. Should infection occur it is usually readily treated with antibiotics.
If a haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) should occur, a revisit to the operating theatre may be necessary. However, if dealt with promptly this does not affect the long-term results.
Occasionally, delayed wound healing may occur, mainly in diabetic patients or patients who smoke. Please discuss your smoking habit with your surgeon.
Damage to the nerves, which control the facial muscles, is an extremely rare event, which may be associated with a facelift. Even if this should occur, in the majority of cases, there is a full recovery.
|
|
 | |
A Face Lift procedure redefines the jaw line by lifting and smoothing out the sagging jowl and neck. This is an extremely popular procedure, which refreshes the face, improves the contour of the neck and removes the heavy tired look.
Some swelling and slight bruising should be expected for approximately seven days. Infection with this procedure is rare, but if it did occur, the Gore-Tex would have to be removed and a course of antibiotics prescribed. Once the infection had completely cleared up it is possible to implant the Gore-Tex again if required. (NB. The Cost of the replacement strand would have to be charged).
Should you decide you did not like the look or feel of the implant another rare event, again, it can usually be removed.
|
|
 |
Try to rest and sleep propped up with 2 – 3 pillows during the first week after your surgery,
to help reduce any swelling and bruising.
|
| You may experience swelling around the face and ears; this is quite normal and will gradually
go down over the next two weeks. Bruising is also quite normal and the amount will vary
from patient to patient. However, if the bruising is associated with more significant swelling
or pain, you should notify your surgeon immediately.
|
|
Using cold compresses over the cheek and neck can be very soothing and will help with the
bruising and swelling. Do not use ice directly on the face as it can burn – wrap it in a clean
cloth first. Alternatively you could run some cold water over a flannel and leave it in the
fridge and use when required.
|
|
Strenuous exercise or anything that is likely to increase your blood pressure should not be
resumed for 3 weeks. Try also to avoid leaning or stooping forward, and straining following
surgery as this will reduce the risk of a secondary bleed.
|
|
You should wash your hair salon style and not bend forwards.
|
|
If your wound feels itchy or weeps, use a clean cotton bud dipped in previously boiled salty
water and gently clean your wound to relieve the itch.
|
|
You should have a soft diet for the first week and not have any spicy food, fruit or fruit juice.
If you are prone to constipation, or the painkillers are making you constipated, you should
use laxatives to avoid having to strain for at least the first week.
|
|
You may be discharged with some antibiotics, and it is important that you complete the
course. Please avoid taking aspirin/anti inflammatory tablets as these can cause bleeding.
You may recommence your usual medication as soon as you can eat or drink unless otherwise
advise.
|
|
Your sutures and staples will normally be removed between 7 and 10 days after the surgery.
|
| |
During office hours you are welcome to telephone or visit Mr Ion’s nurse at the consulting rooms.
Please call her prior to your visit on 0207 486 77 57.
In an emergency or in case of doubt regarding your surgery and post operative condition, out of office
hours, please contact Mr Ion’s nurse on 0774 96 44 519 or the hospital where you had your surgery:
The Wellington: 0207 586 5959
The Cromwell Hospital Resident Medical Officer: 0207 460 2000
St Luke’s Hospital: 0207 388 4954
The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth 0207 806 4000
|
|
|
|
NEXT: More Information
If you would like to know more information on Face Lift,
please do not hesitate to get in touch.
|
|
|
|
The Complete Article
About the Procedure
Informative Brochure
