A facelift is an operation designed to correct the effects of ageing to the face. As we get older, the effects of sun damage as well as the natural ageing process leads to the skin of the face losing its elasticity and tightness. Gravity effects can cause some degree of sagging particularly around the eyes, cheeks, jowl area and neck. Skin wrinkling is a result of these factors.
Operative procedures, such as a face and neck lift, brow lift and blepharoplasty (eye lift) are designed to correct these effects by removing and tightening excess loose skin as well as underlying tissue layers. This will smooth facial contours, removing sagging and giving a much more youthful appearance.
After a facelift procedure you should not expect to looka different person but to look "well" or "refreshed" and receive many compliments when seen again by friends. In order to achieve this, a facelift will involve cleverly placed and hidden incisions or cuts in front and behind the ear and in the hair lines. These incisions are designed in such a way that no one should know you have had the operation.
Contact us to find out more about a facelift procedure in Sydney
The operation takes 3-5 hours depending on the extent in each case and is done under general anaesthesia. One nights hospitalization is generally required. Following the operation your face will be covered by a well padded dressing for 24 hours. Your face may feel strange and a little tight and pain along the incision lines is minor. Simple pain relief prescribed should adequately deal with this.
How long do I have to stay in hospital?
Generally you will require 1 nights in hospital. In some cases surgery can be performed on a day stay basis. The first night is usually spent with the face bandaged but a day or so later the bandages are removed and the operation inspected and redressed.
When can I return to activities?
Considerable bruising and swelling over the first week or so may be encountered. This can be expected to settle rapidly at least by the second week. You will have stitches along the incisions which will be removed at about 7 days. Generally speaking you will be confident and happy to engage in social contact 3 weeks post-operatively.
How long does it last?
About 10 years. After the surgery the ageing process continues at its natural rate. Some patients do request a repeat operation some 10 years later - it is usually no more difficult than before.
Are there any risks?
As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of complications. Surgery and anaesthesia is very safe and it is most unlikely you will experience any difficulty. However, there is a small chance that a minor complication such as bleeding or infection may occur.
Scarring: Scarring following surgery may take up to two years to mature and can be expected to be minimal and unnoticeable
It is possible for scarring around the earlobe to result in tightness and tethering. Scarring behind the ear can become lumpy and uncomfortable. Scarring in front of the ear may cause tightness and winging of the tragus (cartilage in front of the ear opening). These are all uncommon.
Blood supply: It is possible to lose small areas of skin, particularly in front of the ear wound line. It is important not to smoke during the early post-operative period. If you are a heavy smoker, facelift may be ill advised and this should be carefully discussed with your surgeon before proceeding.
Swelling and bruising: Bruising and swelling is usual and varies with each patient from being virtually invisible to extensive. Most bruising and swelling settles over 1 to 2 weeks, although some take longer.
As the final swelling settles, some relaxation in the tightness of the face may be noticed. This is an inevitable minor consequence of the fact that the skin is stretched by post-operative swelling and is usually complete within about three months. Fine wrinkles may return during this time.
Nerve injury: Facelift involves facial dissection very close to the course of the facial nerve. This major nerve of the face is responsible for movement of the face, particularly around the mouth, nose and eyes. It is possible that some temporary or sometimes permanent weakness of a part of the face may result following facelift. It is usual to have some temporary numbness of the cheeks and sometimes of the ears. The risk of such an injury is 1%.
Anaesthetic: You will be receiving a general anaesthetic and your anaesthetist will be discussing with you possible discomforts following anaesthesia. Again, anaesthesia today is very safe and no major problems should be concerning you. Any questions you have regarding your anaesthetic would be best answered by your anaesthetist at the time of surgery.
General Information
Should there be any questions regarding facelift, be sure they are answered in advance by Dr Drielsma. Well meaning friends are not a good source of information. Find out everything before proceeding with the operation - a well informed patient is a happy one.
Finally, there can be no absolute guarantee with any surgery. Remember the realistic aim of this operation is improvement, not perfection.
Please note: The above information mentions only some of the benefits and complications of a facelift. This information should not be regarded as a substitute for information and advice provided by Dr Drielsma during consultation.
