Face Lift

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Face Lift

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic surgical procedure to lift and pull back the skin to enhance skin tightness and smoothness.

This surgical procedure aims to reduce the flabby or sagging skin around the lower half of the face (mainly the jowls) and neck.

Facelifts are generally successful procedures and can have dramatic results, often setting the clock back about 10 years. 

What does the facelift procedure involve?

There are many different kinds of facelifts, but generally, the surgeon will:

  • Make cuts (incisions) above the hairline at the temples that extend down in front of your ear, underneath your earlobe and behind the ear
  • Make cuts under the chin if the jawline is also being lifted
  • Remove the surplus facial skin
  • Pull the remaining skin backwards and upwards before stitching it into its new position
  • Sometimes redistribute facial fat and tissue or add this to the face
  • Bandage the face to minimise bruising and swelling

 Facelifts are commonly performed under general anaesthetic or with local anaesthetic and sedation. The operation takes between 2-5 hours, and you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

How long would it take to recover from a facelift?

The full recovery from a facelift will take around 2-4 weeks.

Additionally, you can expect some side effects which are common and temporary after facelift surgery, such as:

  • Stiff, puffy and numb face for a few weeks or months
  • Feelings of tightness when opening mouth
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Feeling low and depressed in the first week
  • Discomfort at night (sleeping upright with ice packs applied to cheeks may be helpful)

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