What is Face Lift Surgery?
Face lift surgery, clinically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical operation that involves modifying the deep support structures of the face, such as the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer, and removing excess skin.
This procedure is designed to alter the contours of the lower two-thirds of the face, including the jawline and neck, by repositioning underlying tissues and re-draping the skin. It addresses anatomical features such as jowling, deep facial folds, and skin laxity that naturally occur over time due to gravity and tissue descent.
What makes a suitable candidate for Face Lift Surgery?
A suitable candidate for face lift surgery is typically an adult experiencing structural changes such as descending tissues in the mid-face, pronounced nasolabial folds, or excess skin along the jawline and neck.
Candidates must be in good general physical health, non-smokers, and possess realistic expectations regarding the surgical modifications.
During a comprehensive consultation, Dr. Mirkazemi evaluates the patient’s facial anatomy, skin elasticity, and underlying bone structure to determine if this surgical intervention aligns with their anatomical presentation.
What are the Face Lift Surgery options?
When considering face lift surgery, patients may explore various options that modify the extent of the anatomical changes. A common option is combining the procedure with a neck lift to address excess tissue in the submental area simultaneously, or integrating micro-fat grafting to add volume to depleted facial regions.
Alternatively, individuals may discuss non-surgical options like dermal fillers or anti-wrinkle injections, which can temporarily alter facial volume and muscle dynamics without surgical intervention, though these do not address significant skin laxity or deep structural descent.
Before & Afters
Disclaimer: All surgeries before & afters shown on this website are performed by Dr Mirkazemi and are published with consent by our patients. They are not guarantees that your results will be the same or similar as results will vary between individuals. The content on our page is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Any surgery or invasive procedure carries risks and has a recovery time. Before proceeding, please seek medical advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner. During your consultation, Dr Mirkazemi will carefully evaluate each individual and provide an honest and realistic assessment of what can be expected from the procedure.
Face Lift surgical techniques
- High SMAS Face Lift: This technique involves modifying the deep musculoaponeurotic layers of the face higher up on the cheekbone. It provides comprehensive support to the mid-face, jawline, and neck to alter facial proportions and manage deep tissue descent.
- Limited Incision Face Lift: Often referred to as a short-scar face lift, this approach utilizes smaller incisions around the ears to address structural concerns primarily in the lower face and jawline. It is generally utilized for patients requiring modification of the lower face without significant intervention in the neck area.
- Deep Plane Face Lift: This surgical method repositions the entire SMAS layer and the attached skin as a single unit. It involves releasing specific facial ligaments to address deep structural descent and modify the contour of the mid-face and jawline.
Recovery after Face Lift Surgery
Recovery after face lift surgery involves a gradual healing process requiring strict adherence to post-operative protocols provided by Dr. Mirkazemi.
During week one, patients typically experience localized swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness around the face and neck, necessitating rest and the potential use of supportive facial garments.
By month one, the acute swelling and bruising generally subside, allowing patients to resume most normal daily activities, although residual swelling remains present.
By month three, the deeper tissues continue to heal and settle into their new anatomical positions, allowing the final structural modifications to become more apparent as the internal recovery process progresses.
How much does Face Lift Surgery cost?
The cost of face lift surgery varies significantly depending on the individual anatomical requirements and the specific surgical approach utilized.
Factors influencing the total fee include the complexity of the chosen surgical technique, hospital or facility costs, anaesthetist fees, and whether additional procedures like a neck lift are performed concurrently.
During a consultation at Collins St Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mirkazemi’s team provides a detailed, customized quote outlining all associated costs based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s surgical plan.
Frequently Asked Questions for Face Lift Surgery
Specific Risks and Complications For Face Lift Surgery
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
A face lift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to modify the contours of the face and neck by addressing skin laxity and underlying tissue position. While clinical protocols are in place to prioritize patient safety, all surgical interventions involve inherent risks. A thorough understanding of these potential complications is essential for any patient considering this procedure.
The following list outlines possible clinical risks. These are not exhaustive, and the likelihood of experiencing them depends on individual health status, anatomical factors, and the healing process.
Nerve and Sensory Considerations
- Nerve Injury: There is a risk of injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (the facial nerve) or those that provide sensation. While usually temporary, nerve damage can result in temporary or permanent facial weakness, asymmetry, or loss of expression.
- Changes in Sensation: Patients commonly experience numbness or altered sensation around the ears, cheeks, and neck post-operatively. While this usually resolves over several months, permanent sensory changes can occur in some cases.
Aesthetic and Anatomical Risks
- Permanent Scarring: Incisions are typically placed along the hairline and around the ears to minimize visibility. However, scars are permanent, and their final appearance depends on individual healing characteristics and genetic factors.
- Asymmetry: While the goal is to achieve balanced proportions, some degree of facial asymmetry may persist or develop during the healing process as the tissues settle.
- Hairline or Ear Distortion: The surgical repositioning of skin may result in a slight shift in the hairline or sideburn area. In some cases, the earlobe may appear “pulled” or distorted (sometimes referred to as a pixie ear deformity).
- Unsatisfactory Anatomical Outcome: The final result may not align with the patient’s anatomical goals. Factors such as skin elasticity, bone structure, and the natural ageing process will continue to affect the surgical outcome over time.
- Need for Secondary Procedures: Revision surgery may be required to address complications, manage hypertrophic scarring, or further modify the facial contour.
General Surgical Risks
All surgical procedures, including plastic and cosmetic surgery, carry inherent risks and potential complications. These may include infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, delayed wound healing, scarring, nerve changes, anaesthetic risks, blood clots, and procedure-specific complications. Individual factors such as smoking, elevated BMI, underlying medical conditions, and certain medications can further influence your safety profile and recovery.
A thorough consultation and strict adherence to pre- and post-operative instructions are essential to minimise risks.
