Facelift Surgery Explained

Signs of ageing on the face can be extremely upsetting for some people.  Sagging skin and wrinkles can have an extremely negative effect on self-confidence.  Facelift surgery, one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures, can help to correct some of the facial signs of ageing, particularly wrinkles, jowls and loose skin.  Following the procedure, some patients look up to 20 years younger.

Not everyone is suitable for facelift surgery.  Your surgeon will be able to assess whether it could benefit you.  They will look at your medical history and examine your skin, bone structure and hairline, and tell you if you are a viable candidate for a facelift.  They will tell you what you can do before your surgery to ensure that it goes smoothly and that you stay healthy afterwards.

There is no definitive answer as to whether your facelift will be performed using local or general anaesthesia, but the majority of procedures are performed with a combination of local anaesthesia, mild sedatives and intravenous anaesthesia.  The operation is normally quite straightforward, and usually takes only a few hours.  Although it’s often an outpatient procedure, be aware that you may be required to stay overnight.

For about 24 hours after the procedure, your face will appear bruised.  This is normal and goes away relatively quickly.  You should take around two weeks after the procedure to recover.  The swelling should subside after this time.  By taking care of yourself and following your surgeon’s instructions, your facelift should be a success.