Facelift Surgery Sydney

Facelifts

As time passes and we age, our skin tissues lose elasticity and gravity takes its place resulting in soft tissues.

This is further influenced by gravity and our genetics, along with other factors such as sun exposure, which leads to a downward displacement of skin and underlying soft tissues. Over time, this results in the formation of wrinkles, lines, deep creases, loose skin and bands

The areas facelift surgery can improve are:

• descent of brows;
• excess upper eyelid;
• heavy lower eyelids, lines and bags;
• descent of cheeks;
• loose or soft of skin around the lower face (jowl);
• bands in the neck;
• loose skin around the neck;
• loss of neck angle; or,
• excess fat over the neck region.

About Facelifts

Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy and meloplasty surgery, address many of these areas. As the term stands, ‘face’ and ‘lift’, represent a procedure that is designed to counteract the effects of gravity, and with the latest modern techniques incorporating a better understanding of human anatomy.

The surgery is no longer just lifting the descended areas and excising excess skin, but as we age, we lose volume to many parts of our face, and to achieve rejuvenation it is vital to replace volume in key areas of the face whilst re-supporting the face back to its pre-descended position. This is done through tissue re-positioning and lipo-filling (fat grafting).

Often the facelift surgery is accompanied by other procedures such as neck lift, brow lift and upper and lower eyelid surgery to address other areas on the face that shows the signs of ageing of wrinkles and lines.

It is important that your surgeon is completely trained and qualified by the Royal College of Surgeons. Intricate surgery such as facelift involves meticulous surgical technique and comprehensive anatomical understanding of the face, and even though many of the incision lines are hidden or camouflaged, trained experience is needed for best results.

Dr Kwei is a fully trained Australian Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and affiliated with the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and International Society Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Learn more about choosing a suitable, reputable plastic surgeon for you.

What to expect at your consultation

During your consultation with Dr Kwei, you will be discussing your goals and expectations for an individualised surgical plan. It is at this time you should inform us of any medical conditions and treatments that you currently have, along with any medication use.

Dr Kwei will go through the options available to you regarding the facelift and facial rejuvenation, and at the same time evaluate your health status and discuss the likely outcome of your surgery along with the risks of potential complications.

Best Candidates for Facelift Surgery

• Non-smoker (or committed to quitting four to eight weeks before surgery)
• Good general health and a stable weight
• Signs of ageing are visible, as mentioned above

Types of Facelift Options

Traditional Facelift & Neck lift

This type of facelift addresses all areas of the face and neck, reconstituting the descended facial facia and ligaments, and re-positioning the underlying tissue. Fat may be sculpted and redistributed from the face, jowls and neck.

The incision begins in the hairline at the temples, around the ear and ends in the lower posterior scalp. A second small incision is placed under the chin.

The skin is re-draped and surgical closure is achieved meticulously.

Short-Scar Facelift

This type of facelift is suited for the patient in their forties and fifties, or having a revision facelift, with minimal rejuvenation to the neck required. This procedure can be combined with liposuction of the neck.

The incision begins in the hairline at the temples, around the ear finishing just behind the earlobe.

Neck lift

This type of lift is aimed to address loose jowls, loose neck skin, fat deposits under the chin and muscle bands.

The incision begins in front of the ear lobe and wraps around behind the ear ending in the lower posterior scalp.

Preparing For Your Surgery

The facelift surgery takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on whether adjuvant procedures, such as neck lift, lipo-filling and eyelid surgery are required. It is important that you keep yourself healthy physically and mentally in the time leading up to surgery.

Dr Kwei will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and avoiding certain vitamins and medication leading up to surgery.

Smoking is a ‘no-no’ in facelift surgery, and it is important to stop smoking at least a month before and after the surgery, as it interferes with the healing of your scars and can worsen the result of your facelift.

The surgery is done under general anaesthetic by a specialist anaesthetic consultant, at a fully accredited hospital. You will stay overnight, and home the following day when you are feeling comfortable.

The Surgery

Facelift surgery takes several hours, and if you are having more than one procedure in conjunction with just a facelift, the surgery will ultimately take longer.

Dr Kwei may schedule two separate sessions if extensive procedures are required, and this will be tailored according to individual patients’ surgical goals and general health. Your well-being and achieving your desires, are of the utmost importance.

Recovery From Your Facelift

You will stay overnight at the hospital and Dr Kwei will come and see you after the surgery and the following morning. There isn’t usually significant discomfort after surgery, but you will have pain medication in the hospital and at home to help through the initial periods.

Numbness of the skin is normal and will usually disappear in a few months.

Your drains and dressings will be changed the following morning and you can commence showering the following day.

