Facelift Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide
By Miss Jurga Pikturnaite and Mr Shaheel Chummun
Facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a celebrated method for reducing visible signs of ageing in the face and neck, offering a rejuvenated appearance. Here, we explore the various facets of facelift surgery to help you understand its benefits, processes, and outcomes.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical approach to rejuvenate your face by reducing sagging, smoothing deep wrinkles, and tightening the skin and underlying tissues. It effectively addresses ageing signs in both the face and neck, giving a more youthful and refreshed look.
Types of Facelifts
Facelifts are not one-size-fits-all. There are a number of facelift types and techniques and they are commonly combined with a variety of other procedures (blepharoplasties, brow, lip and neck lifts), each tailored to address specific ageing concerns. While many types of facelifts have been described and used (‘mini-facelift’, ‘SMAS-lift’, ‘deep plane facelift’ and a number of others), there is no ‘one-fits-all’ solution’. We tailor our approach and the choice of the facelift technique depending on what a particular patient needs. In some cases a mini-facelift can be sufficient, leaving behind slightly shorter scars, but often a full redraping of tissues and skin will be required , commonly extended into the upper neck to help define the jawline better and reduce jowls.
Full Facelift: Addresses extensive signs of ageing, such as sagging skin, jowls, and to some degree prominent nasolabial folds. Incisions are typically made around the hairline and ears to allow for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Mini Facelift: Helps with mild to moderate ageing signs, involving shorter incisions and a quicker recovery time, but only offers modest changes.
Mid-Face Lift: Enhances the cheekbones and reduces sagging under the eyes by lifting the mid-section of the face. It is commonly combined with lower blepharoplasty.
SMAS Lift: Allows for tightening of the tissues under the skin to create a rejuvenated appearance.
Deep Plane Facelift: One of the most powerful facelift techniques, that offers significant improvements for severe sagging and deep wrinkles by adjusting deeper facial tissues.
Neck Lift: Often combined with facelifts to enhance the jawline and address issues like a double chin and turkey neck.
Benefits of Facelifts
Many individuals approach us feeling self-conscious about sagging skin or expressing dissatisfaction with the appearance of their profile views. Time and time again, we hear people say, "I look so much older than I feel," or "I'm tired of seeing this turkey neck every time I look in the mirror." These concerns are not just about vanity, they reflect a desire for one's outward appearance to match the youthful vigour they still feel inside.
A facelift offers a myriad of aesthetic and medical benefits, making it a popular choice for individuals looking to rejuvenate their appearance. Here’s a detailed look at these benefits:
Aesthetic Benefits:
Improved Facial Contours: One of the most significant aesthetic benefits of a facelift is the improvement in facial contours. It can redefine the jawline and neck, reducing sagging and the appearance of jowls, resulting in a more youthful and sculpted profile.
Reduction of Wrinkles: Facelifts tighten the skin and underlying tissues, in turn smoothing out some of the wrinkles.
Enhanced Skin Appearance: By removing excess skin and tightening the remaining skin, a facelift can give the skin a firmer, fresher look, reducing the appearance of ageing.
Balanced Facial Features: For some patients, a facelift can help balance facial features by restoring symmetry and proportion that may have been altered by the ageing process.
Natural Results: Modern facelift techniques aim to provide results that are not just noticeable but also natural-looking, avoiding an over-tightened or "done" appearance.
Medical Benefits:
Improving Symmetry: A facelift can be used to restore or improve symmetry in patients who have sustained an injury to their facial nerve, leading to an asymmetry of their facial features. With a facelift, the surgeon can improve the asymmetry and create a more balanced appearance.
Reduction of Skin Health Issues: Removing excess skin, particularly in areas like the neck, can reduce skin folds where issues like irritation, rashes, or infections might occur due to friction and trapped moisture.
Long-Lasting Results Compared to Non-Surgical Treatments: While non-surgical treatments must be repeated regularly, a facelift offers more durable results, reducing the need for frequent treatments and the associated risks and downtime.
Psychological Well-being: Improved appearance can lead to significant psychological benefits, including increased self-esteem and decreased social anxiety, which can positively affect overall mental health.
Motivation for Healthier Lifestyle Choices: The improvement in appearance can often motivate patients to maintain a healthier lifestyle, including better skincare, which can have long-term health benefits.
Your Journey Through Facelift Surgery and Recovery
Understanding what to expect can ease your mind as you consider this life-enhancing procedure:
Consultation and Planning: Your journey begins with a consultation where our surgeons evaluate your facial structure and discuss your aesthetic goals.
Anaesthesia: Depending on the complexity, the surgery may require general or local anaesthesia with sedation.
The Procedure: Incisions are made discreetly along the hairline and around the ears. The skin is then carefully lifted, underlying tissues tightened, and excess skin removed before redraping the skin smoothly over your new facial contours.
The Recovery:
Initial Recovery Phase (First 1-2 Weeks)
Swelling and Bruising: The most significant swelling and bruising occur during the first two weeks. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated can help reduce swelling.
Pain and Discomfort: Patients often experience some pain and discomfort, which are managed with prescribed pain medication.
Bandages and Drains: Bandages are usually applied to reduce swelling, and drains might be placed to remove excess fluid. These are typically removed within a few days.
Limited Activity: It’s crucial to rest and limit physical activity to promote healing. Most patients take this time off from work and avoid strenuous activities.
Intermediate Recovery Phase (2 - 4 Weeks)
Decreasing Swelling and Bruising: By the end of the first month, most noticeable swelling and bruising should have subsided.
Visible Improvements: The results of the facelift start to become apparent as the healing progresses.
Gradual Return to Normal Activities: Patients can usually begin to return to normal daily activities and light exercises, as advised by their surgeon.
Long-Term Recovery (1 - 6 Months)
Gradual Return to Normal Activities: Patients can usually begin to return to normal daily activities and light exercises, as advised by their surgeon.
Subtle Changes: The face will continue to heal and the final results will settle in. Any residual swelling can take up to six months to fully resolve.
Follow-Up Visits: Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are important to monitor the progress of recovery and address any concerns
Ideal Age for a Facelift
People typically consider a facelift from their mid-40s onwards, but the best timing varies based on individual skin condition and personal goals. During your consultation, we can determine the optimal time for your facelift based on your specific needs.
Longevity of Results
Facelift results can be long lasting. Ageing will continue naturally, but you can maintain your results longer through a healthy lifestyle and skincare regimen. Some patients opt for minor touch-ups to extend the benefits of the surgery.
Does the skin age faster after a Facelift?
The skin does not age faster after a facelift. In fact, a facelift can help the skin appear younger and more rejuvenated by tightening loose skin and repositioning underlying tissues. However, it is important to note that a facelift does not halt the natural ageing process. The skin will continue to age naturally after the procedure.
Interested in booking a consultation?
Embarking on the journey of a facelift can be transformative, not just for your appearance but for your overall well-being. At Emendo Surgical Group, we understand that choosing to undergo facial surgery is a major decision, and our team is committed to providing you with support, expertise, and care throughout the process. From your initial consultation to the final reveal of your rejuvenated self, our goal is to ensure you feel confident and informed.
Your journey to a younger, refreshed you begins with a simple conversation. We're here to guide you every step of the way and look forward to being a part of your transformation.
Meet the surgeons specialising in Facelift surgery in Bristol, Bath Gloucester and Beyond.
Mr Shaheel Chummun is a facial plastic surgeon specialising in Facelift surgery.
Miss Jurga Pikturnaite is a facial plastic surgeon specialising in Facelift surgery.
Emendo offers Facelift surgery across hospitals and clinics in the South West of England:
