The face lift procedure, also known as rhytidectomy, is performed to tighten the skin around the face and neck making it look firmer and more youthful.
As we age our facial skin loosens and wrinkles appear. The muscles in the neck may weaken as well causing skin to sag. As well as the natural ageing process additional factors can cause the skin to lose elasticity and age such as excess sun exposure, weight fluctuations and smoking. This may affect your self confidence and in today's society with many people living longer maintaining a more youthful appearance is becoming increasingly popular.
The face lift procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and generally involves raising the facial skin and tissue and changing the layout of the underlying muscles leaving the face feeling tighter and smoother. The procedure can take between two and three hours to perform. The surgeon will make an incision along the hairline and around your ears. After the incisions are made, the skin is separated from the facial muscles and the fat and skin is pulled up and back to tighten the muscles of the face and neck. The surgeon may want to remove any excess fat to get the best result and may tighten the underlying tissue that tightens the neck and lifts the cheeks. The skin is then pulled back and any excess skin is removed. The incisions are then closed with stitches and metal staples may be placed in the scalp. If a neck lift is also being performed there will also be a small incision hidden underneath your chin.
Drainage tubes may be placed behind the ears to drain excess fluid, collect excess blood and prevent swelling. These are usually removed before you go home. The incision is then sutured closed. The head is then bandaged to prevent fluid collection.
You will need an overnight stay in hospital so you can be closely monitored and cared for and the stitches will need to be removed between five and ten days after surgery. The face and neck will be bruised and swollen for a few weeks after surgery and it is recommended to have two weeks off work.
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