Facelift Surgery – Patient Guide
Over View
As we age, our skin unfortunately loses vitality and volume making us appear sullen and tired. The skin around our face and neck starts to lose its elasticity and youthful contours and it is
not uncommon to develop heavy eye lids, eye bags and jowls and as our muscles relax, causing most commonly our eye area and cheeks to sag. In addition, the excess skin and loss of
tension means we see the neck area hang lower also giving the appearance commonly referred to as ‘’turkey neck.’’ These effects are often heightened in smokers or those who have had
excessive sun exposure however can often simply just be a result of genetics. Face lift and neck lift surgery at the Cadogan Clinic is designed to remove loose skin and excess fatty tissue
around the areas that typically show signs of ageing, tighten relaxed muscles and giving the skin a firmer, more youthful appearance. Our highly skilled surgeons are leading experts in
their field, and we are committed to using the best technologies and methods available in order to achieve results that you will be delighted with.
We specialise in facial rejuvenation procedures at the Cadogan clinic which are designed to reverse these common signs of aging and help to ‘turn back the clock’ by restoring loss of
volume through complex lifting and repositioning techniques - providing both male and female patients with a youthful, refreshed, yet natural appearance. You can be rest assured your
facial surgery, performed at our state-of-the-art, purpose-built, central London clinic, will deliver the results you desire.
FACELIFT: AT A GLANCE
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SURGERY TIME 2 - 4 Hours
DAYCASE
SLEEPING POSITION Sleeping on back recommended for 4 weeks
REASONABLY MOBILE 48 hours’ rest
WASHING Shower fully after 1 Week
DRIVING 2 week
EXERCISE INCLUDING GYM 6 weeks
SEXUAL ACTIVITY Restricted activity after 6 weeks
FULL RECOVERY 6 – 8 weeks
TIME OFF WORK 2 weeks
Surgical Consultation: Topics that will be discussed
How the Operation is performed – A facelift or ‘’rhytidectomy‘’ how it is more formally known, is intended to rejuvenate the face, particularly the eyes, mouth, jaw and neck. This
procedure can be undertaken in conjunction with eyelid or brow lift surgery as part of an overall solution to smooth the skin, reduce lines and wrinkles and rejuvenate a tired ‘wearied’
looking appearance restoring both former volume and youthful contours of the face. The duration of the procedure depends on the type of facelift itself and whether ancillary
procedures are to be carried out in conjunction. It should typically take between 2-4 hours depending on complexity and will be carried out under a general anaesthetic, you will be able
to return home on the same day but there is an option to stay in a nearby affiliated luxury hotel if you wish.
The incision site - Traditionally, a facelift procedure is performed through an incision starting in the hair or hairline above and in front of the ear (known as the temporal region). The
incision extends downwards in front of the ear, underneath the ear and then upward behind the ear ending in the hair or hairline. The skin and fatty tissues are then lifted off the
underlying muscle and fascia as far forward as is necessary to correct the loose, saggy skin concerns. The underlying muscle and fascia can be tightened with sutures if required, the skin
is then pulled back and upward and the excess skin removed.
The types of Stitches/sutures - You will be checked by our specialist wound care nurse the following day after your procedure to ensure your comfort and healing. Any sutures in front of
the ear will be removed one week post operatively and any further sutures (usually those in the hairline) will be removed at 10 days after your surgery. You will be advised that you
can shower the day after you leave hospital ensuring your wounds remain completely dry and at one week after surgery you will be able to shower normally using a
hair dryer on a warm setting to dry areas around your incisions.
Results – It is completely normal to experience some swelling and bruising to the area but this tends to settle within the first few days into your recovery. Any pink scars will quickly fade
to faint fine white lines. Our expertise in scarring techniques along with our highly-experienced surgeons ensure a natural rejuvenated result
Potential risks
As the Cadogan clinic specialises in surgical facial rejuvenation techniques, you can be rest assured that facelift treatments are incredibly safe and that any risks associated with this
procedure are minimal. The risks associated with having a general anaesthetic are however, the same as any other procedure - your surgeon will run through these in detail with you at
your consultation and answer any questions or concerns you might have.
1) Bleeding – This occurs in very few cases indeed and this is due to the incision sites being so small and the procedure being minimally invasive – antibiotics will be
administered after your procedure which should help to reduce this risk substantially
2) Infection – Infection occurs in very few patients and this is again due to the incision sites being so small – but infection is a risk as with any other surgical procedure.
What usually occurs is you recover post operatively but redness and swelling in the treated area persists – if left the infection can potentially spread and worsen,
although it is very easily treated with an extended course of antibiotics.
3) Sensation Change - It is not uncommon to experience altered sensation following facial surgery, this may either manifest in increased sensitivity (or discomfort), or the
loss of any feeling at all (numbness) in the treated area(s). These changes in sensation usually occur for a few weeks following surgery, however if they persist you
should inform your consultant - in some rare cases, these changes in sensation may be permanent.
