About Face

Created on 31st July 2008

You feel that a facelift is the only option to eradicate the visible signs of ageing. Cosmetic Surgery Magazine UK takes you through the process from making the decision to achieving the refreshed and revitalised look you have been longing for

When you still feel young inside, it can be a shock to look in the mirror and confront the signs of ageing. As people age, the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun, and the stresses of daily life can be seen in their faces. Creases form between the nose and mouth; the jawline grows slack and jowly; folds and fat deposits appear around the neck. A facelift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can't stop this ageing process. What it can do is ‘set back the clock', improving the most visible signs of ageing by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles and re-draping the skin of your face and neck. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, advanced laserliposuction to the neck, eyelid surgery or nose reshaping.

There are a number of different facelift techniques which can be performed to achieve the best result for each individual. Mr Yannis Alexandrides MD FACS, plastic and reconstructive surgeon from 111 Harley Street Cosmetics Centre, says, "Not everyone is ready for drastic surgery to lift and tighten the whole face, when all they want is to look a little more relaxed, refreshed and softened without an extended recovery time. I discuss the patient's expectations with them and together we decide on the most appropriate procedure."

What to expect during your consultation

The success and safety of your facelift depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You'll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome; medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments; use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs; previous surgeries.

Your surgeon may also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Discuss the options available to you for facelift and facial rejuvenation
• Examine and measure your face
• Take photographs for your medical record
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of a facelift and any risks or potential complications
• Discuss the type of anaesthesia that will be used

Preparing for surgery

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, antiinflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the night before and morning of surgery
• The use of anesthesia during your face lift
• Post-operative care and follow-up

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed.

What happens during facelift surgery?

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you. A variety of other procedures can further enhance the outcome of a facelift. They include facial implants, soft tissue augmentation to recontour the facial structure, resurfacing techniques to improve the tone and texture of facial skin and wrinkle reduction by injection.

Depending on the degree of change you'd like to see, your facelift choices include a traditional facelift, limited incision facelift or a neck lift. A traditional facelift incision often begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck, and underlying tissue is repositioned, commonly the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted.

Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an ageing neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.

An alternative to a traditional facelift uses shorter incisions at the temples, continuing around the ear and possibly within the lower eyelids or under the upper lip.

Important facts about the safety and risks of facelift surgery

The decision to have a facelift is extremely personal and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications.

Your recovery

When your procedure is completed, a bandage could gently be placed around your face to minimize swelling and bruising. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: how to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Results

It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate and up to six months for incision lines to mature. The visible improvements of a facelift appear as swelling and bruising subside. Your final result should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also help you feel more confident about yourself. Life-long sun protection will help to maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimizing photo-ageing or sun damage. In addition, a healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.

How much will facelift surgery cost?

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Prices for facelifts can vary widely. A surgeon's cost for facelift surgery may vary based on his or her experience as well as geographic office location.

Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask. Cost may include:

• Surgeon's fee
• Hospital or surgical facility costs
• Anesthesia fees
• Prescriptions for medication
• Post-surgery garments, and
• Medical tests

It is essential to remember that your satisfaction involves more than a fee. When choosing a plastic surgeon for facelift surgery, remember that the surgeon's experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.
CSMUK