Facelifts

Like all surgical procedures, Facelift surgery carries risks. It’s important to be aware of common risks so you are able to weigh up the benefits, risks and limitations of the surgery. Below is a list of possible complications and specific risks for Facelift surgery. General risks and complications of surgery can be found here. There may be complications that are not listed here and some lifestyle factors and medical conditions can cause greater risks.

Risks of Facelift Surgery:

• Hematoma
• Scarring
• Nerve injury or paralysis
• Hair loss around scars
• Skin loss
• Bruising and swelling
• Numbness around operated sites
• Post-operative asymmetry

Facelifting is the most invasive procedure performed at Prèface Cosmetic. Hospitalisation is always necessary along with general anaesthetic.

Dr Hollenbach provides patients with tailored recovery programs to reduce post-operative pain, bruising and swelling. Several post-operative appointments will be necessary in order to monitor your progress.

It is common to experience bruising and swelling, which generally subsides about 1-2 weeks after the operation. Although involved downtime is generally 4-8 weeks, it may take up to 3 months for you to completely recover from Facelift surgery and return to strenuous activities such as exercise. Swelling can persist over this period.

Facelifts generally involve tightening the whole of the face with incisions behind hairlines and difficult to see areas in front of and behind the ear with the removal of excess skin in order to achieve tightening. This is not always the most natural look and there are other less invasive techniques that can achieve close to the same result.

Dr Hollenbach favours ribbon techniques or Endotine techniques for mid-face lifting, cheek lifting, jowl and jaw lifting. These use a variety of Endotines or ribbons that in time absorb and leave the elevated areas in their optimised position. Ribbon lifting in particular achieves excellent results in the jowl and jaw area and is often combined with laser liposuction. This part of the face combined with lipofilling for volumisation.

In the upper face, particularly in the cheek area, more traditional SMAS facelifting procedures are employed if the lifting vector is deemed to be better in an upward and outward direction. If the elevation is to be purely vertical, perhaps a mid-face lift is more appropriate.

Dr Hollenbach will of course discuss the differences in detail at your consultation.

It’s important to note that facelifting does little to address concerns in the overlying skin. Patients undergoing facelifts often opt to have adjunct CO2 resurfacing laser to make the skin look at its best after the procedure to complete the rejuvenation process. Facelifting is the ultimate form of skin tightening. It can be combined with other facial surgical procedures such as brow lifts, upper or lower lid blepharoplasties, cheek lifts, ribbon lifts and or with fat transfer procedures.