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 will 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.  Mr Burge prefers the more limited procedures, usually the Minimal Access Cranial Suspension facelift (MACS).

The MACS 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 gently lifted off the  deeper structures and these are then raised and re-suspended  using sutures. The excess skin is then removed and the wounds  closed.

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

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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