Facelift (Rhytidectomy / Meloplasty)

This is due to the gradual loss of collagen and elastin, vital proteins in the skin’s connective tissue. A facelift aims to both lift and refine the contours of the face to help patients achieve tighter, firmer facial skin and a refreshed appearance. Facelifts can address wrinkling and skin laxity around the jaw, mouth, and middle of the face, with lasting and natural-looking results.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your initial meeting with us, Dr Richardson will ask about your medical past and general health in order to make sure you are a good candidate. Generally, ideal candidates are people 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. As well as this, the discussion will allow Dr Richardson to develop a plan suited to you, whilst taking your goals into account. After this meeting, you should have a clear idea of what to expect from facelift surgery, including both the before and after the procedure.

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, then back up towards the lower scalp. This incision method allows Dr Richardson to elevate the skin back and remove the excess in order to create the desired look. However, in cases where the skin sagging is minimal, a “mini facelift” may be performed, which involves smaller incisions. Although some scarring is expected, Dr Richardson will be careful to 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 to improve their tone and further refine your face shape. 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”, and through careful dissection of specific ligaments and tissue planes, allows repositioning of facial muscle, fat, and skin to strategically lift the soft tissue envelope of the face and create a more youthful appearance.
• 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, to achieve a lifted and rejuvenated appearance.
• 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 ideal outcomes. In some cases, the patient may only require a mini facelift, which can usually be done with local anaesthesia. But 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, as well as 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 you home and stay with you for the first few days.

Dr Richardson will give you specific guidance on how to care for your incisions in order to produce the best possible outcome. 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. This will help you maintain the results of your procedure. For the best results, we may recommend muscle-relaxing injections, HA fillers, or chemical peels. Your scars will fade over time and become almost unnoticeable to onlookers.

After a facelift, a period of mental adjustment is not uncommon as you settle into your improved and new appearance. Please be mindful of this as you progress through your recovery. Most patients can expect the following :

• 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 6 weeks.

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

Risks and Complications

It is common to have some pain, swelling, and bruising after your facelift surgery. You may also have some numbness and muscle stiffness. However, these will usually fade as your incision sites heal.

Like every surgery, the procedure also comes with some 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 encourage a good final result. 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