Face Lift operation

Before the surgery

Before your cosmetic surgery you will receive advice about what to do and what to avoid. For example, if you routinely colour or perm your hair it's wise to have it done immediately before your procedure so it will be some weeks before you need to have it done again.

In most cases your face lift will be done under general anaesthetic and you will spend the night after in hospital. More limited procedures can be carried out under a local anaesthetic and sedation, but for a full face lift there is no real benefit from sedation.

Hidden incisions

Once you are comfortably asleep, the cosmetic surgeon will make an incision that starts high in the temple area (hidden by the hair at this point) and courses down following the curves in front of the top and bottom of the ear and behind the middle part (tragus). The incision then continues round the earlobe and up behind the ear before curving gently back into the hair.

In some cases a second incision in made under the chin where it will also be well hidden. Its purpose is to assist with definition of the chin and neck.

Redefining structures

Typically, contouring for tightening of the face is carried out in the deeper layers, also known as the SMAS - platysma complex. This is because the skin does not have the ability to hold tension in the same way as the deeper layers can.

In addition, volume reduction in areas of excess fatty tissue, such as the lower part of the cheeks or under the chin, may be helpful to create an elegant contour of the jawline and neck.

Beautiful facial rejuvenation relies on adequate facial volumes, and sometimes fat transfer to the cheekbones and other parts of the face may contribute to the youthful appearance of the face after the surgery.