What is a Facelift?

If you’ve ever considered facelift surgery or are just curious about what facelift surgeries involve, here’s everything you need to know including what a facelift is, the benefits, the drawbacks and everything in between.

 

What do we mean by traditional facelift?

Put simply, a basic facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure used to tighten and smooth the skin on the face. A more complex procedure will involve some degree of tightening facial muscles as well as the facial tissues, and it may incorporate a neck lift too.

 

Why do people have facelifts?

The ageing process tends to be the motivating factor for patients wanting to have their skin tightened, and turning to facelift surgery as a result.

As we age, the appearance of sagging skin becomes more commonplace and the muscles in our face and neck may also weaken. This means that the once youthful bone structure we’d show off in our younger days is no longer as flattering as it once was.

In essence, this surgical procedure is a rather extreme anti-ageing treatment to counter the visible signs of getting older including loose skin and a drooping facial appearance.

 

The Evolution of Facelift Techniques: From Traditional to Modern Innovations

From traditional methods to modern innovations, the field of rhytidectomy has seen tremendous growth. There are various facelift types to choose from, each offering unique benefits.

Whether you’re considering a surgical facelift or exploring less invasive surgery like the minimal incision facelift or mini facelift, advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to achieve a younger-looking facial appearance.

 

Facelift Options: Types of Facelift Surgery

Face and Neck Lift

The face and neck lift is a rejuvenating operation that targets loose or sagging skin to combat facial descent and eliminate the look of jowls. This is a comprehensive anti-ageing surgical treatment that works well for the entire face and neck.

Deep Plane Facelift

To raise the neck, jowls and mid-face higher and into a more youthful position, a composite deep plane face and neck lift involves releasing deep holding ligaments throughout the face. It’s a complicated procedure but one of Dominic Bray’s signature treatments. For combined face and neck skin tightening and anti-ageing, this kind of facelift is thought to be the most effective.

Revision Facelift Surgery

This surgical procedure is usually performed to rectify unsatisfactory facelift treatments. Dominic Bray specialises in revision facelifts, which are often more intricate than straightforward facelift surgeries.

Mini Facelift

A slightly less intrusive operation than a full facelift, the mini facelift is nonetheless quite successful in correcting mild to moderate facial decline and loose skin. Patients do not need to stay overnight as they can be treated as day cases.

Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery, sometimes referred to as blepharoplasty, is a type of facial plastic surgery. Drooping eyelids, eye bags, excess skin and crepey skin are the focus of this surgery. This surgical procedure can effectively treat the top and lower eyelids, giving the face a noticeably more youthful appearance.

Brow Lift

The brow lift procedure rapidly lifts the upper portion of the face by realigning the brow in a more youthful position. A brow lift can be a less invasive alternative to full-face surgery for cosmetic rejuvenation yet it is very effective because the brows play a major role in framing the face.

Facial Contouring

The process of facial contouring helps to reshape the face and enhance the definition of the features by redefining the natural contours of the face. It entails removing excess fat from the facial skin and neck area as well as using fat transfer techniques to restore lost volume in the face.

 

How do you know if facelift surgery is right for you?

Everyone is different and something that seems like a plausible solution for one person, might not work for the other.

A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine if you are an ideal candidate for this procedure and indeed whether facelift surgery is something for you.

Potential Complications

It’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of a facelift, as it can provide significant improvements but may not completely halt the natural ageing process and as with any surgical procedure, comes with possible complications.

The risks involved should be discussed at length during your consultation. These can include facial nerve injury leading to weakened skin sensation and severe pain.

 

What is facelift recovery like?

Recovering from facelift surgery is likely to take a few weeks while the incision sites heal properly. You may be given pain medication and should attend a follow-up appointment with your surgeon not long after your procedure.

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for follow-up care to promote optimal healing. To manage swelling and bruising you can apply a cold compress and may find it helpful to keep your head elevated to alleviate symptoms.

During this recovery period, refrain from taking part in strenuous activity and be sure to prioritise rest. You need to allow your body ample time to heal in the days following your facelift surgery and keeping hydrated is essential for promoting skin health.

 

Next Steps

You can find out more about facelift surgery by reading our handy guide. If you’d like to speak to a specialist facelift surgeon, you can book a consultation with Dominic Bray.

Call +44 203 417 9980 or email [email protected] and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.