As you age, the skin on your face and neck starts to lose elasticity.
Your surgeon aims to create a rejuvenated look without the ‘pulled tight’ look you may associate with older more conventional facelift methods. Facelifts involve more than simply tightening the skin. Your surgeon will also address the underlying support structures beneath the skin and rejuvenate what gravity and the passage of time have taken away.
Facelift surgery, clinically known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the face by reducing wrinkles, tightening loose skin, and lifting sagging or ptotic areas. At AR Plastic Surgery in Brisbane, you will meet with highly qualified and accredited Specialist Plastic Surgeons.
Main Reasons for Facelift Surgery
People opt for facelift surgery for various reasons, including:
- Ageing: To counteract the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and loose skin.
- Sagging or Ptotic Skin: To tighten sagging skin around the jawline and neck.
- Volume Loss: To restore facial volume and plumpness.
- Sun Damage: To improve skin affected by sun damage or environmental factors.
Preparing for Your Consultation
Before your consultation, it's essential to:
- Conduct Research: Familiarise yourself with facelift surgery, techniques, and potential risks.
- Prepare Questions: Write down questions you may have for your surgeon.
- Medical History: complete your medical history form including conditions, medications, and previous surgeries.
- Understand that facelift surgery is considered cosmetic surgery therefore you will not receive any rebates from medicare or private health funds. This is important to consider if complications occur as medicare and private health funds will not assist in most cases.
General Risks of Facelift Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, facelifts come with general risks such as:
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Bleeding or Hematoma
- Scarring
Specific Risks of Facelift Surgery
While facelift surgery is generally considered safe and effective, like any surgical procedure, it carries some specific risks that potential patients should be aware of:
- Skin Discoloration or Pigmentation Changes: This can occur due to changes in blood supply during the procedure. It's more common in smokers and is usually temporary but can be permanent in some cases.
- Facial Asymmetry: Although efforts are made to ensure symmetry, there is always the risk of uneven results. Corrective procedures may be necessary in some cases.
- Nerve Damage: The facial nerve, which controls facial muscles, lies beneath the skin and may be affected during surgery, leading to temporary or permanent numbness or changes in facial sensations and symmetry.
- Skin Necrosis: Rarely, loss of skin can occur, most commonly in smokers. This is a serious complication requiring immediate medical attention.
- Hair Loss around Incisions: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent hair loss along the incision lines.
- Fluid Accumulation (Seroma): Sometimes, fluid may accumulate under the skin. Drainage is sometimes required.
- Prolonged Swelling: Sometimes, swelling may take longer than anticipated to subside.
Surgical Options and Procedure Details
Anaesthetic
- Facelift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and can take 4-6 hours depending on the surgery performed
Surgical Technique
SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) Lift:
- Incisions are made along the hairline, extending around the ears and following the hairline down the neck.
- Skin is lifted, and the SMAS layer is tightened and sutured.
- Excess skin is removed, and incisions are closed.
Recovery and Aftercare
Post-operative care is crucial for a successful facelift. You can expect:
- Initial Recovery: Up to 3 weeks of downtime.
- Swelling and Bruising: Usually subside within 3-4 weeks.
- Scar Care: Follow instructions on scar care provided by your surgeon
Longevity of Results
While a facelift cannot stop the aging process, the results are long-lasting, typically around 5-10 years depending on how you care for your skin, your sun exposure and lifestyle activities. Maintenance treatments such as injectables, lasers and minor revisions can prolong the results.
Conclusion
At AR Plastic Surgery, we are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our patients. Your surgeon and our dedicated team strive for the highest standard of care from consultation to recovery. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us.
Note: It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive understanding of this surgery. The above information serves as a general guide.
