Facelift
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that can be used to achieve long-term rejuvenation of the face, when the signs of ageing and the effects of gravity have given a tired and aged look. Concern such as: lines and wrinkles, sagging skin and volume loss often appear from the age of 40+, due to the loss of collagen and the weakening of the skin. Creating a more youthful and radiant appearance not only helps to achieve a fresher appearance, it can restore lost confidence too. A facelift is often combined with other procedures, both surgical and non-surgical. Speak to us about what combinations can work for you.
Nav offers the deep-plane face lift, where suitable, and often combines it with blepharoplasty, brow-lift, neck-lifting, lip-lift and rhinoplasty. All can be done under the same general anaesthesia to reduce down-time.
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What To Expect On The Day
REAL plastic surgery can approach a facelift in a number of ways, depending on your concerns and your expected outcome. We typically make incisions either behind the ears, or at various points around the hairline.
In some cases we also make an incision beneath the chin, if the jawline is also to be addressed. This allows us to separate the skin from the underlying tissues, so they can be repositioned, muscles can be tightened and any excess fat can be removed. The skin is pulled tight before any excess is trimmed away and the incisions are closed. Dressings will be applied where necessary and a compression garment may need to be worn to help the skin and tissues settle, as well as to reduce any swelling.
Treatment Time
A facelift in London usually takes three to four hours under general anaesthetic, with most patients staying one night in hospital.
Downtime
Expect 10–14 days off work, depending on swelling and bruising.
Reasonable Mobility
You’ll be walking the same day, though your face will feel tight and swollen for the first week.
Sport & Exercise
Light walking is encouraged early, but strenuous activity should wait six weeks.
Driving
Most patients can drive again after two weeks, once they feel comfortable and can turn their head safely.
Shower
You can usually shower after two days, avoiding hot water and pressure on incisions.
Full Recovery
It generally takes three months for swelling to settle, with scars and definition improving for up to a year.
Maintenance
Results last many years with a stable weight and good skincare, though ageing naturally continues.
Reason for doing this?
A facelift tightens skin and underlying tissue to restore smoother, more youthful facial contours.
Reasons to Avoid
It may not be suitable if you have uncontrolled medical conditions, poor healing, or unrealistic expectations.
Showering After A Facelift
It is important to keep the face dry for around 1 week after the surgery, when you can shower. This will allow for the wounds to heal sufficiently, and any dressings can be removed. You will need to be careful when showering, ensuring that warm water is used, no powerful jets and gentle motions are used.
Follow Up And Aftercare
Your dressings may be removed in a few days, and you will have a course of pain relief recommended to you before you leave the clinic. We usually arrange follow up appointments 1 week, 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery to monitor your healing and recovery. You should be careful to avoid strenuous activities for around 2 – 4 weeks and only resume certain activities when it is comfortable to do so.
Book a Consultation
Every transformation starts with a conversation. During your consultation at Real Plastic Surgery, we’ll take the time to understand your concerns, assess your goals, and create a tailored treatment plan that’s right for you. Book your consultation today and take the first step towards feeling your best
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any side effects and risks?
Your face will look swollen and bruised for around 2 weeks, and it is normal to experience some temporary numbness. Other risks include: nausea, infection, bleeding and haematoma, but these complications are less frequent. The procedure will incur some scarring but we ensure that the placing of incisions is with discretion in mind, and when they have faded they will probably go unnoticed.
When will I see results?
It typically takes around 6 weeks to notice the results, when all swelling and bruising has subsided. Taking into account the fading of scars, the final outcome may develop after 12 months.
Are the results permanent?
A facelift can provide a long term solution that reverses the signs of ageing. However, the ageing process will continue to take place and over some time, the face may start to develop lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. A repeat procedure won’t be required for some time, but other rejuvenating procedures can be explored.
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