Face Lift

As we get older, our skin naturally loses some of its elasticity and our facial muscles may weaken. As a result, the skin hangs differently, forming folds and creases.

The great majority of patients requesting facial surgery have often been thinking about this option for a considerable time. They have concerns about how they look, and understand better than anybody how important the results of surgery are.

Consequently, we spend considerable time with our patients, in order to:

• Determine exactly what it is they are trying to achieve
• Establish that what concerns the patient is in fact the problem
• Establish whether other treatment options might be more beneficial
• Produce a totally individual personalised treatment plan for each patient

We utilise the very latest techniques in surgery (e.g. facelifts; chin, cheek and lip implants; liposuction to the neck; brow lifts) and non-surgical techniques (e.g. laser resurfacing; chemical peel) to combat the problem of the ageing face.

Facial surgeons generally divide the face into thirds, roughly as brow, mid-face, and lower face and neck. Each must be assessed separately for the very best results to be achieved.

Who is suitable for a Facelift?

The best candidates are generally considered to be those individuals whose skin quality is still relatively good. Most patients are between forty and seventy years old, although older patients may also benefit.

What to think about at this stage
It is important that, before you see the surgeon, you consider what you are trying to achieve from your surgery.

If you intend losing weight at some time in the future, it is best to do so before your facelift. Smokers are advised to stop smoking for at least two weeks prior to surgery, in order to help healing and reduce the risk of infection. Smoking reduces the blood supply to the thin skin flaps created by the surgeon.

How is a Facelift performed?

• The operation may be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation. However, the majority of patients and surgeons prefer the use of general anaesthetic.
• Incisions are made above the hair line over the temple, and follow the natural line in front of the ear, continuing around the ear lobe and up in the crease behind the ear onto the lower scalp.
• Either just the skin is tightened, or both the skin and underlying musculature (SMAS facelift).

Additional procedures may be performed, such as: o eye-bag removal
o liposuction to the neck
o chin or cheek implants
o laser skin resurfacing
o brow lift

• The operation may take three or more hours, especially if additional procedures are performed
• Most patients stay in hospital for one or two nights
• If your work is not physical, expect to return to work within two weeks
• Expect to be back to normal physical exercise within two to four weeks

Following the operation
As with all surgery, you must expect to feel bruised and sore. Most surgeons apply a bandage to the face for two days to reduce swelling. Sutures are removed after one week. You may also be asked to keep your head elevated for a few days to help the swelling go down. Initially your face will feel puffy and somewhat stiff.

Risks & Complications
Cosmetic surgery is amongst the very safest of medical procedures. However, all patients must understand and accept that no surgical procedure is absolutely free from risk.

At Consultation, Mr Malik will discuss these risks with you. In addition, they are all fully outlined in the “Patient Guide” for Facelift.

How long will the results of your Facelift last?
A facelift turns the clock back, but it does not make time stand still. You will always look younger than you otherwise would, but over the years your face will continue to age.