Face Lift

A face lift (rhytidectomy) lifts and tightens the deeper tissues of the lower face and neck, and removes excess skin.

• It can improve sagging of the cheeks and jawline (jowls), deep folds between the nose and mouth, and loose skin of the neck.
• It does not change your basic appearance or stop ageing. The face continues to age after surgery.
• It does not treat the forehead or brows, which need a brow lift, or fine lines and skin texture, which may need skin treatments alongside it.
• A neck lift can be done on its own or together with a face lift.

• People in good general health whose skin has started to sag but still has some elasticity. Most are in their 40s to 60s, although older patients can also be suitable.
• Non-smokers, or people willing to stop well before and after surgery.
• People with a clear idea of what they would like to change, and realistic expectations.

Diabetes, a high body weight, smoking, and previous surgery or radiotherapy to the face increase the risk of complications. If you are planning to lose weight or become pregnant, it may be better to wait.

• Usually under general anaesthetic, sometimes local anaesthetic with sedation. It takes about two to three hours, and many patients stay in hospital overnight.
• The cut usually starts in the hairline at the temple, runs in front of and around the ear, and ends in the scalp behind it. A small cut under the chin is sometimes added for the neck.
• The deeper supporting layer of the face (the SMAS) is repositioned, not just the skin. For the neck, the neck muscle may be tightened and some fat removed.
• Shorter-scar (“mini”) lifts are an option for people with only mild sagging.

• Stop smoking and all nicotine products at least six weeks before surgery, and do not restart while you heal.
• Tell your doctor about every medicine and supplement you take. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers and some herbal supplements increase bleeding and may need to be stopped.
• Arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for the first night.

• Keep your head raised on pillows for the first couple of days. Bandages, and sometimes small drains, are used at first.
• Bruising and swelling last at least two weeks. Stitches are removed after one to two weeks.
• Most people need two to four weeks before going back to work and normal social activities. Strenuous exercise is avoided for at least two weeks.
• Numbness of the cheeks and ears can take many months to settle, and the final result can take six to nine months to show.
• Scars fade but do not disappear. They are placed in the hairline and the natural folds around the ear, where they are less visible.

Every operation carries some risk. Your doctor will go through the risks that apply to you before you decide.

• Bruising, swelling, numbness and a feeling of tightness are expected and are usually temporary.
• A collection of blood under the skin (haematoma).
• Injury to the nerves that move the face, causing weakness that usually recovers but can occasionally be permanent.
• Hair loss near the scars, a change in the hairline, thick scars or slow wound healing.
• An uneven result, infection, blood clots and reactions to the anaesthetic.