WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE?

The best candidates for Face Lift are men or women whose face and neck have begun to show visible signs of ageing, but whose skin still has good elasticity and whose bone structure is well defined. Most people opt for this surgery from age 40 – 60, however it can be performed successfully on people in their 70s or 80s.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Face Lift is considered a Cosmetic procedure, so you won’t be eligible for any Medicare or health fund rebates. However, you are required to get a referral from your General Practitioner before booking your first consultation.

You will have two consultations at our Practice. At the initial consultation, you will undertake an assessment for Body Dysmorphia, a condition causing intense focus, shame and anxiety over perceived body defects.  At this appointment you will also be given the paperwork for your possible surgery and go through this with our practitioner, discussing the procedure and associated risks and recovery requirements. Be frank in your discussions and remember to mention any medications that you are taking and whether or not you are a smoker.

At the second consultation, your Surgeon will assess your individual needs based on your expectations and your facial structure and suitability for Face Lift surgery. Remember, a Face Lift procedure is used to treat the midface and neck only, you will not get any change in your brow or eyes from Face Lift surgery alone.

SURGERY

Face Lift can be performed on its own or in combination with other procedures such as Blepharoplasty, Laser Resurfacing and Brow Lift, thus managing other trouble areas at the same time. The Face Lift procedure usually takes two to three hours, or longer if you are having the procedure done in combination with other facial cosmetic surgery. Face Lift surgery is performed under a General Anaesthetic and requires an overnight stay in hospital.
An incision is made on the side of your face at the hairline, extending along the front of the ear and up into the hairline at the back of the ear. The skin is elevated and the muscles, fat pads and other tissues are lifted and tightened. The neck is tightened and the jowls are elevated. Tightening the muscle as well as the skin produces a longer lasting effect.
The incision line is then sutured and a drain is inserted on each side to drain excess blood and fluid, which collects following surgery. The face is bandaged for a twenty-four hour period. A chin strap is used for support after this time.
In some cases a mini facelift such as a MACS lift, S Lift, or New York Lift can be used. These are best performed when there is little or no excess skin to remove from the face.

RISK

All surgery carries some risk and uncertainty. It is impossible to predict every outcome because everyone is different. Face Lift is normally a safe procedure providing the clients have been carefully selected and the Surgeon is adequately trained in the procedure as well as having training in general surgery.
Complications of Face Lift in the short term include infection, haematoma (a collection of blood or serous fluid underneath the skin) and numbness in the facial and ear areas.
Longer term complications include persistent numbness of the ear and nerve injury to the branches of the facial nerve which can give weakness in the smile, droopy upper lip, asymmetrical smile, difficulty closing the eye and no movement in the forehead. There is a possibility of skin loss due to breakdown of the suture site. Some facial asymmetry may result following this procedure and thick scarring may occur along the suture line which may require revision.

AFTER SURGERY – RECOVERY

Face Lift is invasive surgery and has a significant recovery timeframe and limitations and aftercare requirements. You will have an opportunity to discuss recovery expectations with your Surgeon at your Consultation and will receive detailed information prior to surgery in your Informed Consent paperwork.

You will need to organise a responsible adult carer to take care of you for four to seven days following your Surgery. This person will need to take you home from the Hospital and assist you in traveling to and from your nursing appointments, as well as assist in your general care at home.

There is usually minimal pain following Face Lift. Any pain can be treated with pain medication, prescribed to you by your Surgeon. Do not take any Aspirin or Aspirin related products as this can cause bleeding, unless otherwise instructed by your Surgeon.

Your face will be bruised and swollen for the first few days. Bruising and swelling begins to dissipate after a week or so. 
Numbness in the face and ears takes a while to resolve. It is usually gone by four or so months, however may take longer.

It is advisable that you gradually resume normal activities at a pace comfortable to you. Don’t be in a hurry to get back to normal. Avoid strenuous activity, including heavy exercise, straining and lifting for at least two weeks. You may commence a walking programme as soon as you feel able. Avoid exposure to the sun and try to abstain from alcohol for the first few weeks as this promotes bleeding. 

You will require at least two weeks off work, but and won’t be able to drive for one-to-two weeks. You will need camouflage make-up, an oil based make-up is specific for concealing bruising and swelling.