All Procedures
Procedure: Face Lift
Useful information for patients on Face Lift procedures - lifting sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin.
Also called ‘rhytidectomy’, this procedure tightens the skin and tissues on the lower two-thirds of the face, from the ear, along the cheeks, down to the jawline, by removing excess skin and fat, and redraping it. The incision is generally hidden along the hairline and ear margin. With a gentle pull of the skin and tissue outward, the removal of excess skin and tissue regains the youthfulness of the face. This procedure is directed to people with signs of face and neck ageing, shown by tissue sagging and fold deepening. Several conditions such as people with hypertension and clotting disorders may need a further assessment before going through the procedure. Preparation may include a detailed history of medical history and medications, physical examination, smoking cessation, antiplatelet and anticoagulant withdrawal for about one week before surgery.
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
The procedure approximately takes between two to three hours.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia or intravenous sedation is commonly used, although local anesthesia can be used for a faster recovery.
Inpatient/Outpatient
May be either inpatient or outpatient procedure, depending upon whether other procedures are being performed at the same time.
Additional Information
Several conditions may apply after the procedure:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Numbness (temporary)
- Itching
- Scars
- Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
- Nerve Injury
- Infection
- Skin necrosis
- Asymmetry
- Hair loss
- Abnormal scars
- Reoperation
Head bandages will be applied for several days after the surgery. Patients should sleep with their head up for a couple of nights. Avoid driving and showering for the first 2 days. Stitches may be removed after one week. The resolution of bruising and swelling may vary up until 2 weeks. It takes about 7-14 days for a full recovery and return to work. Strenuous activity should be discontinued until at least 3 weeks after the surgery. The final result may take 6-9 months to be observed.
Long-term results may last permanently, however, there are various determining factors of how long the results remain, such as lifestyle and the natural ageing process. Patients should pay attention to the instructions after surgery for maximum results. Since people will continue to age naturally, sun protection may help to maintain the result.