Facelift surgery

Face Procedures

Facelift surgery can turn back the years of facial ageing, enhance facial contours and rejuvenate the natural beauty and vitality of the face and neck. Facial ageing causes loss of skin elasticity, loss of facial fat volume, muscle atrophy and bone recession. As result it can seem as though our faces are “falling off.”

As the underlying foundation recedes, the overlying layers, all undergoing age related changes, start to droop and sag into the lower face and neck. Facelift surgery rejuvenates the face and neck by removing excess skin, tightening and lifting the underlying muscles and restoring volume.

Facelift surgery is for women and men with signs of facial ageing. These include, deep wrinkles, loose sagging skin on the face and neck, prominent nasolabial folds, jowl formation and neck bands (platysmal bands). The age range is variable, but most importantly this procedure is for patients who are generally very well. Patients with underlying medical problems, smokers and patients taking blood thinning medication may not be suitable. As always with surgery, nutrition is crucial so patients must be following a healthy diet and ideally participate in regular exercise.

Dr Taylor’s approach to face and neck lift surgery is to reinstate rather than alter the natural contours and subtle features of the face, whilst avoiding tell-tale signs of facelift surgery.

The procedure

Facelift surgery is performed in an accredited hospital facility under general anaesthesia. It takes approximately 3-5 hours depending on other procedures which may be included such as eyelid surgery and fat grafting. An overnight stay in hospital is required.

Incisions are made on both sides of the face, within the hairline just above the ear, passing down in front of the ear, around the ear lobe, passing into the hairline at the back of the head. The scar is well hidden in natural creases. A skin flap is raised to access the underlying supporting tissues, including the SMAS layer, (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) which is tightened or resuspended using a combination of techniques. The skin is then lifted, pulled and ‘redraped’ over the face and the excess is excised. Lipofilling (fat grafting) to restore volume is incorporated when necessary. Drains are inserted and generally removed the next day.

A “Mini Facelift” or “Short scar facelift” can be performed for those patients whose main concern is the lower face extending to the jaw but not involving the neck. A mini facelift takes less time, has a smaller incision and generally a shorter recovery time. Whilst this might sound more appealing, it is important to choose the correct procedure to achieve the outcome which will have both longevity and an ideal result. Dr Taylor will discuss your situation with you and recommend a technique and plan that addresses your specific concerns and desired outcome.

The recovery time is approximately 2-3 weeks, during which there will be some swelling and bruising which will resolve over time. A compression garment is worn to facilitate the process. Once the acute bruising and swelling has settles, it takes a few months for swelling to completely resolve and for the final result to be evident.

Dr Taylor will tailor a non-surgical treatment plan in conjunction with your Facelift, to optimise your skin tone and condition and to achieve a lasting result.

Side effects, risks and complications

Facelift surgery involves common side effects of surgery including some pain and discomfort, bruising, swelling. There will be new scars which will soften and fade over time. Changes in skin sensation can occur and are usually temporary.

Risks and complications can include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, skin necrosis, poor scarring (eg keloid or hypertrophic scars). Nerve injury can occur during face lift surgery. The facial nerve branches, which provide innervation to the muscles of the face, can be bruised. This can cause some weakness which takes a few weeks to recover. Very rarely these branches may be cut. The greater auricular nerve supplying sensation to the lower ear skin is very close to the skin and is at risk of being divided, particularly in patients who have had previous facelift (including thread lift) procedures.

Pricing

Facelift procedures do not attract a Medicare or Private Health Insurance rebate. Pricing includes surgical fees, surgical assistant fees, hospital fees (threatre time and overnight stay), surgical garments, anaesthetist fees and GST.  A detailed quote will be provided to you following consultation with Dr Taylor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between fat transfer and fillers?
As opposed to synthetic fillers, the process of a fat transfer keeps the fat cells permanently where they are placed. They use a person’s own fat tissue for injection, rather than filler materials.
Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty surgery?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty surgery patients are those who are fit, have already achieved any weight loss goals. Abdominoplasty surgery is not a substitute for diet and exercise and can be associated with increased risks in patients who are overweight or obese. Women who are planning future pregnancies should also delay abdominoplasty surgery.
How much does breast reconstruction surgery cost?
The cost for breast reconstruction is determined by the extent and complexity of the procedure, as well as surgeon costs, anaesthetist fees, hospital fees, and post-operative recovery costs. Because of its reconstructive nature, a portion of the procedure costs may be covered by Medicare or your private health insurer, but you will need to check what criteria you must meet to be eligible.
What is recovery from breast revision like?
Recovery from breast revision surgery will be similar to the recovery experienced following the initial implant procedure. It is recommended that you minimise strenuous activity and exercise after surgery. You should also avoid wearing underwire bras to facilitate proper healing of the underlying breast tissue.

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