A facelift is an operation to lift up the facial skin and
tighten the underlying facial muscles to leave the face
tighter, smoother and younger looking.
Patients with significant effects of the ageing process (loss
of skin elasticity and sagging of the tissues) made worse by
sun exposure, gravity and smoking.
It is also used in treating people with facial weakness.
This is usually done under a general anaesthetic but can also be
done under a local anaesthetic with intravenous sedation.
This is usually one to two days.
The incision usually starts from behind the hairline at the
temple, extends down to the front of the ear and into the
hairline around the back of the ear.
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.
Before the operation it is best to get to a more ideal
weight because continual weight loss following the
operation will still cause looseness of skin.
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.
It takes about two to four hours
Bruising and swelling may take up to two to three
weeks to settle, so it is advisable not to embark on a
facelift procedure close to a major event because the
swelling and bruising may take longer to settle.
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.
After about five days light makeup can be applied.
Many patients are pleased with the results of the facelift. However, there are problems
that can arise from this operation including extensive bruising and swelling.
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.