Details of the procedure
The incisions allow the surgeon access to the deeper layers in
the face and their fibrous attachments, which are sutured
(stitched) tightly in front and behind the ear, to create a firm
sling under the chin and around the jowl area. Slack skin is then
precisely and meticulously removed, and if necessary, unwanted fat
is also removed from under the chin area with a minor liposuction
technique. The remaining skin is then re-draped over the newly
defined features and carefully sutured back into place with either
absorbable or fine non absorbable stitches.
This procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic
and will commonly involve one to two nights stay in hospital. Under
normal conditions a typical rhytidectomy procedure will take
between two and two and a half hours to perform.
Recovery
How will you feel after a facelift
procedure?
Following a rhytidectomy procedure incision areas are often
quite tender for several weeks following surgery.
Analgesic tablets (pain killers) are always provided for any
discomfort and patients are encouraged to stay as upright as
possible during their early recovery stage and to use cold
compresses to help diminish residual swelling. Patients usually
describe the way they feel as ‘tight and uncomfortable’ rather then
experiencing specific pain.
Every surgeon’s rhytidectomy technique can differ slightly and
facelift wounds can be sutured with either clips, absorbable or
fine non absorbable sutures, or a combination of all three. Sutures
and clips are normally removed 7–14 days following surgery.
Any post-operative discomfort tends to diminish rapidly after
clips and sutures are removed. Most surgeons firmly bandage the
face and jaw area for the first 24 hours following surgery to
minimise the development of swelling and to help reduce facial
discomfort.
Following the removal of bandaging, patients are advised to
gently shower and wash their hair on a daily basis and to keep
their surgical wounds as clean as possible.
In the early days following discharge, patients are strongly
advised to avoid any level of activity that will put undue strain
on the newly operated areas, to keep their hands away from their
surgical wounds and to pay meticulous attention to their personal
hygiene.
Possible Risks
Risks such as bleeding, infection, delayed healing, alteration
in sensitivity and scarring will all be discussed quite openly at
consultation, as well as our scrupulous efforts to manage and
minimise these risks to their lowest possible potential.
In most cases, the fine incisions and subsequent scars made
during surgery are well hidden in the hair-line and behind the ear.
However, the recovery and appearance of scars, which generally fade
progressively after surgery, are a highly individual matter.
Usually these fine scars mature, soften and fade to a negligible
level although occasionally, patients can develop firm, raised,
discoloured scarring, known as hypertrophic or keloid scarring,
which may require further corrective treatment although the results
cannot be guaranteed.
It is often reported that altered sensitivity and numbness to
skin around the wound areas are a common side effect for up to 12
months following facelift surgery.
Due to the additional healing and infection risks experienced
with patients who smoke, smokers may be precluded from having a
rhytidectomy until they cease their daily cigarette intake.
Contact us
To find out more about treatments and services at the Pinehill
Hospital, please contact us via our online form or on:
01462 427207