You should be able to get up and about in a day or two but plan to take things easy in that first week after surgery. Most patients return to work about 2 weeks, and if necessary, make up or alternative cosmetic products may be used at that time to conceal bruising and incision sites temporarily.

You should avoid strenuous exercise, sauna and steam baths for 6 weeks.

After recovery, it is important to protect your face not only with healthy eating and living but sun protection will help to maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimising photo-ageing and adopting a good skincare regime will ensure a longer-lasting result.

Risks and Complications Associated with Facelift Surgery

At Johnny Kwei Plastic Surgery, your well-being and satisfaction are our top priorities. While facelift surgery is a commonly performed procedure that can provide significant rejuvenation and enhance your facial appearance, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and complications. Our experienced surgical team employs advanced techniques and follows strict protocols to minimize these risks. Here are some general risks and specific complications associated with facelift surgery:

General Risks and Complications:

1. Heavy Bleeding: In rare cases, heavy bleeding from the operated site may occur.
2. Infection: Infection is a potential risk with any surgical procedure.
3. Allergic Reactions: Rarely, individuals may experience allergic reactions to sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions used during the surgery.
4. Formation of Blood Clots: The formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site is a potential complication. If this occurs, it may require drainage to promote proper healing.
5. Pain, Bruising, and Swelling: Pain, bruising, and swelling are common after facelift surgery. We provide appropriate pain management techniques and closely monitor your healing progress.
6. Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are raised, red, and thickened scars that may form over the healed incisions. While they may be itchy and unsightly, they are not a threat to your health.
7. Slow Healing: Slow healing may occur, particularly in individuals who smoke or have diabetes. Following pre- and post-operative instructions is crucial to optimize the healing process.
8. Wound Separation: In rare cases, wound edges may separate, which may require additional treatment and monitoring.
9. Risks Related to Anaesthesia: Anaesthesia carries its own set of risks, including short-term nausea and potential complications.

Specific Risks and Complications:

10. Hair Loss: Temporary hair loss around the incision sites is possible, although rare. In some cases, it may be permanent.
11. Impaired Blood Supply and Skin Loss: Impaired blood supply to the skin can result in skin loss. If significant skin loss occurs, a skin graft may be necessary.
12. Bruising and Swelling: Bruising and swelling are common after facelift surgery and gradually subside during the recovery period.
13. Numbness: Numbness around the operated sites is common and generally temporary, improving over several months as the nerves regenerate.
14. Deformity of the Earlobe: In rare cases, deformities of the earlobe may occur. Our skilled surgeons employ precise techniques to minimize this risk.
15. Asymmetry: Slight differences in appearance between the right and left side of the face may occur.
16. Facial Nerve Damage: Facial nerve damage is a rare complication, occurring in about one in every one hundred patients. It can result in partial loss of movement and a “lopsided” appearance of the face. While rare, permanent damage is possible but highly uncommon.
17. Revisional Surgery: In some cases, revisional surgery may be necessary to address complications or achieve desired results.

During your comprehensive consultation, our experienced surgeons will discuss these potential risks and complications in detail, answer your questions, and develop a personalized surgical plan tailored to your goals. With our expertise and commitment to your well-being, we aim to provide you with outstanding results and a smooth recovery journey.

Recovery Process for Facelift Surgery

It is important to make arrangements for someone to accompany you and drive you home after your facelift surgery. It is advisable to have a relative or friend stay with you for at least the first day after the operation, and ideally for a few days, to provide support and assistance during your initial recovery period.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to notify your surgeon immediately:

• A temperature higher than 38°C or chills
• Heavy bleeding from the incisions
• Worsening redness around the incision sites
• Increasing pain or tenderness, or any other issues that appear to be worsening

After your surgery, you can usually begin drinking fluids and eating a light meal two or three hours later. It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort, especially around the incision sites. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will prescribe pain medication as necessary to manage your discomfort.

In certain cases, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may accumulate.

Bruising and swelling are common after a facelift and may take several weeks to fully subside. Sleeping with your head elevated, using extra pillows, can help reduce swelling and promote a smoother recovery.

The duration of your recovery will depend on the extent of your facelift procedure. It may be necessary for you to take a few weeks off work to allow your body to rest and heal. It is important to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming, and engaging in strenuous sports activities until you receive clearance from your surgeon. Following their guidance will help minimize the risk of complications and ensure a successful recovery.

Remember, individual recovery experiences may vary, so it is essential to follow your surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions. By adhering to these guidelines and giving yourself ample time to heal, you can expect to achieve optimal results from your facelift surgery.

Facelift Surgery Consultations Sydney

Although a facelift does not stop the ageing process, it does help reset the clock and achieve a more refreshed you. Dr Kwei and his staff will be happy to guide you on this journey, so call for a consultation or come in to see what options are available for you today.