As we age, our face tells the story: sagging skin and jowls mean our face loses its definition and can even change its shape. The main reason people choose facelift surgery is to look younger. During a facelift procedure, the surgeon creates a flap of skin on either side of the face and pulls the skin back, to tighten it. The excess skin is then removed. Often during facelift surgery, the neck is also treated in a similar way, to tighten jowls. You may also decide to have a browlift in tandem with the facelift surgery, which will lift sagging skin on your forehead and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Consultation with a Plastic Surgeon
If you are considering a facelift, what should you expect? The first step is to have a consultation with an expert – a plastic surgeon. During this consultation the plastic surgeon will review your medical history and carefully examine your face to determine what the best surgical approach will be for your facelift. Then there will be an opportunity for the surgeon to explain to you about the procedure and for you to ask any questions.
Preparation for Facelift Surgery
In order to maximise the outcomes of your surgery and to ensure a swift, easy recovery you should prepare for the facelift operation. This may include focussing on eating a healthy diet, improving your fitness with exercise and if you smoke, stopping. Your facelift surgeon will be in a good position to offer you advice specifically tailored to your particular situation.
The Day of your Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. This means that you will need to fast for 6 hours prior to the procedure. The operation itself can take around 4 hours and when you come out of surgery you will be carefully monitored. It is likely that you will have drains in your wounds, to remove excess fluid and you may also have a drip in place, to keep you hydrated and through which pain relief medication and antibiotics are delivered if needed. You should be discharged the next day or soon afterwards.
A Few Days after Facelift Surgery
Two to three days after surgery, the swelling will start to reduce. Your bandages will be removed, and you will have to wear a supportive sling. Around a week after your facelift, your surgeon will review your progress and remove the stitches. You may notice numbness around your cheeks and ears, but this should improve as the swelling goes down. The tightness that you feel will also reduce over time.
Weeks and Months after Facelift Surgery
Over the following weeks, the swelling and bruising should continue to settle, and you will become better able to increase to your usual level of activity. It could take up to a year for any scars to fade. Then you can fully appraise your new, fresh looking, youthful appearance. You can expect to enjoy the benefits of your facelift for around 10 years.
About Ramsay Health Care
At Ramsay Health Care we are proud to work in partnership with some of the highest qualified and experienced ophthalmologist, orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain management consultants and physiotherapists in the UK. Our holistic care offers you the best treatment!
At Ramsay you won’t have to wait for an appointment for your facelift surgery. Your treatment may be covered by medical insurance and self-pay packages are available on request. We have first class facilities and all self-funding and most privately insured patients can enjoy exclusive benefits including superb food, a relaxing environment, priority access and appointments to suit your lifestyle. Our aim is to help you feel like a guest as well as a patient.