Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery
A natural part of the ageing process is that skin loses its elasticity, and the soft tissues of our face deflate and droop.
Stress, smoking and sun exposure take their toll on our faces. Folds and smile lines deepen, the corners of the mouth droop, the jaw line can sag and the skin on the neck becomes slack. Eyebrows can droop and the skin on the eyelids may gather in looser folds.
Some of this can be improved by non-surgical treatments and a good skincare regime; but reversing these changes to a more effective extent will generally require cosmetic surgery.
Face and neck lift surgery are usually performed under general anaesthetic. Initially, I inject some fluid into the face which reduces the amount of bleeding and bruising after surgery. A small incision is made just in front of the ear, and for a full facelift it extends around the back of the ear and sometimes into the hair-bearing scalp behind the ear.
Once the skin has been dissected attention turns to the muscle layer beneath, called SMAS. This is lifted, tightened and then sewn back in place, creating a more youthful look. Any excess skin is then removed and the remaining skin is meticulously stitched back together. A mini (or MACS) facelift is similar but avoids the scar behind the ear. The main disadvantage of a MACS facelift is that there is less improvement to the neck.
There is scarring following either procedure. Carefully placed within the creases around the ear and hairline to ensure that it is as minimal as possible.
The aim of face lift and neck lift surgery is to create a more youthful appearance around the face, jaw line and neck by lifting and re-positioning the skin and tightening the underlying muscles to improve the tone and contour of the skin. I normally use liposuction on the neck and jaw line. Scars are initially visible but can usually be concealed by make-up, and fade to become inconspicuous after a few weeks.
The face lift is often combined with other facial surgery, such as eyelid rejuvenation (blepharoplasty). It is a requirement for smokers to stop before their surgery. Failure to do so produces an unacceptable risk of the skin near the scars scabbing and crusting, leading irreversibly to poor scars.
Before embarking on cosmetic surgery always do your research and find a reliable surgeon with a good local reputation. Check they are registered with the GMC and other relevant bodies, such as BAPRAS and BAAPS. Developing a rapport with you surgeon is essential. You need to be able to trust your surgeon and be able to ask as many questions as you need to without feeling pressured. I would urge those considering cosmetic surgery to insist on a pre-operative consultation with the surgeon (not a nurse or company representative) some weeks before considering surgery to discuss all your options and concerns. At least half an hour is usually necessary to get through all the important topics, including the risks involved. Also ensure that your surgeon will be available to look after you following the procedure.
- Analgesia (pain relief) – Ibuprofen and paracetamol can be taken
- Complete rest will be necessary for 48 hours
- Daily tepid showers will be possible after 48 hours
- The hospital or surgeon should be contacted if you develop a temperature, bleeding or rapid swelling
- Patients should take care not to over exert themselves in the first few weeks and to keep
pressure off their wounds - Wounds will be checked and most sutures removed after 1 week
- I will see you routinely at 1, 2 and 6 weeks after surgery
- Dressing care nurses may see you more often
Swelling reduces after a few weeks
General Anaesthetic
Reasonably mobile: 1-2 days
Hospital stay: 1 night
Washing: Immediately. Wash gently.
Surgery time: 2-4 hours
Driving: 2-4 weeks
We advise patients to stop smoking 2 week before and after any surgery
Time off work: 3-4 weeks
Exercise: 4 weeks
Before and after procedure
Before
After
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