Facelift surgery is a cosmetic procedure commonly used to tighten and smooth out facial skin, making the patient look more youthful, radiant and relaxed. It is a popular procedure as it visibly reduces the signs of ageing in areas including the forehead, the skin area around the eyes, the cheeks, the nose, the mouth, the chin and the neck.

How does it work?
The surgeon will make a long careful incision following the patient’ s hairline from their temple down to the ear and around their earlobe on both sides. Facial skin is then gently separated from underlying muscle. Excess fat from around the upper face is removed and the facial muscles tightened. Finally, the skin is pulled up across the face, trimmed and sewn. Metal clips may also be used to prevent the skin sagging.

The high incision line from a facelift is mostly hidden in the hairline and around the back of the ears so there is no visible scarring. Bandages will be applied around the head and need to remain in place for up to 5 days following the operation.

How long does surgery take?
Facelift surgery can be quite a drawn out process taking as long as 4 hours to complete. The patient will be under a general anaesthetic and an overnight hospital stay is required.

What is the recovery time?
Recovery time is dependent upon the extent of the facelift surgery. On average, you will be able to resume normal activities within 3 – 6 weeks of surgery.

How long will it last?
The positive effects of a facelift last for about 10 years, but are dependent upon the elasticity of your skin as well as other considerations such as diet and exposure to UV sunlight rays.

Are there any side effects?
Side effects from facelift surgery are temporary. Bruising and swelling of the face is to be expected in the days after surgery, together with nausea from the general anaesthetic. Your face will probably feel quite tight and sore for several days too, but in general the pain will be nothing that prescription painkillers cannot solve.

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