Facelift

I feel 21 but the mirror is lying to me!

As we age, it's only natural to look older than we feel. At any age, you should look great, feel great, and live your life to the fullest. If you feel much younger than you look, facelift surgery can enhance your self-image and your quality of life.

However, facial rejuvenation does not need to be a surgical procedure. You may also consider non-surgical procedures such as injectable dermal fillers and laser treatments. Before you make a final decision on something as important as your face, it is important to carefully review the pros and cons of each option and determine the best solution for your needs.

What is a facelift?

Facelift surgery does not mean you will be stuck with the scary results we all see in the media where people have gone too far. I believe that if a little is good then it does not necessarily mean a lot is a better thing. My philosophy for facelifts and all forms of facial rejuvenation is that subtle and natural are best. I want you to be able to walk into a room and for people to think you look better than you've ever looked in the past.

A facelift means different things to different people but it is all about identifying your needs and concerns. What is the specific issue that concerns you when you look in the mirror every morning? More importantly, how can I improve on that? It's not about changing who you are. It's about making you more beautiful, it's about recapturing the freshness of a youthful face. Ultimately, it is about putting a smile on your face when you look in the mirror.

When taking before-and-after photos of my patients, I don't ask them to smile - they just do. They smile because they feel good and making my patients feel good is what my job is all about.

Before & After

What type of facelift do I need?

I am proficient in many different types of facelift surgery, and they can be combined with other surgical rejuvenation procedures such as eyelid reduction, brow lift, neck lift, and rhinoplasty. Often, the procedures are combined to highlight a person's features and create a balanced and beautiful face.

• A facelift alone - will focus on the middle third of the face and elevate the fat pad of the cheek. This can be combined with a neck lift or liposuction of the neck to create a more youthful neckline. Eyelid surgery in the form of blepharoplasty of the upper eyelid or lower eyelid will rejuvenate the eyes, and a brow lift can elevate the brow.
• A "full facelift" - is a combination of eyelid reduction, brow lift, facelift, and neck lift procedures performed at the same time to produce full facial rejuvenation. A 'short scar face lift' or 'mini face lift' most often focuses attention on the cheek while a 'lower face lift' focuses almost entirely on the neck.

Regardless of the type, the goal of any facelift surgery is a refreshing rejuvenation of the facial area. I aim to produce a natural result by advising you as to which surgical procedure, if any, would best address your individual concerns. It is important to both of us that we are not changing the person you are; we are merely rejuvenating your face to make you look and feel the best you possibly can.

As an experienced plastic surgeon, I will employ artistry and surgical excellence to provide you with the result you desire. If you're ready to learn more about facelift surgery and take that step toward a reinvigorated self image, click the button below to arrange a consultation.

Considering a facelift?

There are some common questions that many people who are considering a face lift ask, such as:

Is it for me?

A face-lift is a highly personalised procedure and the outcome will be different for everyone. That is why before you make any decisions you will have a consultation with Dr Hunt to discuss your needs and goals for the surgery.

During this consultation, Dr Hunt will evaluate your general health as well as your face, including the skin, muscle, fat, and underlying bone. He will explain the factors that can influence the outcome of your surgery, and photographs will be taken for your medical record.

After the consultation, a quote will be prepared that will include your surgical, anaesthetic, and hospital fees.

Dr Hunt uses a number of different types of face lift techniques, so he can match the best one to your face type and desired result. Depending on your needs he may recommend:

• the SMAS lift
• the midface lift
• an endoscopic face lift
• the sub-periosteal face lift.
• the MACS lift.

What's involved?

All surgery – except the MACS lift in some circumstances – is performed under a general anaesthetic, given by an anaesthetist, in an accredited hospital, so you are assured of the best care.

Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of your ear) and continue behind your earlobe to the lower scalp. If your neck needs improvement, a small incision may also be made under the chin.

After the incision is made, Dr Hunt separates your skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The underlying muscle and membrane is tightened and the skin is pulled back; any excess is then removed. Stitches or clips secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions. A small tube may be placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that collects there in order to help reduce swelling and bruising. Your head will then be wrapped in bandages to help minimise bruising and swelling.

A MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) lift is less invasive than other techniques. The results are equal to those that can be achieved using more traditional techniques, however your recovery time is much faster. A MACS lift raises the skin of the neck, cheeks, chin, or near the nose using special sutures placed deep in the tissue.

When can I go home?

After the surgery you will stay in hospital overnight for observation and to ensure you have adequate pain relief. You will be most uncomfortable in the first 24 hours after surgery.

The day after surgery your dressings will be removed and replaced with a special bandage.

When you are discharged you will be given a prescription for pain medication, which will minimise your discomfort.

When you get home you should rest in bed for the remainder of the day. Moving about too much in the first 48 hours, may cause bleeding, and will also increase your pain.

You should take only the pain medication prescribed, and eat before you take it or it might upset your stomach. Make sure you get plenty of fluids.

Will I have to return for post-operative care?

Five to seven days after your surgery you will return to see Dr Hunt. About half your sutures will be removed at this time.

You will have another follow-up visit a week later to check on your progress and remove the remainder of your sutures.

How long will I be off work?

You should plan on taking at least 2 weeks off work.

When can I resume my normal activities?

A face-lift is a complex procedure and it takes time to recover and heal.

You should rest at home for 2 weeks after surgery. This means no heavy housework, exercise, long trips, gardening or other activities.

After 2 weeks you may start some light walking.

• You will be able to wash your face and take care of your incisions 2 days after surgery.
• You will be able to wash your hair 3 days after surgery.
• Dr Hunt will let you know if it’s OK to apply make-up after your first post-operative visit.
• welling and bruising usually subsides within 2 weeks.
• You may experience some numbness, tightness or tingling in your face and neck. This will lessen as you heal.
• You will be back to full activity in 4 to 6 weeks

When will I see the end result?

You will see the final result in 4 to 6 weeks.

Take the next step. If you're ready to learn more about face lifts, or take that step toward an improved quality of life click the button below to make an appointment to see Dr Jeremy Hunt

The affects of time and gravity can lead to drooping and sagging of the tissues of the face. A face-lift does not aim to change who you are, but to recapture a more youthful version of you, without changing the person you are.