A face lift is a surgical attempt to reverse ageing. It is a surgical procedure used to reduce facial wrinkles, deep creases, and improve the overall appearance of the face and jaw area. Face lift surgery can help reverse the harmful effects of time, stress, and the elements to give a more youthful experience.

How is a Facelift Performed?

The traditional technique for performing facelift surgery utilizes an incision that begins in the hairline near the temple and continues in front of the ear, around the ear lobe, behind the ear and back into the hairline. Here, the face and neck muscles as well as sagging tissues are tightened. Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is repositioned in a way that creates a more youthful appearance. In facelift cases where the neck needs specific lifting, a small incision is made under the chin from which the neck muscles and tissues are tightened.

How Will I Feel Post-op?

The degree of pain varies from patient to patient and depends on the magnitude of your surgery. Usually, there is very little pain and residual swelling typically disappears within a few days. Additionally, most bruises are gone within a few weeks. Patients generally feel a sense of tightness and numbness that should gradually disappear after several weeks. In regards to scarring, face lift surgery scars typically remain pink in colour for the first few months before maturing into less visible white scars as time passes. Furthermore, face lift scars are primarily confined to the hairline region and within the natural creases of the skin.

What are the Risks and Benefits?

As with any surgery, there is associated bruising, swelling and scarring. Whilst uncommon, there is also the possibility of infection, which is treatable. Most patients are happy with turning back the clock ten years.

Am I a Candidate for a Facelift?

Candidates should be in good health and have good elasticity of skin. They should also have realistic expectations. It’s not possible to make a seventy year old look like a twenty year old again. Some patients may be able to achieve their goals with non-surgical procedures like microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Restylane or Botox.

What are the Long Term Effects?

While the effects of a facelift may last many years, it cannot stop ageing. The face will feel less tight as time goes on and many patients opt for a second surgery seven to ten years after.

Which Celebrities Have Had a Facelift?

Madonna, Raquel Welch, Gene Simmons (Kiss), Ozzy Osbourne, Clint Eastwood, Chuck Norris and Michael Douglas.