Facelift

Facelift surgery Perth

Recreate your youthful appearance with a facelift

As we age, the soft tissues of our face relax and sag. This causes the characteristic appearances associated with ageing. Many of these changes can be addressed by a facelift, (rhytidectomy).  This surgical procedure aims to smooth out loose skin on the face and neck and tighten and lift underlying tissues. A facelift also removes excess fat from under the chin to help re-create a more triangular shaped face. This facial shape is associated with a youthful appearance.

Ideally, a facelift procedure restores the patient’s facial appearance to a fresher, more youthful version of themselves. This is as opposed to creating an entirely different look. Results will vary depending on the age at which the surgery is performed, the underlying condition of their skin and tissues, their general health and their appearance before surgery.

What you should know before facelift surgery

Facelift surgery is major surgery which can take some time and require a long general anaesthetic in some cases.  Medical problems such as heart or lung disease, major bleeding problems, diabetes or other health issues may impact on the decision to proceed. Smoking represents a significant risk to the surgery as it can impair wound healing, jeopardise the blood supply to the skin and also impact on the longevity of the result. If possible, smoking should be stopped at least 6 weeks before surgery to minimise these risks.

A facelift cannot correct conditions such as sagging eyebrows, excess skin and fatty deposits in the upper and lower eyelids, or wrinkles around the mouth. A facelift may be combined with a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping. It may also be combined with skin treatments such as a chemical peel, dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

What are the varying facelift surgery procedures?

There are many different types of facelift procedures. Dr Hanikeri uses techniques aimed at minimising visible scars and preventing distortion or alteration in the patient’s natural hairline. The incision starts along the sideburn region, extends into the natural crease in front of the ear and around the earlobe, behind the ear and into the hairline. There may also be a small incision under the chin. Through these incisions, the skin is lifted from the underlying tissues, which are then tightened and re-positioned to a more elevated position.

If a neck lift is required, a small incision under the chin allows removal of excess fat. It also allows for correction of the cords of loose tissue that are sometimes visible in front of the neck under the chin. This is done through tightening the muscle in this region like an internal corset.

After the skin has been re-draped over the deeper tissues, the excess is removed. A small flexible drain is usually inserted and the skin is closed with very fine sutures with surgical clips used for the hair bearing skin.  

Facelift

Facelift & Necklift

Procedure: Neck lift

Post op photos taken at three months

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Facelift

Facelift & Necklift

Procedure: Lower face and neck lift with modified MACS and suction assisted liposuction to neck and jowls

Post op photos taken at two years

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facelift patient perth before after front

Facelift & Necklift

Procedure: Simple MACS facelift, and neck lift, with autologous fat grafting to nasolabial folds and jowls

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facelift patient perth front

Facelift & Necklift

Procedure:  Full face and neck lift and autologous fat graft to cheeks and nasolabial folds LEFT upper lid blepharoplasty with dermabrasion to upper lip.

Post op photos taken at 15 months.

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facelift perth front

Facelift & Necklift

Underwent:  Simple MACS lift with liposuction to neck and bilateral upper eyelid reduction
Post photos taken at 8 weeks

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facelift perth front

Facelift & Necklift

Lady who underwent neck and lower facelift with submental liposuction
Post op photos taken at six weeks.

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Dr Hanikeri has helped hundreds of patients over the years achieve their desired results.

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What to expect after a facelift?

In most cases, patients are admitted to hospital overnight for rest and elevation. The face and neck are wrapped in a firm compressive dressing, which is removed the morning after surgery together with any drains.

Pain from the surgery is usually minimal. Strong pain killers are not usually needed after discharge from hospital. Fluid may continue to accumulate under the skin for a few days and can usually be “milked” out through the suture line with gentle massage. Patients are advised to continue to rest and elevate their head for the first two weeks. A compressive garment is worn for this period of time. 

Dr Hanikeri recommends taking a minimum of four weeks off work after the operation depending on the physical demands of their job. This will also depend on if they want to keep a low-profile post-surgery.

Typically, most of the swelling and bruising is resolved by the end of the first two weeks after surgery. However, there may be persistent tell-tale signs that are obvious for up to 6 weeks. Light activities, including driving and light exercise can safely commence by the end of the first two weeks. Patients can usually return to normal activities and exercise within four to six weeks depending on the extent of surgery required, their general condition and their post-operative course.

Scars are not completely predictable, however most are barely visible in the long term.  They may appear pink and slightly thickened for a few weeks to months after the surgery. They will usually fade to be pale and soft by around three to six months. Their final appearance may take up to eighteen months to achieve. Patients may experience numbness in the facial area, which may be present for several months in some cases.

What are the risks of a facelift surgery?

All surgical procedures carry some risks. The potential risks are discussed at the initial consultation and will be outlined via your secure patient portal (TouchMD). Some risks may include:

All surgical procedure carries some risk. Potential complications may include haematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal), infection, and reactions to anaesthesia.

Injury to underlying structures including the nerves that move the muscles of the face or provide feeling to the ear is rare but possible, though usually temporary.

Facelift incisions are usually inconspicuous but are not predictable due to individual variations in healing. Patient must temporarily avoid exposure to direct sunlight and, for the long-term, be conscientious about the use of a sunblock to protect their skin.