Over time the skin of the face and neck become lax and there are changes to the underlying muscles and fat in the face. All of these changes result in producing the signs of ageing in the face and neck.
Our consultant plastic surgeons, here at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital, offer facelift and/or neck lifts procedures that allow for tightening of the skin of the face and neck, and repositioning of the underlying muscles and face. This improves the overall appearance of the individual, and reduces the signs of aging.
Before the operation?
You will meet your consutlant to talk about why you want surgery and what you want. Your consultant will make a note of any illnesses you have or have had in the past. Your surgeon will examine your face and neck.
How is the surgery performed?
A facelift involves raising and repositioning the skin and soft tissue of the face. During the operation, cuts are made on both sides of the face in front of the ear, extending up along the hairline, just in front of or behind the cartilage, and around behind the earlobe, into the crease behind the ear and then into the lower scalp. Sometimes only the skin above the neck is lifted (a facelift only).
Sometimes the neck muscle and the skin over it is just tightened by stitching them together (a necklift only).
Sometimes the neck muscle and the skin over and above it are tightened and then lifted and stitched tightly to the solid structures in front of and behind the ear (a facelift and necklift).
Excess skin is then removed, and the remaining skin is sewn into position.
Fat and tissue is redistributed, and is sometimes added to the face.
The standard facelift helps the lower half of the face, but modifications of the procedure can improve the upper face by lifting the outer angle of the eye and reducing crow’s feet (also known as laughter lines).
After the Surgery
What to expect after the operation
Facelifts and necklifts are usually carried under a general anaesthetic (so you would be asleep) or a local anaesthetic (where the whole area is numbed with injections and you might be sedated). The operation takes between two and five hours.
You might be given antibiotics to keep the wound clean. You may have drainage tubes in your face or neck to drain away any fluid or blood. These tubes will be taken out when the fluid or blood has stopped draining, usually before you go home.
You might go home the same day, but most likely you will stay in hospital overnight. If you do go home on the same day, a responsible adult should stay with you for the night. Your face and neck will feel tight and sore. Simple painkillers should be enough to keep you comfortable.