Facelift
Facelift
A facelift (medically known as rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to give the face a more
youthful appearance.
A facelift (medically known as rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to give the face a more
youthful appearance.
By addressing the visible signs of ageing in the face and neck areas, the procedure involves removing excess skin, tightening underlying tissues and repositioning skin on the face and neck.
It is particularly effective for reducing sagging skin around the lower face and neck, diminishing deep creases along the nose and mouth, and restoring a more defined jawline. A facelift can align your outward appearance with your inner vitality, offering a way of ageing gracefully.
The SMAS facelift targets the layer of tissue deep under the skin. Repositioning and tightening the SMAS layer significantly improves the appearance of the cheeks and jowls.
Suitable for: mid to lower sections of the face.
The deep plane facelift goes even further, targeting the facial structure beneath the SMAS layer. This allows for a comprehensive repositioning of facial and neck tissues.
Suitable for: significant facial sagging and deep-set wrinkles.
A mini facelift targets mild to moderate signs of ageing, primarily in the lower face and neck. It's less invasive than a full facelift, offering a shorter recovery time and fewer risks.
Suitable for: if you are beginning to notice the effects of ageing but are not yet in need of a full lift.
A liquid facelift is a non-surgical procedure that uses injectables to achieve a lifting effect, adding volume, smoothing out wrinkles and restoring facial contours.
Suitable for: those seeking minimal downtime and temporary, subtle enhancements on early signs of ageing without surgery.
A facelift can be effectively combined with a neck lift to achieve a harmonious, youthful appearance that extends beyond the face to the neck.
By treating these areas simultaneously, patients can enjoy a seamless, natural transition from their revitalised face to a sleek, contoured neck, enhancing the overall aesthetic result and ensuring balance and proportionality.
This is a great opportunity to assess your face's structure, skin quality and specific ageing signs. Your surgeon will explain the procedure, tailor a treatment plan to your needs and address any questions or concerns. The personalised approach ensures the envisioned outcomes align with your facial characteristics and aesthetic aspirations.
Pre-operative health assessments may involve adjusting certain medications, undergoing lab tests and adhering to specific instructions about eating, drinking and smoking. The aim is to optimise your health status to minimise risks and facilitate a seamless recovery. Your surgeon will provide detailed guidance tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you are fully prepared for the procedure.
The surgical procedure is performed under general anaesthesia or sedation. Typically, incisions are made within the hairline at the temples, continuing around the ear and ending in the lower scalp. This allows for the repositioning of skin and the tightening of underlying tissues without visible scarring. The surgeon repositions the deeper layers of the face, tightens the SMAS layer, and removes excess skin to create a more youthful appearance.
Incisions are meticulously closed with sutures or skin adhesives, minimising scarring and facilitating healing. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the surgery generally lasts for several hours.
Non-surgical facelift options offer a versatile and minimally invasive alternative, harnessing advanced techniques to lift, tone and enhance the facial contour with minimal downtime.
• Dermal fillers and botulinum toxin are used to fill in wrinkles, restore volume and relax facial muscles, contributing to a smoother, more youthful appearance.
• Ultrasound therapy instead uses micro-focused ultrasound waves to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin, gradually lifting and tightening the facial tissues.
• Fractional lasers promote skin resurfacing by stimulating collagen production, improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Post-surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising and discomfort. Medications for pain and detailed instructions for care will be provided by your surgeon. You will also attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor your healing and remove sutures, or assess the need for further interventions.
At home, rest, keeping your head elevated, and applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling. Avoiding strenuous activities and direct sun exposure is advised during the initial recovery phase. Most patients can resume normal activities within two to three weeks.
After the treatment, you can expect a smoother, firmer facial skin, a well-defined jawline and reduced sagging and deep creases. The outcomes are visible once the swelling and bruising subside, revealing a more vibrant and revitalised self. Note that it can take up to several months for all swelling to subside and the final results to fully emerge.
The effects of a facelift typically last for 5 to 15 years. While the procedure does not halt the ageing process, it can significantly turn back the facial ageing clock.
While facelift surgery is widely regarded as safe and effective, like any surgical procedure, it comes with potential risks and side-effects.
• Swelling and bruising: common and temporary, these effects diminish as the healing process advances.
• Scarring: incisions are strategically placed to minimise visibility and scarring typically fades over time.
• Hair loss: temporary hair loss around the incision sites is possible but usually resolves on its own.
• Changes in skin sensation: numbness or tingling is common but gradually improves over weeks to months.
• Loss of skin: rare, resulting from poor blood supply to the skin flaps; smokers are at a higher risk.
• Facial nerve injury: a rare complication that could lead to temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness.
Immediate consultation with your surgeon is advised if you experience:
• Unusual swelling, pain or discharge from the incision sites
• Significant bleeding or signs of infection
• Breathing difficulties or chest pains
• Any sudden or concerning changes in your overall health
With Adoreal, you have direct communication with your surgeon.
