Sagging
or wrinkled skin occurs naturally with increasing
age. Folds and fat deposits appear around the
neck, and deep flexion creases form between
the nose and mouth. The jawline grows jowly
and slack. Heredity, poor diet, smoking, or
obesity may contribute to early or severe skin
problems. A facelift can help repair some of
the visible damage to skin, fat, and muscles
and can restore a younger look. A facelift can
be done alone or with nose reshaping, a forehead
lift, or eyelid surgery.
While
the patient is sleepy (sedated) and pain-free
(local anesthesia) or deep asleep and pain-free
(general anesthesia), the plastic surgeon makes
incisions above the hairline at the temples,
behind the earlobe, to the lower scalp. The
surgeon removes some of the fat tissue and loose
skin, then stitches (sutures) the incisions
closed.
Usually
there is not much discomfort after surgery and
pain medication can relieve it. Some numbness
of the skin is normal and will disappear in
a few weeks or months. The head will be elevated
on two pillows (or at a 30 degree angle) for
a couple of days after surgery to keep the swelling
down. The drainage tube will be removed 1 to
2 days after surgery if one was inserted. Bandages
are usually removed after 1 to 5 days. The face
will look pale, bruised, and puffy, but in 4
to 6 weeks it will be looking normal. Most of
the stitches will be removed in 5 days. The
stitches or metal clips in the hairline could
be left in a few days longer if the scalp takes
longer to heal.
Definition
A
facelift is a surgical procedure to repair sagging,
drooping, and wrinkled skin of the face and
neck. It is performed to improve visible signs
of aging, poor diet, or heredity; it is performed
by removing excess fat, tightening underlying
muscles, and redraping facial and neck skin.
Description
Sagging
or wrinkled skin occurs naturally with increasing
age. Folds and fat deposits appear around the
neck, and deep flexion creases form between
the nose and mouth. The jawline grows "jowly"
and slack. Heredity, poor diet, smoking, or
obesity
may contribute to early or severe skin
problems.
A
facelift can help repair some of the visible
damage to skin, fat, and muscles and can restore
a "younger" look. A facelift can be
done alone or with nose reshaping , a forehead
lift , or eyelid surgery.
While
the patient is sleepy (sedated) and pain-free
(local anesthesia) or deep asleep and pain-free
(general anesthesia), the plastic surgeon makes
incisions above the hairline at the temples,
behind the earlobe, to the lower scalp.
The
surgeon removes some of the fat tissue and loose
skin, then stitches (sutures) the incisions
closed. The fat tissue is called the SMAS layer
and is the primary lifting portion of the facelift.
Indications
Dissatisfaction
with facial signs of aging and otherwise good
health.
Risks
Risks
for any anesthesia are:
- reactions
to medications
- problems
breathing
Risks
for any surgery are:
Additional
risks include:
- a
pocket of blood under the skin (hematoma)
that may require drainage
- injury
to nerves that control facial muscles (usually
temporary)
Expectations
after surgery
Most
patients are pleased with the results.
A
small, thin drainage tube may be temporarily
placed under the skin behind the ear to drain
any blood that might collect there. The head
is wrapped loosely in bandages to minimize bruising
and swelling
. Usually there is not much discomfort after
surgery and pain medication can relieve it.
Some numbness of the skin is normal and will
disappear in a few weeks or months.
The
head will be elevated on two pillows (or at
a 30 degree angle) for a couple of days after
surgery to keep the swelling down. The drainage
tube will be removed 1 to 2 days after surgery
if one was inserted. Bandages are usually removed
after 1 to 5 days. The face will look pale ,
bruised, and puffy, but in 4 to 6 weeks it will
be looking normal.
Most
of the stitches will be removed in 5 days. The
stitches or metal clips in the hairline could
be left in a few days longer if the scalp takes
longer to heal.
Convalescence
The
patient should expect swelling, bruising, skin
discoloration, tenderness, and numbness for
10 to 14 days. Most of the surgical scars are
hidden in the hairline or the natural lines
of the face and will fade over months. Sun exposure
should be limited.
Need more information about facelift surgery?
If you would like more information about facelift
surgery offered by our NHS Consultant, or whether
facelift surgery is right for you, please contact
us today.
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