After the Operation
A face lift requires one night stay in the hospital and wearing a compressive dressing around
your head for 24 hours.
Swelling (tumescence due to oedema) and bruising (blue face) is usual after this operation to
an extend depending on each individuals. It may sometimes be quite impressive.
The use of Arnica pills before and aftr the operation is very helpful.
Usually, the patient’s face is presentable between the 10th and the 21st day after an average face-
lift, with the final result visible after a minimum of three months. Some individual have a
tendency to bruise easily and may have a longer recovery time.
Nurses give the first shampoo before the end of the second day, with subsequent shampoos by
the patient.
First coloration or first hair-set cannot occur before the 21st day after surgery. It is advisable to
have any coloration done before surgery.
The patient should bring a scarf and large sunglasses to be worn when leaving the clinic.
In the case of a mini neck lift, or a soft lifting the same incisions are made, but with a reduced
sub-cutaneous detachment, thus resulting in simpler and shorter postoperative after-effects
but also a less dramatic effect.
Some usual and transitory after-effects which can be of concern to the patient :
Primary swelling (oedema) and bruising will result in a very round swollen face, which is
normal as an after-effect of lifting. These will regress downward over the next two weeks, i.e. at
Day 10 the residual oedema is located around the lower cheeks and the neck. This secondary
oedema regresses more slowly, over the next few months, and is variable depending on the
time of the day. It can be asymmetrical, with no prognostic significance.
Bruising of various shapes and coloration, often asymmetrical will eventually disappear
completely within 10 to 21 days in most cases. Arnican mask, arnica pills, massage and
lymphatic drainage improve the oedema rapidly and prevent the formation of adhesions.
Postoperatively, scars will be pink-coloured and itchy between the 4th and the 20th week, and
partial make-up will be applied. They eventually become thin and barely visible, although their
final aspect cannot be predicted. Keloid scars can occur in 5% of cases.
It is not uncommon to feel slightly numb in the area that has been treated. This may persist
several months before disappearing. Sensitivity in detached areas will be restored
progressively after the third month.
See facelift before and after photography, facelift before and after video testimonials,Face lift photo gallery
Risks and complications
The serious complications of the face-lift are very rare they can require further treatment:
Haemorrhaging and bleeding, which may in some cases, necessitate an additional procedure and an
adapted medical therapy, as well as, exceptionally, a blood transfusion.
Infection caused by an untreated haematoma or scar disunion related to cutaneous necrosis, mostly seen in smokers.
This could
require dressings for a month.
Permanent injury to a branch of the facial nerve, resulting in paralysis (palsy)or paresis of a muscular
group affecting facial expression. Non permanent facial nerve palsy can be seen in relation with local
anaesthetic drugs. Parotid fistula, Local alopecia : loosing hair locally next to the scars.
Localized scalp hypoesthesia (loss of sensitivity) or and earlobe anaesthesia, chronic pain
Cutaneous adhesions and protracted residual oedema are improved by prompt and frequent massage,
large elevated and pink scars.
One should also mention the sometimes lethal or invalidating cardiovascular, respiratory or immune-
allergic complications of anaesthesia, like anaphylaxy which may evolve independently.
Additionnal Procedures
When performing a Face and Neck lift, simultaneous surgery can be made for :
- a forehead and temple lift : This operation specific aim at lifting the eyebrows and temple area.
The addition of a face and neck lift to a temple and forehead lift is called fullface lift .
- a cosmetic eyelid surgery in order to remove fat and skin excess to the eyelids is called upper
and lower blepharoplasty.
- a fat transfer by injection after liposuction from the thigh or abdomen area (lipofilling) to
restore a certain fullness of cheekbone, chin and nasolabial folds and correct some contour
anomalies.
- Wrinkle filling by the same injection technique.
- Face peel with diluted TCA for lines around the mouth.
These additionnal procedures are charged separately.
In conclusion, the purpose of the face and neck lift is to improve the facial oval and to reduce
muscular and cutaneous sagging of the neck and cheeks. It attenuates deepened nasolabial
folds and « bitterness » wrinkles to the corner of the mouth. A face lift can remove a decade
from your apparent age but it will never restore the exact face of your age , because not only do
skin and muscles alter with age , so does bone structures (cheekbones, jaw-line) which is
impossible to change. Its effects are maintained for 10 years but a face-lift may be performed
two times in the course of a lifetime.
_________________________________________________________________
Dr Philippe Chout AIHP, ACCAHP, MD
Specialist in Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Registered with the UK General Medical Council n° 4783516.
www.faceliftspecialistlondon.com
www.doctorchout.com
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