Facelift
A surgical facelift is the only way to restore sagging facial tissue to its original position. Minor changes can be treated with lasers, fillers, and radiofrequency treatments, among other things, but major changes require strong measures: a surgeon's knife and expertise.
How is a facelift, or surgical face lift, performed?
The incision is made on both sides of the ear area, making the scar as inconspicuous as possible. During the surgery, the loosened soft tissues of the face are tightened back into their previous position. The surgery is as physiological as possible and leaves a natural and long-lasting result. Thanks to the surgical technique we use, wound drains are not usually necessary. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
During surgery, fat transfers to selected areas of the face are very common. Eyelid surgery can also be performed in conjunction with a facelift. Facelifts are most commonly performed under local anesthesia and sedation. General anesthesia is also possible.
To whom is a facelift suitable for?
Age-related changes in the face are caused by a loss of skin elasticity, a reduction in fatty tissue with age, and a loosening of the tissues that support the face. The skin and soft tissues of the face sag downward due to the effects of gravity.
Excessive exposure to sunlight, weight fluctuations, smoking, and illness can accelerate the appearance of aging changes. A lower face and neck lift corrects the jawline, mouth corners, nasolabial folds (the folds running diagonally down from the base of the nose), and sagging and wrinkles under the chin. A facelift can be extended to cover the upper cheeks and eyebrows, in which case it is referred to as a full facelift.
In experienced hands, complications are rare and the results are good and long-lasting. Postoperative bleeding, wound infection, necrosis of the wound edges, unfavorable scarring, and asymmetry are possible but rare problems. There is also a risk of neurological problems, but these are very unusual complications. Anesthesia may cause temporary numbness and muscle weakness. An unsatisfactory result due to unrealistic expectations is also a risk of surgery.
How should I prepare for the surgery and follow-up care?
Patients can usually go home on the evening of the surgery. The bandages around your head will be removed at home after 1-2 days. Recovery does not involve severe pain, and regular anti-inflammatory medication is sufficient. Sick leave for 2-4 weeks is sufficient.
After surgery, swelling and bruising may appear on the skin of the face. Lymphatic drainage of the face can speed up the disappearance of swelling.
Skin recovery from surgery is individual and usually takes about 2-5 weeks. Good skin care is essential for skin recovery: we recommend vitamin A creams, which should preferably be started before surgery and continued for the rest of life. Vitamin A strengthens not only age-thinned skin but also collagen and elastin fibers.
The results of a facelift last for years. The procedure can be repeated later.
The price of the procedure includes 1-2 follow-up visits to the doctor, one piece of necessary support fabric, and a possible stitch removal/wound care visit with our nurse.
