Facelift Options

The operation of facelift can be done in many ways. Each patient is different, as is each surgeon. It is because of this that this can only be an outline guide to the procedure. (For more detail about facelift please go to the links page.)

This is why the initial consultation is so important. Mr Burge will hear from you what you find a problem and will compare it with what he can physically find. He will then explain to you the options available along with their pros and cons. Only after all this will he propose a surgical plan, tailored to you as an individual and not as part of a production line.

It is important to realise that it is this very variability between individuals that makes this as much an art as a science. Results can never be absolutely guaranteed (at least by honest practitioners) and adverse results are always possible.

All surgery carries some risks. It is Mr Burge’s responsibility to explain, minimize and, if necessary, deal with these risks.

A bewildering variety of face-lifting procedures are now available:

A 'standard' full facelift involves a general anaesthetic and a one-night stay. The incisions are in the skin crease in front of the ears, extending upwards along or into the hairline, and posteriorly up behind the ear. There may also be an incision under the chin. The skin of the face and neck is lifted off the deeper structures. These are then raised and re-suspended.The excess skin is then removed and the wounds closed.

A ‘neck lift’ is essentially the lower part of the full facelift.

A ‘mask lift’ is essentially the upper part of a full face lift.

A ‘mid-face lift’ is more restricted to the cheeks and may be performed through a lower eyelid incision.

A ‘brow lift’ may be performed via incisions in the hair, along the hairline or via an upper eyelid incision.

Other techniques such as the 'Endotine' ribbon lift can be used in some patients.

A facelift can be combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, brow lift, fat transfers or liposuction.

It is clear from the above that care needs to be taken to tailor the procedure(s) chosen to the particular requirements of the individual patient – one size does not fit all!

Some bruising and swelling is inevitable initially. This should subside over the next week or two. Normal activities can be resumed in two to three weeks.

Risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry and tissue loss. Problems are much more common in active smokers and cessation six weeks before surgery is advised.

There is a risk of nerve injury causing paralysis of facial muscles. This is usually transient but can be permanent. The risk is greater with some of the deeper facelifts.

In the unlikely event of any of these problems happening Mr Burge is on hand to help manage them.

Following the procedure Mr Burge will see you regularly, both while you are in hospital and in the weeks and months afterwards.

Due to the Data Protection Act etc. our supply of pre/post operative pictures is currently limited.

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