Facelift

What is a facelift

Facelift or a face and neck plastic surgery is a surgical procedure that effectively removes signs of facial ageing, tightens deeper tissues, reduces marked facial wrinkles and removes excess sagging skin in the mid and lower face.

Who is a good candidate for the procedure

The facelift is suitable for all men and women mostly from the age of 40 who want to restore the youthful appearance of their face. Of course, it can also be performed on younger clients, if a major sag of the skin in the face and neck areas occurs earlier than usual. The surgery can only be an option for candidates who meet certain health criteria.

Before the procedure

If you consider a facelift, it is always necessary to undergo a non-binding initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, who will assess whether the procedure is right for you, explain the technique of the surgery, the type of anaesthesia, as well as the possible risks associated with the surgery. During the consultation you can ask any questions, in particular those related to the course of the surgery, as well as your expectations and concerns about the facelift results.

When making a binding appointment, you will be given and explained instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, as well as information regarding eating, drinking, smoking and taking or withdrawing from certain medications. Compliance with all these instructions is necessary and will facilitate a smooth procedure and seamless healing after the facelift. 

How is the facelift performed

The facelift can be performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation but it is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The surgical incision is omega-shaped and curves around the auricle which means that the entire resulting final scar is practically hidden under the hair or follows the natural hairline. The facelift can be combined with some other procedures which improve the appearance of the face, such as the eyelid or forehead surgery.

After the procedure

After the face and neck plastic surgery, you may temporarily experience bruises, swelling, numbness and tension in the skin, a feeling of tightness, very dry skin and increased hair loss. A semi-seated position preferably on the back and cold compresses on the treated sites over the bandage are recommended. Perform light pressure massage of the scars starting from the 14th day after the surgery. Apply a moisturizing lotion to the skin of the surgery area. It is imperative to avoid chemical hair dyeing for 6 – 8 weeks and face tanning for 3 – 4 months after the surgery. Based on the check-up, the stitches will be removed 5 – 12 days after the surgery. After a facelift, return to normal activity is usually possible within 2 – 3 weeks. Avoid physical activity for 3 – 4 weeks after the surgery.