The facelift operation is technically known as "Rhytidectomy". It is directed at tightening and smoothing out of loose skin which has descended due to the effect of gravity over the years. It essentially addresses the jaw line (jowl area) and neck, with effective results on the cheeks as well. Your consultation will involve a full medical history, and examination to determine the thickness, texture and elasticity of your skin. The bony structure of your face will also be studied and an individualized surgical plan wilt be devised.

Because of the varied parameters, not everyone will achieve the same results from a facelift. I will usually discuss these at length with my patients. The facelift Incision generally starts in the temporal area of the scalp, extending around the contour of the ears, then around the earlobe and into the scalp again. There may also be a small incision concealed under your chin. All these incisions can be hidden with the hair and some makeup, and are generally not a problem.The skin is undermined over a large area of the face and neck and then pulled up, The excess skin is removed and the wounds closed.

A drain may be kept In place for a day to carry away and excess accumulation of blood or tissue fluid. A bulky bandage will also be applied for a couple of days, After the operation, your face will be swollen and there will be some bruising. The post operative course is not generally painful, and pain is easily relieved with minimal analgesia. Fortunately, significant complications from facelifts are infrequent The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery, however are best discussed on a personal basis between you and your plastic surgeon. Some of the side effects which you should be aware about however, include infection, haematoma (collection of blood underneath the skin), and anaesthetic reactions. It is important to realise that the time taken for recovery varies from individual to individual. Generally the greatest amount of swelling occurs after 24 to 48 hours after surgery, but it may take several weeks before all the puffiness has resolved.

The Bruising may take up to three weeks to resolve completely, but you will be allowed to wear makeup before this time. There will be some numbness experienced on the face for several weeks after the operation, but this will resolve. You will be able to resume most all of your activities after a fortnight, and exercise in a month. You should be cautious about exposure to sunlight and become used to wearing a regular sunblock cream.