Face Lift Surgery

Surgical/Procedure name:
Rhytidectomy

Common name:
Face Lift, Mid Facelift

Introduction

A facelift is a surgical method that removes excess facial skin to make the face appear younger. However, the aging face not only loses skin elasticity and develops looser droopy skin, but also loses fat and muscle tone.

How is Face Lift surgery performed?

The traditional facelift procedure is performed through an incision starting in the hair or hairline above and in front of the ear (the temporal region). The incision is extended downward in front of the ear, comes under the ear and then upward behind the ear ending in the hair or hairline behind the ear. The skin and fatty tissues are then lifted off the underlying muscle and fascia (connective tissue) as far forward as is necessary to correct the loose skin problem. The underlying muscle and fascia can be tightened with sutures if the surgeon feels it is necessary. The skin is pulled back and upward and the excess skin removed. The wound is then closed with sutures and skin staples. Some surgeons leave a drain in the wounds to remove excess blood. Bandages are then applied. There are surgical techniques which go into deeper tissues rather than under the skin and fat. The results are similar.

Is it right for me?

A facelift can only be performed surgically; non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time at which a facelift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery. Facelift surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires to to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
Facelift surgery is a good option for you if:

You are physically healthy

You do not smoke

You have a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance

Pre-Operative Care

Inform your surgeon of any allergies, all medical conditions, and any medication that you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription). Avoid aspirin and brufen-containing medication for two weeks prior to surgery to eliminate the chance of post op. bleeding. You should not smoke for 2 weeks prior to surgery as this may affect your reaction to the anaesthetic and prolong the healing process. Patients that suffer from hypertension must inform the surgeon prior to surgery.

Post Operative Care

Following surgery, if the surgeon feels it necessary, you may have a small tube temporarily inserted under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood or excess fluid. This is usually removed a day after surgery. You may also wake with your head in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling. Loose bandages will be removed with a couple of days, but a compression garment may have to be worn for a few weeks.

It is important not to perform any strenuous activity after surgery to avoid tension on the wound, which could stretch your incisions and cause scarring. Dental work is not advised. 

The recovery takes one to two weeks. Although you may have some bruising or swelling most people are happy with the result and may return to work after approximately 2 weeks.

Results

Facelift results will be long lasting. It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate and up to 6 months for incision lines to mature.

Life-long sun protection will help to maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimizing photo-aging or sun damage. In addition, a healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.

Recommended min length of stay in Thailand
14 days.