Facelift and Necklift Surgery
 As part of the aging process our skin progressively loses its elasticity and our facial muscles tend to slacken. The rate at which this happens varies from one person to another and is probably determined by our genes. Substantial weight loss, smoking and excessive sun exposure can accelerate the process. As a result the folds and smile lines deepen, the corners of the mouth droop, the jaw line may sag creating jowls and fat and folds of skin may gather around the neck.
There are several operations that can be done to reduce some of the more visible signs of ageing. What can and should be done during your facial surgery will be determined by your particular concerns and requests and the anatomy of your face. The aim of surgery is to rejuvenate your face, giving you a refreshed, natural look, avoiding a pulled or tight appearance. Ultimately, you will still look like you.
A facelift and necklift is usually performed under general anaesthesia with an overnight stay in hospital. The procedure is performed through incisions that go from the temple downwards, in front of the ear, round the earlobe and upwards behind the ear. There may also be an incision under the chin. Through these incisions, the tightening of the muscles and skin of the face and neck is performed. These incisions usually heal to form fine scars that are well-concealed. Gentle liposuction may also be used during the operation, to enhance the jawline and neckline.
Both men and women choose to undergo facial surgery. If your face and neck have begun to show the effects of ageing but your skin still has some elasticity and your bone structure is well defined, a face lift may be right for you. Most patients are aged between 40 and 65, but face lifts can be performed successfully on people beyond this age.
A facelift cannot address wrinkles on the brow, frown lines or puffy, tired looking eyelids. The surgery can be combined with a Browlift or Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) to address these areas.
Complications are RARE, but you should be aware of them so that you can make an informed decision about your surgery.
Every operation carries with it the risk of bleeding, infection and delayed healing. Significant bleeding may require urgent reoperation. Delayed healing may require treatment with antibiotics and regular dressings and may result in more obvious scars. There may be skin irregularities or asymmetry. There may be damage to the nerve that supplies sensation to your ears, or even damage to the facial nerve. This is the nerve of facial expression that allows you to raise your eyebrows, close your eyes, smile and sulk. I emphasise that this is rare.
As mentioned above, the scars heal very well in most patients, but please be aware that if you have dark skin, freckly skin or red hair, the scars may be more obvious or even lumpy. Hypertrophic scars can be improved with appropriate treatment. Rarely, there may be reduced hair growth around the scars.
After the operation, a padded bandage is placed around your face and neck which helps to reduce swelling. There will also be small plastic tubes to drain away any excess blood or fluid from under the skin. The day after the operation, the dressings and drains are removed and your hair will be washed before you go home.
The recovery period overall is 3 weeks. There will be bruising and swelling, most of which subside by the end of the first week, and prescribed oral painkillers will help to control any discomfort. There will be some numbness of the skin of the face and neck which will gradually resolve over the next few weeks. Most of the discomfort subsides by the end of the first week, and you should be able to venture out of doors by the end of the second week. You will be able to return to normal activity by the end of the third week. You should avoid driving until you are confident you can perform all necessary manoeuvres safely.
Our practice nurse will keep in close contact with you whilst you recover at home. Generally, you will be seen in the clinic at 5-7 days for removal of stitches, and thereafter at one month postoperatively. However, if there are any problems or concerns, you will be seen more frequently than this or as often as you wish. In the longer term, you are welcome to see Mr Ng for a check up at any time. All follow up appointments are free of charge whether they be at 2 months or 2 years post operatively. |
