Facelift

What is a face lift?

An operation to bring the face to its ideal appearance.

What happens in an initial consultation?

First the patient comes to us and explains the problem or concern and what they would like to change. We make a demonstration and show all the possibilities. Using the fingers we tighten the skin from outside to show the patient where the medical and asthetic limits lie so that the patient better understands the reality of the surgery.

Who is a good candidate for a face lift?

The face lift is for practically everyone who has many wrinkles around the mouth especially in the nasolabial region as well as droopy skin under the jaw making it less defined. The age range for those seeking treatment starts at 40 and goes up to 60 or 70 years of age.

What kind of face lifts are there?

There are various kinds of face lifts such as the lower face lift, the forehead lift, the mini face lift and the SMAS Method. A mini face lift is ideal for younger patients in their mid-fourties looking to have a couple of wrinkles removed. A more significant face lift option is required for larger wrinkles 80% of the time. This is done using the SMAS method. In this procedure the tissue layer under the skin of the face is tightened so that the results last and are effective.

How long do results last?

A face lift using the SMAS method can take 8-10 years off the of a patients appearance. This does not stop the aging process however. A face lift can rejuvinate the patient’s appearance for only a limited time. The incisions to be made are shown to the patient as well as what the lift should look like before the operaton. The incisions are made on the inside so that the scars are hardly visible.

How safe is the treatment?

Face lifting has existed for 40 to 50 years and it has been in common practice for 20 to 30 years, especially in the cosemetic surgery field in America. It is considered a safe treatment because of proven operating techniques. The procedure should however be done by professionals only.

How bad is the pain during and after the operation?

Pain is minimal. Most of our patients never even need pain medication.

Does an inpatient stay have to be scheduled?

The patient should stay under supervision at least one night after their operation. Those patients who are coming in from out of town should plan for a two night inpatient stay because an examination is necessary and the drains are to be removed at this time.

Is a face lift always possible?

A face lift is almost always possible. The only time where a face lift is not possible is when there is inflammation in the face, chronic allergic swelling or a general illness that makes such a surgery ill-advised.

What precautions should be taken after the operation?

Patients must not do anything too strenuous. They should take it easy and do less house work or anything of the sort. The patient should not do anything that might tear the skin or cause bleeding.

When will I be fit and ready to get back to daily life again?

This varies from patient to patient. There are patients that had problem swelling and a hematome because of a small operation. However 90% of patients do not have these problems. It takes at least 8 days before a patient is 100% presentable.

Are there any risks or side effects?

There is a risk of a damaged facial nerve if an unexperienced surgeon is doing the operation. damage a facial nerve. In this case the patient will suffer from paralysis and sagging in that area possibly for the rest of their life as it is almost always irreparable. In rare cases there is a problem with the healing process making a revision necessary.

Will there be any visible scarring?

Scars are only really visible just after the surgery. When do they go away? A small incision in the front area of the earlap is necessary but is made is usually made in an earlap fold. This scar usually disappears after six to twelve months.

Can I see before and after photos?

Of course, there are before and after photos available. It is not so important to this operation. Each person is different and each operation is different. Plenty photos of successful operation results are available.