As we get older, the facial muscles can become slack and the skin on the face becomes looser and less elastic creating folds and lines.
A facelift is a cosmetic operation that can improve the appearance and leave the skin on the face tighter and smoother.
Facelift surgery can also include the correction of droopy eyelids (blepharoplasty), improvement of the level of the eyebrows (brow lift) and tightening of the skin around the neck area (neck lift).
Depending on the advice of your surgeon, these procedures may be carried out as separate operations.
It is important that you discuss with your surgeon what you are hoping to gain from having surgery of this type as they will be able to explain realistically expect. It is also important that you complete any weight loss programmes and are at a stable weight before having this surgery to get maximum results.
How long does surgery take?
A facelift at Kingsbridge Private Hospital is usually done under general anaesthesia which means you will be asleep during the procedure and feel no pain. The length of surgery can vary on what procedures are being done. Your surgeon will be able to provide more information on this at your consultation.
Facelift surgery at Kingsbridge Private Hospital will usually require a stay of one or two nights. It is recommended that you have a friend or family member take you home after being discharged. You should not drive until advised to do so by your surgeon.
Your surgeon will explain how you can expect to look after the procedure. Photos may be taken for before and after comparison.
Getting advice about facelift surgery
At Kingsbridge Private Hospital any concerns or questions you have about this type of surgery will be answered by one of our consultants. You can also book an appointment with a GP at our private GP service.
Alternatives to facelift surgery?
At your appointment your consultant may advise other treatments before facelift surgery or may advise alternatives in combination with surgery so that you achieve the desired effect. This may include treatments such as:
- Resurfacing techniques to reduce surface wrinkles and smooth the skin by removing damaged outer layers. Options include chemical peels, pulsed light and laser resurfacing.
- Dermal fillers can help to plump out deep wrinkles with injections of hyaluronic acid, collagen or other types of filler. Depending on the type of filler used you may need to have repeat treatments every six to nine months to maintain the full benefits.
- Botulinum toxin (eg Botox) injections can help to flatten out wrinkles in your skin caused by muscle action, for example when you smile or frown. This treatment is particularly suitable for forehead lines and wrinkles around your eyes. However, it won't help with wrinkles caused by sagging of your facial tissue as a result of ageing. For this type of treatment it is usually recommended that you have repeat treatments every three to four months for full long lasting effects.