Facelift (Rhytidectomy / Meloplasty)

This is due to the gradual loss of collagen and elastin, vital proteins in the skin’s connective tissue. A facelift reduces descending skin or folds of skin on the cheeks and jawline and other changes that occur in the skin due to ageing. The procedure typically involves removing excess skin, tightening underlying tissues, and repositioning the skin on the face and neck.

Facelifts can address wrinkling and skin laxity around the jaw, mouth, and middle of the face.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your initial meeting with us, Dr Richardson will ask about your medical history and general health. Generally, suitable candidates are patients who do not smoke, are in good health, and have visible signs of ageing.

You will be able to express your concerns and what you hope to achieve with surgery. You can also ask questions to clarify any concerns you may have about the procedure. The discussion will also allow Dr Richardson to develop a plan suited to you while taking your goals into account. After this meeting, you should have a clear idea of what to expect from facelift surgery.

The Procedure

Facelift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia with an overnight stay. It is performed by placing a careful incision along the sides of the face. Incisions usually begin at the temples, moving down in front of the ear and then back up towards the lower scalp. This incision method allows Dr Richardson to elevate the skin and remove the excess skin or tissue. However, in cases where descending skin is minimal, a “mini facelift” may be performed, which involves smaller incisions. Although some scarring is expected, Dr Richardson will carefully hide the incisions in the hairline as much as possible.

During the surgery, Dr Richardson may use several techniques depending on your case. This may include removing excess fat deposits in selected areas. He may also tighten the facial muscles. After this, your incisions will be dressed and bandaged. Specific techniques during facelift surgery can include:

• Deep Plane – – This method targets structures below the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System), also known as the “deep plane.” Through careful dissection of specific ligaments and tissue planes, it allows the repositioning of facial muscle, fat, and skin to strategically lift the soft tissue envelope of the face.
• High SMAS – (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) – This technique targets the connective tissue beneath the skin, lifting the skin and SMAS layers separately to not only reposition the soft tissues of the lower face but also the mid-face.
• Short Scar – As the name suggests, a short scar facelift involves a smaller incision, lifting the facial tissue and correcting signs of ageing around the mid and lower face.

Cost of a Facelift

Dr Richardson will tailor each procedure to the patient and their needs, which means the fees can vary for each procedure. There are a number of factors to consider, like the extent of the patient’s skin laxity, as well as their health and expected outcomes. In some cases, the patient may only require a mini facelift, which can usually be done with local anaesthesia. However, if the patient has a large amount of excess skin or laxity, this can mean the surgery will be more extensive. These things can have an impact on the final fee. We may also need to consider the cost of medications, aftercare, and hospital and anaesthetist fees. We can answer any further questions you may have about cost during your meeting with us.

Aftercare

After the procedure, your incisions will be bandaged, and you will be prescribed pain relief to aid in the beginning stage of recovery. Drainage tubes will help remove any excess fluid. Patients can return home after one night in hospital, and it is important to have a trusted friend or family member drive them home and stay with them for the first few days.

Dr Richardson will give you specific guidance on how to care for your incisions. You may be advised to

• Rest with your head elevated.
• Refrain from strenuous tasks and exercise.
• Wear the correct support garments.
• Keep your face clean and moisturised.
• Avoid spending time in the sun.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Stay hydrated.
• Sleep on your back.
• Advise Dr Richardson if any issues arise.

It is important to take enough time to rest and recover. After recovery, it is a good idea to maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise routine, minimise sun exposure, and avoid smoking.

Patients can expect the following :

• It is important to take enough time to rest and recover. After recovery, it is a good idea to maintain a
• Some discomfort after one or two weeks, with return to some activity after one week, such as light walking.
• Return to work and driving after two to three weeks, subject to the progress of your healing.
• Prescribed support garments must be worn for four weeks.
• Return to a normal exercise routine, travel, and social functions after six weeks.

We will offer further guidance based on your specific procedure and health.

Risks and Complications

We will offer further guidance based on your specific procedure and health.
It is common to have pain, swelling, and bruising after facelift surgery. You may also have some numbness and muscle stiffness. However, these will resolve as your incision sites heal.

Like every surgery, the procedure also comes with risks. Although severe issues are rare, it is important to be aware of these risks to ensure you are fully informed. Following your at-home care advice will help reduce your risks and promote healing. Risks of this surgery can include:

• Bleeding
• Swelling and bruising
• Infection
• Persistent pain
• Reactions to anaesthesia
• Discolouration
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slow healing and poor scarring
• Nerve injury and weakness