THE PROCEDURE

There are many techniques by which face lift can be done – a traditional skin only technique (where the skin is lifted and pulled) to SMAS technique (where the underlying muscle sheet is pulled). The advantage of putting tension on the underlying muscle is that it does not relax as easily as tension on skin does. Hence the results are more long lasting, also as there is no tension on the skin, the scars heal well and there is no skin necrosis. At Aesthetics Medispa, we prefer the extended subsmas technique for a volumetric lift of the face, however the less extensive techniques can be also done if indicated.
What is important is to give a balanced rejuvenated look by the most simple and effective technique with the least complications. Most of the modern day techniques for face lift achieve an amount of mid face lift.Where excess skin is not a problem, then limited access techniques may be used.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER FACELIFT SURGERY?

There might be bruising and swelling after surgery that should subside in 3-6 weeks. You will have a soft and comfortable dressing around your head, cheeks and chin for firm support. You will also have a tube draining accumulated fluids from each side. The dressing and tubes will be removed simultaneously once the drainage stops. Immediately after surgery, due to the swelling, you might experience some difficulty in opening your eyes. There could be a slight irritation and feeling of dry eye. This rapidly improves after the next day. Wounds normally heal in 7 days to 2 weeks. Your plastic surgeon at Aesthetics Medispa and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.

You will be advised to apply an antibacterial ointment to the eye and protect the eyes from sun, wind and dust by wearing sunglasses.

PROGRESS AND HEALING

Incisions usually heal in 7 days to two weeks. Stitches are removed around this time. Initially you will have a large dressing wrapped around your head. You will then be asked to use a moisturizer and massage the face and scars once the incisions heal. Swelling and discoloration decrease within two weeks. Tightness in your face will be present for several weeks. You will be able to return to light work and normal activity by one to two weeks and to resume wearing contact lenses. Cosmetics can camouflage any bruising or redness. Healing will continue for several weeks. Diligent sun protection is a must for best results.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Although there are very few risks associated with this procedure, a possible general risk includes discolouration of the skin, bleeding, collection of blood under the skin (hematoma), asymmetry and scarring. Any surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. There are very few risks if the procedure is done under local anesthesia. These risks will be fully discussed with you by the Facelift Surgeon prior to your consent for surgery. The nerves of the face can sometimes be bruised during the operation and takes approximately one and half of month to recover. This may lead to slight weakness and numbness in the muscles supplied by that nerve. Rarely some nerves might not recover depending on the severity of the injury. General risks like delayed wound healing and infections are common to many other operations and can be treated satisfactorily. The risk of wound complications increases in diabetics, persons with a history of radiation, autoimmune and collagen disease as well as in smokers. By following pre- and post-operative instructions, you will minimize potential problems.