Facelift Surgery for Women

A facelift can make a noticeable difference to facial definition and help restore a fresher appearance.  However, it is important to understand what the procedure can, and cannot improve.

A facelift focuses on the mid-face area. Whilst it can improve sagging tissues and restore facial contours, it will not soften fine lines around the eyes or lips, nor will it improve the texture or overall quality of the skin.

If skin quality, fine lines or pigmentation are also concerns, these may be better treated with non-surgical procedures. Depending on your individual needs, treatments such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing or hydrodermabrasion can complement the results of a facelift by improving the appearance and condition of the skin.

During your consultation, Professor Ilankovan will discuss your concerns, explain what can realistically be achieved with surgery, and advise whether a combination of treatments is likely to give you the best overall result.

During your consultation, Professor Ilankovan will:

• discuss what you would like surgery to improve
• assess whether facelift surgery is suitable for you
• explain the likely outcome of treatment
• talk you through the procedure and the possible complications

A Deep Plane Facelift is a specialised facelift that focuses on the deeper layers of the face and neck to lift and reposition sagging tissues around the cheeks, jawline, and neck.

Unlike some facelift techniques, which rely more on tightening the skin, a Deep Plane Facelift repositions the underlying muscles and supporting tissues. This allows the face to be lifted more naturally, helping to create results that are both natural-looking and long-lasting.

Before your procedure, we recommend the following:

• stop taking the contraceptive pill six weeks before surgery if possible, and use an alternative form of contraception.
• stop tasking aspirin one week before surgery, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
• wash your hair the night before your operation.
• remember that smoking can slow healing and affect your recovery.
• take Arnica tablets as instructed to help reduce swelling and bruising.

A facelift is performed through carefully placed incisions that begin above the ears, hidden within the hairline. The incision then follows the natural contours around the ear before continuing behind the ear and into the scalp, where it is concealed by the hair.

Once the incisions have been made, the skin of the cheeks, temples and, where appropriate, the neck is gently lifted.  The underlying tissues are then repositioned and tightened before any excess skin is removed. The incisions are carefully closed to compete the procedure.

There are several variations of facelift surgery, depending on. your individual needs. Where appropriate, liposuction of the neck or chin may also be carried out to improve facial definition. For some younger patients, a less extensive procedure, sometimes referred to as “S” lift, may be recommended.

Your hair does not need to be shaved for any of these procedures. In most cases, the scars are well hidden within the hairline and around the natural contours of the ears. Where a scar lies in front of the ear, it is usually very fine and rarely noticeable.

Most patients experience only mild discomfort following a facelift. During your recovery , you can generally expect the following:

• swelling and bruising usually improves within seven to ten days.
• a support dressing should be worn as instructed.
• sutures are usually removed within 10 days of surgery.
• make-up can usually be applied after five days.
• strenuous exercise and physical activity should be avoided for six weeks following surgery.

Following your facelift, Professor Ilankovan will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to support your recovery. In general,  you should:

Immediately after surgery

• wear the chin and neck dressing as instructed.
• rest an avoid strenuous activity to help minimise swelling and reduce the risk of bleeding.
• remain with a responsible adult while the effects of your anaesthetic and medication wear off.

Caring for your wounds

• keep your incisions clean and follow the wound care advice provided.
• use any prescribed antibiotics or ointments exactly as instructed.
• sutures are usually removed with 7 to 10 days.

During your recovery

• bruising and swelling usually improve over the first few weeks, although deeper swelling can take longer to settle.
• temporary numbness, tightness or firmness of the face and neck is common and gradually improves with time.
• avoid smoking, excessive alcohol and direct sun exposure while you are healing.
• most patients return to work after approximately 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the nature of their job.

When to contact the clinic

Please contact Wentworth Clinic if you experience:

• severe pain that is not relieved by your prescribed medication.
• significant swelling, particularly if one side becomes much more swollen than the other.
• persistent bleeding.
• concerns about your dressings or your recovery.

If you have any questions or concerns following your surgery, please contact the Wentworth Clinic on 01202 422171.

Facelift surgery is generally a safe procedure. However, as with any operation, there are potential risks and complications that you should be aware of.

Although the incisions usually heal very well, there is a small risk of noticeable scarring. Other possible complications include bleeding, infection, temporary or permanent nerve injury affecting movement of part of the face, numbness of the earlobe, and, rarely, loss of skin or hair around the incision sites.

Professor Ilankovan will explain these risks in detail during your consultation, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you fully understand the procedure before deciding whether surgery is right for you.

Facelift surgery at Wentworth Clinic starts from £5,000. As every patient is different, the exact cost will depend on the type of facelift recommended and whether any additional procedures are required.

Following your consultation, Professor Ilankovan will discuss the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs and provide you with a personalised quotation.

All procedures are carried out at our modern clinic in Bournemouth, Dorset. If you would like to arrange a consultation of discuss facelift surgery in more detail, please contact Wentworth Clinic.