Rhytidectomy
Facelift
What is a facelift?
Who requests a facelift?
It is also used in treating people with facial weakness.
Remember!
During the consultation the surgeon will usually address issues such as fine wrinkles around the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet) or wrinkles on the lips which are not necessarily addressed by face lift operation and may require non-surgical techniques such as anti-wrinkle injections, filler injections etc
Stop smoking at least two weeks, but preferably six weeks, before surgery.
Inform your surgeon if you take Aspirin as this can worsen the bleeding.
Did you know!
Sleeping with your head higher than the body by lying on pillows and avoiding bending over reduces pressure in the head area and consequently swelling and bruising.
Vigorous activity should be restricted for about six weeks.
Exposure to the sun should be restricted for a few weeks as well.
What type of anaesthetic is used?
This is usually done under a general anaesthetic but can also be done under a local anaesthetic with intravenous sedation.
How long is the hospital stay?
How is it performed?
The skin and underlying tissues are elevated, tightened with stitches and where necessary excess skin is removed.
This may be combined with incisions behind the hairline whereby the brow is lifted using fine telescopic instruments (endoscopic facelift).
At the end of the operation the face is fitted with a pressure garment designed for facelifts. This usually runs underneath the chin, around the ears and over the head.
Fine drains may be used which will be taken out usually the following day.
When can I begin to apply makeup?
What are the risks of the operation?
Other general risks such as haematoma (blood clot collection), infection, wound breakdown can occur.
Rarely damage to the branches of the facial nerve which can cause numbness and weakness of the face can occur. These are usually transient.