What is a Face Lift?

A face lift, known as a rhytidectomy, is an operation performed to restore your face and neck to a natural, more youthful looking state. The procedure is best suited to treating the lower half of the face.

What does the surgery involve?

A modern face lift goes beyond just tightening the skin. It often extends below the skin to allow the underlying facial muscles to be tightened as well. The surgeon may also move, remove and in some cases add fat to the face.

In general, cuts (incisions) are made just inside the hairline at the temple, extending down along the natural curve of the ear, back behind the ear and then horizontally back into the hairline. The surgeon will then reshape your face and neck, making adjustments to the muscles and fat. Finally, (s)he will redrape your skin, carefully removing any surplus before closing the incisions. Small metal staples are often used above the hairline, while the scars around the ears are stitched with thin nylon thread.

Face lifts are most commonly performed under a general anaesthetic and take between two to five hours to perform. You are likely to stay in hospital for one night.

There will be some discomfort following surgery but it is not a painful operation. Expect to feel swollen, numb and bruised for a few days afterwards.

What are the alternatives to a Face Lift?

There are other medical treatments that can refine your overall appearance.

Your surgeon will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these different approaches at your consultation.

What are the risks and side effects of surgery?

Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, no surgery is without risk.

• Your face will be swollen, numb, tender and/or bruised for a week or two following surgery.
• A collection of blood or body fluid can build up underneath the skin. Rarely, a return to the operating theatre is needed to sort this problem.
• Wounds can be slow to heal, particularly if they become infected. However, this problem is rare.
• Temporary hair loss, formation of ugly scars and damage to the nerves of the face, causing weakness and numbness can occur.
• Other risks include wound infection, chest infection and blood clots in the leg known as a deep vein thrombosis although all these risks are uncommon.

Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you during your consultation. The final result will take six to nine months to be appreciated.

For more information on Face Lift, click here to view the PDF