Face Lift Surgery

Introduction

Facial rejuvenation to correct sagging skin and loosening of the underlying supporting structures of the face and neck is known as a facelift, or a mini-facelift, depending on the area of the face requiring treatment. Facelift surgery is carried out to redefine and rejuvenate the face and neck. There are a number of facelift surgery options available, and the treatment plan is tailored to match individual patient requirements and goals.

Below we answer the questions that are posed to us most frequently during pre-operative consultations.
 

What is Facelift Surgery?

A facelift (clinically known as Rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure used to lift and tighten the face (and sometimes the neck) for a more refreshed look and improved facial contours. This is achieved by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying supporting layers of the face.
 

What is the aim of a Facelift?

Facelift surgery aims to treat the signs of gravity and loss of firmness in the skin and underlying muscles, and improve facial definition. This procedure does not modify the features; it restores a youthful-look and allows for more harmonious ageing.
 

Which areas of the face benefit from a Facelift?

Facelift surgery can be performed on a certain area of the face such as the cheeks or neck or the entire face (full facelift), according to the patient’s individual needs. A facelift may be combined with other procedures such as a neck lift to lift and tighten the face and neck, by using a one-step procedure. A coronal brow lift, on the other hand, treats the forehead area. Nowadays, this technique is rarely used thanks to the outstanding results with wrinkle relaxing injections to smooth skin in this area.
 

What is the difference between a Facelift and a Mini- facelift?

A mini-facelift is a less invasive procedure, usually performed under local anaesthetic as it involves tightening only skin and muscle. The main drawback with this technique is that it does not remodel the deeper supporting structures of the face; therefore, the results are not particularly long-lasting or outstanding. Generally, ideal candidates for mini-facelift surgery are younger patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. Other patients, may benefit more from a facelift which provides more extensive and effective lifting. Nowadays, facial rejuvenation leaves shorter-scars and can lift, tighten and reposition more extensive areas. In some cases, it may even be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation.
 

How is Facelift Surgery performed?

Every plastic surgeon adopts an individual, effectively proven technique, which they adapt according to the patient’s specific requirements to obtain optimal results. However, there are several fundamental principles common to all facelift techniques:

• the incision lines are hidden around the hairline or the ear
• after the incision is made, the surgeon lifts the skin to access the underlying region – the scope of skin detachment varies according to individual patient requirements, i.e. the extent of sagging skin and elasticity loss
• the surgeon tightens the layer of muscles and fibrous tissue known as the superficial muscular aponeurotic system, that supports deeper structures of the face – this process requires significant skill and precision and varies according to the patient’s individual requirements to achieve the most natural-looking results
• liposuction is commonly performed with facelift surgery to sculpt fat deposits around the neck, the chin and, occasionally, the cheeks
• skin is then repositioned over the newly-lifted contours, the excess skin is excised, and the incisions are closed with sutures
• after medication, bandages are used to protect the incision sites.

How long does a Facelift take?

A mini-facelift takes around an hour. A facelift can take between two and six hours.
 

What about the scars following Facelift Surgery?

Incision lines are normally located around the hairline or in other inconspicuous areas. Providing that there are no further complications after surgery, healing of the short incision lines in front of the ear is usually visibly complete within two to three weeks.
 

Can Facelift Surgery eliminate all fine lines and wrinkles?

A facelift cannot completely eradicate all visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles. To do so, would create excessive tension, and alter facial proportions, producing an unnatural-looking result. Non-surgical options such as hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, fat grafting (autologous fat transfer), chemical peels and laser treatments, can effectively target wrinkles and other minor imperfections.
 

Can facelift surgery be combined with other procedures?

Facelift surgery can be carried out alongside or following other procedures such as liposuction, eyelid surgery and nose reshaping.
 

What are the options for patients with visible signs of ageing and hollow features?

These patients usually require fat grafts combined with facelift surgery, to effectively enhance the face.

What type of anaesthesia is required?

The choice of anaesthesia, as well as hospitalisation, the frequency of aftercare, stitch removal and other issues, vary according to the patient’s requirements and the technique applied. As stated above, a mini-facelift requires a local anaesthetic, whereas more extensive facelift surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation or a general anaesthetic. The final decision is made after consultation with the anaesthetist and the plastic surgeon.
 
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