Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Benefits

Face lift surgery, or rhytidectomy, can create a younger appearance and improve one's self-confidence.

The aim of a facelift is to get a well-rested fresh appearance from forehead to neck and to maintain a normal facial expression as well. By removing excess skin, the procedure can result in significant wrinkle reduction. The effects of sun and wind damage can also be diminished through face lift surgery.

The facelift results can last for up to ten years. The lower half of the face is best suitable for this kind of procedure.

We have listed below a couple of the main facelift benefits:

• a rejuvenated, fresh look
• a smooth jaw line without jowls
• wrinkle reduction
• excess fat removal
• tightening underlying muscles
• improving one's self-esteem

Operation performance

The operation involves a general anaesthetic. In rare cases it can be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation.� Most patients will need to stay in hospital for one night.

There are three main surgery approaches: the standard face lift, the mid face lift, and the mini (or "weekend") face lift. The standard face lift is used to improve the entire face, while the mid and mini face lifts address to more specific areas and can require less time to heal.

More recent techniques have been developed to produce a more natural look with less visible scars. The incisions are quite the same, but the muscles and the supporting soft tissue of the face and neck are tightened.

A small incision is made under the chin. Then, the excess fatty tissue is evacuated by using a blunt tipped instrument which is passed back and forward through the fat under the skin. This procedure is called liposuction.

Therfore, the skin of the face and neck acquires a more natural and rejuvenated appearance. The results of this kind of technique also last longer because the operation is performed within the deep supporting structures of the face and neck.

Risks

Face lift surgery is one of the safest plastic procedures. However, any operation comes with the possibility of complications.

Common Postoperative Complications

• Reaction to the anesthesia � some face lift patients experience nausea and general sickness after receiving anaesthesia; this is a short-lasting side effect and usually disappears completely after a few hours.
• Bleeding and Hematoma � if bleeding occurs under the skin, a hematoma can develop, leaving the area swollen; This may require a new operation to stop the bleeding and remove the blood.
• Infection � It typically occurs in a specific area, but it is quite rare. Most surgeons prescribe antibiotics after the surgery to prevent infections.

Risks Specific to Face Lift Surgery

Apart from the complications inherent in any surgical procedure, risks specific to face lift surgery include:

• Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles � This is usually temporary. The rate is estimated at approximately 0.7% of all facelifts. It usually corrects itself in about 6 months.
• Skin may take longer time to recover - this is common for patients who smoke. Very uncommon is the skin necrosis (death)
• Scars - there will be some small scars, but surgeons will always do their best to hide them
• Crust on the incisions - usually temporary.
• Numbness around the incision areas - this should be temporary. This may include the skin around the cheeks, chin and neck. The feeling is usually recovered in 8-12 weeks, but may take longer for some patients.
• Skin or hair loss � very infrequent. The hair will re-grow within several months.
• Skin discoloration - this is exceedingly uncommon, but if it happens it will heal in a few months.
• Broken capillaries. This condition may already exist on the cheeks and neck and can be treated with laser.

Besides the risks described above, it is possible that men should shave behind the neck or ears on areas of beard-bearing skin that have been moved.

Questions

Before undergoing this cosmetic procedure, the patient would like to talk with the surgeon concerning the technique, risks, preparation, qualification, costs and other issues.

We have listed below some of the most specific questions related to face lifts:

• Am I a good candidate for face lift surgery?
• What should I avoid prior to the operation?
• Can you explain the intervention to me in detail?
• What benefits can I expect from the surgery?
• How will I look like?
• What side effects and complications may I experience by undergoing the procedure?
• Will I have pains during or after the procedure?
• How long will it take before I can resume my normal activities following face lift?
• How long will the results last?
• What cannot be achieved by having face lift?
• What cosmetic procedures can be combined with face lift for a better effect?
• What instructions should I follow after the operation?