What is a Facelift?
As we age, our facial muscles become slacker and the skin on the face becomes looser and less elastic, creating folds and lines. Substantial weight loss can produce similar changes in facial appearance to those of the ageing process. A facelift is a cosmetic operation that aims to make your face tighter, smoother and more youthful.
A younger looking face can convey vigour and energy and increase confidence in your social, personal and working lives. If you feel that your face no longer reflects your vitality and you want to do something about it, you could be thinking about getting this procedure.
Will it last?
A facelift does not stop the clock, but it does put the clock back. The effect of the facelift is likely to always be there, in that you will not look as old as you would have done if it had not been carried out.
What you should do before the Surgery?
If you are overweight and intend to lose it you should do so before the operation. This allows Mr Khan to remove more skin and therefore achieve a more pleasing result. You should avoid taking tablets containing aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Voltarol and Indocid for at least two weeks before surgery as they increase the risk of bleeding.
You should stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery as this is the main cause of reduced healing. It decreases circulation of the skinflaps, particularly behind the ears.
Have your hair permed and tinted, if you wish, before your operation as fresh scars are sensitive to these chemicals for a few weeks.
How is it done?
A Facelift can take up to six hours to complete in the hands of a skilled surgeon. You’ll then stay overnight. These are purpose built for cosmetic surgery with specially trained medical staff, so you’ll receive expert care at all times.
Mr Khan will have discussed the exact details of your Facelift procedure before your surgery. During the operation, incisions will be made in your hairline, behind your ears and/or under your chin, depending on whether you are having a Lower Facelift or Full Facelift surgery. Mr Khan will then carefully separate your skin from underlying tissues before removing excess fat and tightening the facial muscles and tissues. Your skin is then pulled taut and stitched back into place, with any excess skin removed.
After the Surgery:
Your face will be wrapped in bandages – which you may need for a few days – and you’ll feel sore, swollen and bruised. We’ll provide pain relief and keep you comfortable until you’re ready to go home.
You should plan to take two weeks off work to recover, or three weeks if you’ve also had Eye Bag or Eyelift Surgery. Your bruises should fade after two weeks, though it could be 12 weeks before the swelling completely subsides. This is when you should see the final result of your Facelift.
You’ll come back to have your stitches removed about a week after surgery. If you’ve had dissolvable stitches these should disappear in about six weeks; we’ll still see you to check on your progress though. We’ll give you plenty of advice on recovering at home and what to expect.