4) Swelling – This is a very normal part of any post-operative healing and can last for up to 10-14 days after your treatment although with facial surgery, swelling typically
tends to subside quite dramatically after just a few days.
5) Ptosis – Drooping of the face – this is uncommon but can occur with many different facial techniques and is a result of muscle or nerve damage
Preparation for your surgery
It is advised that you undertake all your usual household duties and any other physical activities prior to your admission to hospital as you will not be able to perform these for a good few
days (up to 2 week) after your procedure, these may include; vacuuming, dusting, clothes washing, mowing lawns, ironing and shopping i.e. no pushing, pulling or lifting, running or other
exercise.
On arrival at the clinic you will have routine observations performed and a check of all the relevant paperwork carried out by the nursing staff before you change into your gown and your
surgeon greets you.
All jewellery must be removed, including ALL metal body piercings, all makeup must also be removed as it can damage your eyes if left on while you are asleep, lastly, you must remove all
nail varnish acrylic nails or gel polish.
As a guideline, most surgeons request that their patients observe the following pre-operative guidelines:
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Patients MUST stop smoking both before and after their treatment (smoking affects the healing process significantly and can increase the risk of post-operative complications hugely)
Patients must stop drinking alcohol both prior to surgery and during the immediate recovery as it slows healing down
Patients must not take any Aspirin or medication containing Aspirin for at least 7 days prior to surgery. (Aspirin may be re commenced after 48hrs post op.) If you take Aspirin or any
other form of blood thinning medication for a medical condition, please discuss with your surgeon.
NO FOOD IS ALLOWED 6HOURS PRIOR TO ANY SURGERY, THIS INCLUDES ANY SWEET/CHEWING GUM. YOU MAY HAVE SMALL SIPS OF CLEAR FLUID (STILL WATER/BLACK TEA/BLACK COFFEE)
UP TO 2 HOURS PRIOR TO ADMISSION TO HOSPITAL
After Care
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Recovery time for this procedure is very individual, but we usually advise that you take around two weeks off work. Typically, a facelift is not a painful procedure and as soon as a
couple of days following your surgery you should be up and about. It is important however, to be gentle with you face as your skin may still be numb and you may experience a
feeling of tightness and mild discomfort around the treated area(s) which will soon subside.
A nursing appointment will be made for 1 week after your surgery where your incision sites will be checked, cleaned and you will be given instructions on how to
care for these areas for the remainder of your healing. A second wound check will be made to remove further (hairline) sutures 10 days post-procedure and a follow
up appointment with your surgeon will be arranged in approximately 3-6months time.
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It is important that you have total rest for a couple of days following your procedure as you will feel quite delicate. We would advise that you resume most activities after two weeks,
however you should avoid exercise and anything strenuous for at least one month following surgery as excessive movement raises your blood pressure and can induce a bleed, and add
to your swelling. During your first week following your surgery however, you may potter about and undertake gentle activities as movement can help accelerate the healing process.
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You must avoid any UV exposure for at least 2-4 weeks following surgery to ensure your scars have the best chance of healing well – UV exposure can damage healing tissue which may
affect the long-term look and feel of your scars and increase their future visibility.
General Information and FAQ’s
Infection: This is very uncommon. If you feel unwell, hot, or the treated area appears red, with sensations of burning or there is any discharge we would urge you to contact the clinic for
advice and/or urgent treatment.
Pain: You will experience discomfort over the first few days following surgery however the degree of pain does vary from person to person. Painkillers can be prescribed and taken home
with you and manages any discomfort well.
Work / Sport / Leisure Activities: It is recommended that you take 1-2 weeks off from work, however if you have a sedentary job 1 week is acceptable. If you have an active hobby or leisure
interest, please seek advice from your surgeon as to when you will be able to return to it following surgery.
Children: If you have young children or babies, please ensure that the area(s) treated are not touched or disturbed for at least 2 weeks. Your tissues have been agitated and require a period
of time to heal without disturbance. It is recommended that you organise help with caring for young children during the first week of recovery.
Bathing: Wounds must be kept completely dry for the first week. After your second post-operative check with the nurse usually around 10 days’ post op, you will be advised that you can
shower and wash as usual – you will also be provided specific guidance about how to cleanse the treated areas.
Sun Bathing: Do not sit out in strong sun for the first 4 weeks after surgery. Once you have fully recovered and your scars are matured you may allow your eye area to be completely exposed
in the sun but shielding them as much as you can in the weeks following your treatment will only improve your final scarring results
Diet: Ensure that you maintain a healthy nutritious diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, as this is important for wound healing and bowels. As you are inactive and
have most likely been taking painkillers constipation may become an issue, to help prevent this or to ease symptoms you may use a product such as Senokot® or whatever
has suited you in the past
Flying: If possible avoid flying for the first six weeks - usual medical guidelines dictate 2 weeks for short haul flights and a full 6 weeks for long haul. Following surgery, you must ideally wear
flight socks and take low dose aspirin before flying.