| The facelift may also be
performed in concert with surgery on the brow, eyelids and neck. Other
adjuvant procedures include liposuction to the jowl and neck, Coleman fat
transfer or other fillers (e.g. Restylane or New Fill) to augment underfilled
areas, and botox to reduce wrinkle lines between the eyebrows and around
the eyes.
How is the operation performed ?
The operation is usually performed as an inpatient procedure under general
anaesthetic. It is possible to perform some procedures under sedation and
local anaesthetic. Most patients only stay one night and day case procedures
are possible.
An incision is made in front of the ear, extending into the hairline and
behind the ear. The strong connective tissue layer under the skin is tightened
to reduce the redundancy of this layer. Excess redundant skin is then excised. In a MACS facelift a shorter incision and more limited undermining may be employed.
Is it possible to perform a smaller operation?
There are a number of alternative smaller facelifting operations that produce
excellent results in some patients. Not all patients are suitable for these
procedures. These alternative techniques involve shorter incisions, less
extensive skin undermining and different techniques to redrape the connective
tissue layer.
The MACS lift involves a short incision in front of the ear, extending a
few cm into the temporal hairline. The skin is undermined to a lesser extent.
The connective tissue is suspended from the thick tissue in the temple by
2 or 3 stitches on each side. The recovery time is much shorter – usually
only one week. This technique is particularly powerful at addressing the
jowl area and redundant folds of skin in the neck.
What can I expect
after the operation?
A drain will be placed under the skin on each side. These will be removed
on the morning after surgery. Your face will be dressed in a tailor-made
support garment which you are encouraged to wear as much as possible for
the first week. This garment can easily be removed and replaced by the patient.
Stitches placed in the skin incisions are removed at day five. A degree of
swelling and bruising will be noticeable for at least a week.
What are the risks of the surgery?
The risks will be discussed with you in detail before you consent to the
operation. The risks can be broken down into general risks associated with
any operation, and those specific to facelifting surgery.
General operative risks include anaesthetic complications, bruising, bleeding,
infection, wound breakdown and abnormal scarring.
Specific complications include visible scars, collections of blood under
the skin (haematoma), wound breakdown, poor healing, skin loss (necrosis),
hair loss within and around the scars (alopecia), deformity of the earlobe,
temporary numbness of the cheek and ear, damage to the underlying facial
nerve which can produce some muscle weakness, asymmetry and disappointment
with the final cosmetic result in terms of extent of improvement and final
contour of the neck and face.
Is the surgery permanent ?
The surgery will produce a lasting result, however it cannot halt the ageing
process. It has been stated that “ You can turn back the clock, but
you can’t stop it ticking.” You will always remain more youthful
than without the surgery.
What Costs are involved ?
Dr Belt’s surgical fee
Assistant’s fee
Theatre fee / day bed, and overnight bed if not a day case
Specialist anaesthetist’s fee
Please contact Dr. Belt’s rooms and his staff can answer any questions
you may have. A personalised quote and information can be sent to you regarding
your procedure.
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