Face Surgery
Facelift
Facelift
It is facial lifting surgery to correct the signs of aging that appear on the face and neck over the natural passage of years, such as sagging cheeks and cheekbones, the loss of definition of the facial oval and pronounced creases and wrinkles.
It corrects the sagging of the facial structures providing a rejuvenating and vital effect which time had caused to disappear.
There are many surgical techniques for treating facial aging. The surgeon will indicate which type of intervention most suits your needs and expectations.
The facelift surgery requires a blood test, electrocardiogram and x-ray. During the first consultation, your facial structure will be evaluated together with skin quality and your general state of health.
It can be performed under local anaesthetic and sedation or under general anaesthetic.
The technique basically consists in repositioning the muscular layers, skin and fat, removing excess tissue through an incision which normally begins around the temples (under the hair), extending to within the natural lines that exist in the ear and around the lobe, behind the lobe and the scalp. To this effect, the scars will remain perfectly camouflaged. When the neck requires special treatment, an incision must be made just below the chin.
At the end of the intervention a bandage is wrapped around the head and neck. The eyes tend to remain uncovered but protected with eye drops and eye creams. A certain amount of swelling is normal on the face together with an effusion in the periorbital area and the neck which could last some 8-9 days. The bandages are progressively removed after 4-5 days, the stitches in 7-9 days and the oedema or inflammation goes down with the help of lymphatic drainage which tends to begin 3-4 days after the operation.
The duration of the surgery varies depending on the type of facelift but between one and a half hours to 4 hours.
After the facelift, it is normal to notice a lack of sensitivity in the skin of the face or to have a sensation of internal tightness, which tends to gradually disappear.
It is advisable to refrain from intense exercise and lead a quiet life for the first two weeks. The skin on the face needs specific care and must not be exposed to the sun or UV rays for at least three months.
Frequently Asked Questions about facelift
Smokers must inform the plastic surgeon as it is advisable to stop smoking for the two weeks prior to and the two weeks after the surgery, as smoking can negatively impact the healing of the wound.
There is no specific age. Although it is true that a facelift at an early age (around 45-50 years of age) is less extensive and produces more natural results than a facelift performed at an advanced age, when surgery is of a greater extent and the results can be more artificial or the change in appearance too evident.
We cannot fight against the progressive aging of the facial structures, which will continue to sag over the years, and therefore there may be people who some years after the first facelift need to undergo new similar surgery, although this is not common.
As with any surgical intervention, there may be haematomas, infection or abnormal reactions to anaesthesia. In relation to specific risks, these are rare. There may be lesions to the deep structures or the nerves that control movement of the muscles in the face.
No. However, it is normal for you to look strange to yourself in the mirror due to the inflammatory process, which will gradually disappear.
No, although the sensation of pressure and the swelling in the first few days is somewhat uncomfortable.
If you want to improve the look of your face or if you have any request relating the facelift technique, please do not hesitate to ask for an appointment or to contact us.
Remember we can serve you in Alicante or Denia.