Face and Neck Lift Surgery

A face and neck lift involves  the tightening of facial tissues and re-draping of the skin to produce a more defined jawline, reduced jowls and tighter smoother  skin on the neck.

The best candidate for a face and neck lift is a man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined.  Early ageing changes may only involve loss of volume from the face and may need treatment with temporary fillers or fat transfer. Most patients are in their forties to sixties, but facelifts can be done successfully on people in their seventies or eighties as well. 

A facelift can make you look younger and fresher, and it may enhance your self-confidence in the process but it can't give you a totally different look, nor can it restore the health and vitality of your youth.  Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.  This surgery alone has little or no effect on eyes, lips, brow and chin areas.  We can however also offer combination of a face lift with eye lid surgery, brow lift, fat injections, chemical peels etc.

Highly qualified and experienced NHS Consultant Plastic Surgeons, with unrivalled expertise in face lift, neck lift, mini face lift, mid face lift, offer consultations at Sthetix Cosmetic Surgery Clinic.  All surgeons are members of BAAPS, ISAPS and/or BAPRAS.

Duration of Surgery:

This depends on the type of surgery needed. It usually takes 3 to 4 hours but can take longer in some cases.

Duration of Hospital stay:

Usually after this surgery a 2 night stay is required.

How long will I take to recover?

The wounds from a face and neck lift take up to 2 weeks to heal.  Most of the swelling and bruising settles down within 2 weeks but complete resolution of swelling may take up to 6 weeks.

Consultation for face lift:

All consultations for a facelift are held directly with one of the Consultant Plastic Surgeons.
We will ensure you have enough time to ask questions and receive adequate information about the procedure and you will have adequate time to explain your concerns about your looks and what you desire from the surgery.  The surgeon will examine you and explain the different options which may be available to try and achieve your desired result.  He/she will also explain the procedure, its limitations and potential complications to you.  We want you to be fully informed as we consider this to be a significant decision.  We always give a 2 week minimum cooling off period and always offer a second consultation.

Facelifts are individualised procedures.  In your initial consultation the surgeon will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone, and discuss your goals for the surgery.  It is important to have a frank discussion with the surgeon who is going to carry out your surgery.  Do not rely on a "patient coordinator" who is there to sell you the procedure.  You will not see a sales person and will not receive annoying sales calls.

Before your surgery:

You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's advice both before and after surgery. Smokers are strongly advised to stop smoking well before the surgery and not to start smoking until fully healed.  Smoking significantly increases your risk of complications. You will be advised to stop taking certain medicines and health supplements prior to surgery. You will be required to attend a pre-operative assessment clinic to ensure you are fit for the surgery and anaesthesia.

Surgery:

Face and neck lift surgery usually involves incisions in the hair line and around the ear. The skin is deeper tissues and muscles are tightened using sutures. The skin is then re-draped and any excess skin is removed.  Drains (plastic tubes) may be used to remove any excess fluid.  The skin is repaired using sutures and dressings are applied.

What are the risks?

When a facelift is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon at Sthetix Cosmetic Surgery Clinic complications are infrequent and usually minor. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities.

Complications that can occur include haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be removed by the surgeon), asymmetry, injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary but can be permanent), and loss of sensation around the ears, infection, and reactions to the anaesthesia.  Poor healing of the skin is most likely to affect smokers and can leave unexpected scars.  Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) are rare conditions.

No guarantees about the specific outcome of the surgery, the risks or the longevity of the results can be given and the outcome is never completely predictable.

Aftercare:

Your wellbeing is our first priority.  To monitor your progress we will arrange appointments at appropriate intervals for follow-up examinations with your surgeon.  All your aftercare is fully included in the cost of surgery.

When you are discharged, care instructions will be given to you and you will have 24 hour access to trained staff wh o will be there to advise you should you have any questions or concerns.

2 weeks after surgery, one of our trained staff will see you and check your wounds.  Any sutures requiring removal may be removed.  The surgeon who performed your surgery will see you after 6 weeks for a follow-up and as often as required until you are fully recovered.  This follow-up is a standard and will be provided at no extra cost.

In the unlikely event of a problem, arrangements will be made for you to be seen by trained staff, and if required, by the surgeon who performed the procedure.  As all our surgeons live and work locally, it is always possible to see your surgeon at relatively short notice, if required.  Our surgeons don’t leave the country, or indeed the local area after performing the surgery.  On the rare occasion that the surgeon leaves the local area for other commitments, there will always be another trained plastic surgeon from our team available to provide care.

In the unlikely event of a complication which is directly related to your surgery, we will provide or arrange further surgery and/or treatment at no extra cost.