WHAT IS A FACELIFT? (Facelfts Sydney)

As we grow older, no matter how well we look after our skin, or how good our genes are, the structures beneath the skin, plus the skin itself begins to loose its elasticity. Other treatments such as fillers, anti wrinkle injections and peels all perform well, within reason. Creams and treatments from beauty salons promise lifts and other miracles without surgery, but there comes a time when only a surgical facelift can give you the result you want.

HOW IS IT DONE?

Each individual will have different requirements, but a basic face lift takes the following form. An incision is made starting on the hairline above the ear, and continued just in front of the ear, and around the skin behind the ear lobe, extending back into the hairline. The skin is separated from the underlying tissue, sagging muscles are tightened, before finally stretching the skin upwards and backwards. Excess skin is then removed, and the areas sutured.

Sometimes clips are used, or non-dissolvable sutures. You will be advised about your particular face lift, as they all differ to some extent.

In some cases, liposuction of the chin and neck is performed at the same time; or a blepharoplasty (or eye tuck or eyelift) may be performed to remove fat bags, or loose skin from the eyelids.

Occasionally a haematoma (bleeding) forms beneath the skin. This sometimes needs draining a day or two after the surgery. This will not in any way affect the success of the surgery. Bruising and slight bleeding is normal, which is why you will be bandaged for the first 24 hours after surgery.

WHAT DO I NOTICE AFTER THE TREATMENT?

• Swelling, bruising, numbness, especially ears and cheeks.
• You will appear to look a lot tighter than the final result, so don’t panic when you look in the mirror
• Eating and talking will be uncomfortable for the first few days, so limit facial movements
• If you have had liposuction as well, the area will become quite hard after a few weeks. Gentle massage will help to break up the lumpiness.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

• Infection is most unlikely, because the procedure is done under strict sterile conditions
• Swelling and bruising under the eyes, which will take a few weeks to diminish. Arnica can be taken for the first two to three weeks to aid the healing
• Numbness across the cheeks, and ear area. This can last for as long as six to twelve months.
• Discoloration of the skin, which will fade once the areas have healed.

WHAT OTHER OPTIONS ARE THERE?

• Fillers, semi or permanent
• Anti wrinkle injections
• Laser resurfacing
• Peels
• Fat transfers
• Liposuction of the chin area

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SURGERY?

An icepack is placed over the eyelids to help reduce the swelling and bruising. The amount of bruising that you get is very variable. In some people, it is hardly noticeable; in others it may appear as a black eye.
After discharge, you should go home to rest.
If sutures have been used to close the wound, these are removed after five days.
If you have the eyelid skin resurfaced, you will be give clear instructions for postoperative care.

HOW QUICKLY WILL I SEE THE RESULTS?

You will notice the effects almost immediately. The tight look will relax over the next few weeks, giving you a more natural look. At about six weeks, all the bruising and swelling should have subsided.

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK?

You can return to work after about two weeks, providing you do not engage in any strenuous activities. You will be able to conceal any bruises with makeup
It is wise to wait for about six weeks before resuming any strenuous activity such as gym, yoga or aerobics on account of the internal stitches.

CAN I HAVE FURTHER INFORMATION?
More information can be found by looking at our website www.aestheticsurgery.com.au or www.minifacelifts.com.au
Or call us on (02) 8347 4488