Procedure
A Cosmetic Surgery Full Facelift procedure (also known as Rhytidectomy) will help to improve visible signs of aging on the face and neck. Facial skin can loosen and wrinkle as we age, similarly the muscles on the neck may also weaken. To clarify, anything that can cause the skin to lose elasticity will hasten the aging process, including sun exposure, weight fluctuations and heredity. Facelift surgery can address this by making the skin on the face and neck firm and tight all in one step.
For a better facial profile, a Full Face lift can offer a combination of a facelift with eyelid blepharoplasty, brow lift or submental liposuction. Above all Cosmetic Surgery Full Facelift procedures are individualized for each patient.
Contrary to popular opinion, the texture of skin will not change by a facelift. No matter how tight skin is pulled, acne scars, age spots, fine lines and smoker's creases will soon return to their original texture. In short, a facelift does not give someone beautiful skin unless they have beautiful skin to begin with.
The best candidates are those who have excess fat on the face and neck, lines and the face has begun to sag. The average age is 40-50 years, but an older patient can also have a successful facelift.
Preparation for a Facelift
Discuss any medical condition you have with your surgeon and advise them of any medication that you take. In addition, discuss your procedure thoroughly and ask as many questions as you can before making your decision.
Not smoking before a facelift procedure is very important. Above all smoking can cause circulation problems and make complications more likely, including post-operative chest procedures.
Length
The average time in surgery is between four to six hours dependent on the number of procedures that you have.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the most common. However, depending on the type of procedure, a patient may choose to use sedation and local aesthesia. Discuss what option is best for you with your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Inpatient/Outpatient
This is an outpatient procedure. However, you may need to stay in hospital for a short stay for more complex procedures.
Possible side effects
There are possible side effects that range from temporary bruising and swelling, and in addition tenderness of skin on the face and neck area. This includes a permanent need to shave the area behind the ears where beard-growing skin can be repositioned for men.
There are risks
With any surgical procedure there is some risk. For instance; risks may include injuries to facial nerves that cause pain, swelling, infection, bleeding, scarring, abnormal hairline shape, asymmetry and/or temporary loss of feeling.
Selecting patients carefully and with help from the most skilled surgeons and nurses will help to minimize risk and complications. However despite the highest standards, complications can still occur. If you have concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.
Recovery
Post surgery, a patient may experience swelling of the eyelids and other facial areas. Firstly, after surgery a large dressing is applied and is then removed within 2 days. Secondly, drainage tubes may be left in place under certain areas of the skin to help reduce post-surgical swelling for around 2 days.
Our advice is to relax for a week or so and to avoid strenuous activity until bruising and swelling has subsided. This can take four to six weeks; however, within two weeks your swelling should reduce enough for some social activities. Many of our patients prefer to delay social activities for around four weeks post surgery.
After your surgery, restrict your sun exposure for several months. To clarify, use a sunblock with both UVA and UVB protection. Your surgeon will provide your post-surgery recovery instructions.
Results
Your facelift will make you look younger, fresher and turn the clock back 10-20 years. Small scars are hidden by your hair or in the natural creases of your face and ears. The best facelift will last 5 to 10 years, however, having a facelift procedure will not stop aging and gravity. In addition some people will repeat the procedure (a secondary facelift) down the line.
Cost of Full Facelift
The cost can vary based on the technique used, surgeon fees, anesthesia used, inpatient (hospital) or outpatient (day surgery), and package inclusions. Please ask your consultant for verification on what is/is not included.
Related Face Procedures
Other common facial procedures include;
Next Steps
We are here to assist you with your journey. We recommend you make an inquiry and request a firmquote . This will ensure you receive a detailed cost breakdown of your procedure, with surgeon feedback. We do not charge you for this service. Our consultants are very experienced with all our partners and can answer any questions you may have.