Facelift Surgery for Women

Though there is much that can be achieved with a facelift procedure, it is important to understand the limitations of the process.

• A facelift will have no effect on fine lines and creases around your lips and eyes, nor to the quality and condition of your skin itself – the procedure focuses purely on the mid-face area.
• In addition to a facelift, you may wish to consider other non-surgical facial treatments at Wentworth Clinic, such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing and hydrodermabrasion, which provide the results you desire.

• Your plastic surgeon will discuss your goals for the surgery.
• Ascertain whether a facelift is suitable for you.
• Explain your probable outcome of treatment.
• Fully explain the procedure and all the possible complications.

• A Deep Plane Facelift is an specialised type of facelift that works on the deeper layers of the face and neck to lift and refresh sagging areas around the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
• Unlike traditional facelift procedures, which mainly focus on tightening the skin, this technique repositions the underlying muscles and tissues, giving a natural-looking result that’s both smooth and long-lasting.

It is advisable to:

• Stop the contraceptive pill six weeks prior to surgery if possible and ensure you take other precautions.
• Stop Aspirin one week prior to surgery.
• Shampoo the hair the night before the operation.
• Remember that excessive smoking impairs healing.
• Take Arnica tablets to help reduce swelling and bruising as instructed.

• In facelift surgery a skin incision is made starting above the ears, well behind the hairline, running down the top of the ear, then following the contour of the ear and round its lobe, then up in the groove behind the ear and backwards into the hairy scalp.
• The skin of the temple, cheeks and sometimes the neck is freed and the tightening is carried out upwards and backwards. Surplus skin is cut away. The underlying muscle and fascia is tightened. The skin is repaired to the original excision site.
• There are various modifications to this procedure. It is usual practice to carry out liposuction of the neck and chin area simultaneously. In younger patients, a mini procedure called an “S” lift is carried out. Your hair is not shaved in any of these procedures. In general the scars following a facelift are hidden within the hairline, above and behind the ears. Where the scar lies in front of the ear, it is fine and is rarely conspicuous.

• There is minimal discomfort following a facelift.
• Swelling and bruising can last from seven to ten days.
• A support dressing will be worn as instructed.
• All sutures would be removed by the tenth day.
• Make up can be applied after the fifth day.
• Strenuous activity is restricted for six weeks following surgery.

Immediately following surgery

• Wear the chin and neck dressing as much as possible until we see you again.
• Ensure you get adequate rest in order not to increase your blood pressure, to prevent bleeding and to decrease swelling and bruising.

Bruising and swelling

• External bruises and swelling usually will subside in 2 to 3 weeks.  If you have persistent bruising, make up will cover this until it subsides.
• Internal bruising and swelling may take 6 to 8 weeks to heal.  In most cases, this is only obvious to the patient.
• No alcohol for 2 weeks if possible (or in moderation) as it increases swelling.

Pain and medications

• Stay in the company of a responsible adult.
• For pain, take your prescribed analgesics.
• Take antibiotics as prescribed and apply ointment as instructed.
• Do not make any legal decisions or operate any machinery whilst under the influence of medications or after an anaesthetic.
• Do not take Aspirin or any medication containing Aspirin or Vitamin E for at least 2 weeks after surgery as this increases bleeding.
• No smoking for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
• Do not drive while taking strong analgesics for discomfort or pain.
• Continue the Arnica tablets for another 7 days.

Wound care for the face/brow

• Shower as normal after 3 days, cleanse skin as recommended.
• Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment to stitches.
• Apply moisturizer to the rest of the skin but away from stitches.
• Padding as necessary, using a few pieces of gauze, especially over the ears.
• Stitches will be removed in 7 to 10 days.

One week to a few months following surgery

• Numbness in various areas of the face, neck and ears etc is common and may persist for weeks, months or even up to a year.
• Occasionally, numbness has been reported to be permanent, but this is rare.
• The face and neck may feel “rigid” or “tight” during this time, especially in the neck and cheek areas.  This will ease with the course of time, this is usually not obvious to others.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for 6 to 8 weeks as this may cause swelling and increase the redness of the scars.
• Vitamin E cream can be applied and massaged firmly to reduce the prominence of the scars in front of your ears after incision lines are well healed.
• Makeup can be applied after 5 days.
• You can usually return to work in 2 to 3 weeks.

In summary you can expect:

• Moderate discomfort and pain.
• Moderate swelling.
• Black and blue discoloured bruising.
• Slight signs of blood on bandages.

Please contact us should you should experience: 

• Severe pain not responding to medications.
• Marked swelling or obviously more swelling on one side that the other.
• Any bleeding.
• If your bandages seem too tight.

Should you have any problems or concerns following your surgery, please contact the Wentworth Clinic on: 01202 422171.

• This is, in general a safe operation. However, some complications must be considered. Although the incisions heal well, the possibility of excessive scarring must be considered.
• The nerve responsible for moving part of the face can be damaged, causing paralysis of the affected muscle. Bleeding, infection, loss of skin or hair are other possible complications. Numbness of the ear lobe is another possible complication as a result of damage to the nerve. Your surgeon will discuss this with you in detail at your consultation.

• Facial plastic surgery at Wentworth Clinic starts at £5,000. However, we suggest you contact our cosmetic surgeon to fully discuss your requirements and we will then be able to provide you with a more specific quote.
• The procedures are carried out at our state-of-the-art Bournemouth clinic in Dorset.  Call us today to book your initial consultation, or find out more about the cosmetic procedures we offer to patients throughout the South East of England.