face and neck lift
Introduction
A facelift is a surgical procedure intended to rejuvenate the face, particularly the cheeks, jowls, and neck. This procedure can be performed alone or in conjunction with eyelid surgery and forehead rejuvenation as part of overall facial rejuvenation.
The surgery
Face lift surgery is performed in hospital under general anaesthesia.
There are a number of techniques available to address the changes seen in the face with aging. The selection of the procedure type depends upon the facial examination, and the preferences of the patient.
All face lift and neck lift surgery requires incisions and thus scars. In general, an incision is made in a crease in front of the ear that continues behind the ear, and transversely across the hairline. Loose tissue is tightened and excess skin and tissue is excised.
In some cases additional procedures such as removal of the fat under the chin and tightening of the underlying muscles is performed. Another feature of aging is a loss of volume particularly over the cheeks; this can also be addressed at the time of surgery.
The risks associated with face lift include haematoma or a collection of blood under the skin, excessive scar formation, poor healing, tissue necrosis (skin death), hair loss around the scars, deformity of the ear lobe, asymmetry, numbness, loss of movement to the facial muscles of expression, and unsatisfactory results. Other risks of face lift include those associated with surgical procedures in general such as bruising, swelling, bleeding, infection, negative reactions to anaesthetic, and unusual scarring.
After your Surgery
Patients usually stay overnight in hospital in order to convalesce and to be observed for any early complications. However this will depend on your general health, the extent of the procedure, and your surgeon's advice.
Following surgery, two drains will be used to remove any excess fluid from the surgical area. Bandages will be applied to the neck and forehead and must be worn for 24 hours. Sutures will be removed five days after surgery. Swelling and bruising are common after face lift surgery and may remain for a few weeks.
Returning to normal activities is an individual matter, but most people return to work within two to four weeks and to more vigorous exercise after six weeks.
To be able to drive a vehicle you must be comfortable, off all strong pain killers and moving freely, this can vary from one to four weeks after the operation.