The reasons for undergoing a facelift are primarily rid the patient of facial sagging, re-tone facial muscles and dramatically reduce lines and wrinkles.
In considering a facelift, a basic understanding of the elements face is required. The skin of the face has two elements, the inner layer of skin is the dermis, and the outer visible layer of skin is epidermis. The epidermis or visible layer is supported by the dermis or inner layer of skin, this support gives the epidermis its tone and shape.
Within the dermis is a network elastin fibres and collagen, in young skin they are naturally resilient and flex with the movement of the face when a person smiles or frowns. But as we age the network of collagen begins to weaken and become less flexible, also the bones that support the collagen shrink partially overtime, the natural fatty tissues of the face slowly decrease, the facial muscles become slacker and the skin does not snap back into place after a smile or a frown.
A facelift is a general term and can combine a number of different elements into one operation. Your surgeon will discuss with you the different options that are open to you during your consultation.
The upper facelift or brow lift reduces the lines and creases in the skin of the forehead and eye area. The removal of the bags under the eyes is usually a separate procedure, which is performed at the same time.
The lower facelift improves the jaw line and the jowls around the mouth; it tightens the skin around the neck and lower part of the face.
The effects of a facelift last between five and ten years. Every patient is different, age, health, and lifestyle will all affect how long the improvement in the patients face will last.
The operation will usually carried out under general anaesthetic. For the lower facelift an incision is made both in front and behind each ear. The skin is then lifted away from the face and pulled up tighter in to the ear, then excess skin is cut away and the incisions are closed using stitches or surgical glue.
If the patient has opted for a brow lift as part of the procedure, incisions will be made just inside the patient’s hairline, then the excess skin of the forehead is trimmed away, the skin is pulled upwards and incisions are closed using sutures and surgical glue.
A double layered lift will also tone up the facial muscles under the skin.
The time taken to perform the operation varies depending on the results that the patient expects from the facelift. But usually the operation lasts around two to three hours.
Compression dressings and bandages are applied the patients face immediately after the operation. The patient usually will be kept in hospital overnight for observation, and in some cases they will kept in for two.
The patient must minimise facial movements directly after the operation, and for the first few days of convalesce. The stitches will be removed between five and twelve days after surgery. It will usually be around fourteen days before the patient can return to work.
Although recovery from the operation can be quite fast, the time taken to see the full effect of the procedure can take between three to six months. It is advisable for the patient to undertake facial massages with moisturising cream, as well as ensuring that the guidance of the surgeon is followed as closely as possible.
A consultation with The Harley Medical Group - Female Face Lift qualified specialist will help to answer any lingering questions or queries and will also provide support once you decide to proceed with treatment. There are a number of financing options available so any patient can get their desired appearance and fulfil their dreams.