FACE LIFTS SURGERY
- ANAESTHETIC - LOCAL
OR GENERAL
- STAY IN HOSPITAL
LOCAL 1 DAY / GENERAL 1 DAY AND 1 NIGHT
- RECUPERATION 10
to 14 DAYS
A (Rhytidectomy) or Face Lift as it is generally referred
to is probably the best known and talked about cosmetic
surgery procedure of all. In times gone by socialites
and movie stars seemed to be the only ones lucky enough
to be able to avail themselves of this procedure. But
this century more and more people from every walk of life
appear to be taking advantage of the obvious benefits
of a Face Lift. And why not? As people are staying younger
for longer these days why let jowls (a sagging jaw line),
deep lines and wrinkles, saggy cheeks and loose skin around
the area of the neck make you look older than you actually
feel? A Face Lift can improve your overall facial appearance
by tightening muscles that have lost their firmness, removing
unwanted skin and thereby improving your overall facial
contours.
As general knowledge regarding Face Lift surgery grows
the fear associated with stories of people emerging
from surgery looking like strangers with a mask like
appearance is conversely on the decline. You can rest
assured that your surgeon will take due note of all
your desires and aspirations for the outcome of the
surgery before making recommendations regarding your
particular Face Lift. You will also be encouraged to
ask as many questions as you like of your surgeon prior
to surgery.
These days people who are aware know that Face Lifts
in the hands of expert surgeons are not designed to
change your appearance radically but to simply improve
your overall facial appearance in order to make you
look younger and more attractive on the outside. And
thereby in keeping with how you feel on the inside.
YOUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ANSWERED:
HOW WILL I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SURGEON
FOR MY PROCEDURE?
Although all South Africa’s leading cosmetic
surgeons are highly trained and experienced in all
cosmetic/plastic surgery procedures they naturally have
individual, specialist areas of interest and expertise.
Once Surgical Attractions has assessed your particular
desires and aspirations concerning the outcome of your
procedure we will marry them to the surgeon best suited
to your special needs. The surgeon’s CV details will
then be sent to you for your perusal and acceptance.
HOW WILL MY SURGEON ASSESS MY PARTICULAR
SURGICAL REQUIREMENTS?
When you complete the Medical History section of the
General Enquiry Form you will be asked to submit it
together with a clear and reasonably close-up digital
photograph (in colour) of the area of your body requiring
surgery.
Once your recommended surgeon has assessed your particular
requirements along with your medical history and digital
photo, Surgical Attractions will arrange an obligation
free teleconference between the two of you.
At this stage your surgeon will not only be in possession
of all the facts relating to your particular case but
also be in a position to recommend the exact method
to be employed to achieve the results you desire. Your
surgeon will also be available at this point to answer
any questions you may have as regards your surgery and
the outcome.
You will be encouraged at all times prior to your
surgery to continue getting to know your surgeon by
asking as many questions as you like.
On arrival in South Africa Surgical Attractions will
arrange a personal meeting between you and your surgeon.
Once again the method of surgery and the desired outcome
will be discussed along with any other questions you
may have. If at this point you decide not to go ahead
with the procedure your decision will be respected.
HOW WILL THE PROCEDURE BE PERFORMED?
The type, texture and condition of your skin, coupled
with your age, bone structure and facial shape are all
factors that have to be considered before determining
how your particular Face Lift will best be achieved.
As a rule the natural contours of the ears provide an
ideal place in which to conceal Face Lift incisions,
whether the surgeon chooses to go along the inside or
outside contours or a combination of both.
Once made the incision continues around the earlobes
and back into your hairline. Once the skin has been
freed it will be artistically re-draped to create the
desired effect and the excess skin removed. Depending
on individual requirements and your surgeons desire
to attain the best result for you, muscles as well as
deeper tissue may also need to be repositioned. The
procedure takes approximately 3 hours and depending
on the specific technique of your surgeon, small, temporary
drainage tubes may be inserted overnight to reduce swelling.
WILL I HAVE NOTICEABLE SCARS?
Face Lift incisions in the hands of the right surgeon
are generally very fine and barely noticeable after
surgery. What little scarring there may be is easily
concealed by hair and make-up.
WILL A FACE LIFT CORRECT ALL THE
SIGNS OF AGING ON MY FACE?
Depending on your individual facial characteristics
and needs your surgeon may recommend eyelid surgery,
a forehead lift and/or neck surgery be performed in
conjunction with your Face Lift procedure. Laser skin
resurfacing and/or cheek implants can also form part
of the procedure if your surgeon feels they are vital
in achieving the overall desired result.
SHOULD I TAKE ANY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE
SURGERY?
If you are a smoker you will be advised to stop smoking
prior to surgery to avoid any unnecessary complications.
Arnica tablets, vitamin E in large doses, analgesics
like Aspirin and even some anti-inflammatory drugs should
also not be taken prior to surgery as they can promote
bleeding during the surgical process.
Your surgeon however will give you more personal advice
in this department and may prescribe a mild sedative
to be taken the night before and morning of surgery.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER THE SURGERY?
Facelift surgery is generally described as uncomfortable
rather than painful. However once you are discharged
from the hospital you should rest as much as possible
and limit your social engagements. Bruising and swelling
will be much in evidence the first few days after the
procedure but will start lessening with each succeeding
day. You can resume bathing and showering within a day
after surgery and will be able to wear light make-up
from 7 to 10 days following surgery to conceal any slight
bruising that may remain. All remnants of bruising usually
disappear within a few weeks following surgery.
HOW SOON BEFORE MY LIFE’S BACK
TO NORMAL?
As with all surgical procedures you are encouraged
to take it easy during the first few days following
Face Lift surgery.
The delicate, fine stitching associated with this
procedure should be treated with due respect. In order
to make sure that the end result is in no way compromised,
by the stitches being disturbed, make sure that your
face is well protected particularly from any strenuous
activities that could make it vulnerable to sudden jerky
movements or an accidental bump.
Once the stitches have been removed you can look forward
to resuming a normal life within 7 to 10 days following
surgery.
HOW LONG WILL MY FACE LIFT LAST?
This depends entirely on the individual concerned.
Many factors play their part from your age to your
type of skin, to the shape of your face. Other considerations
relate to the state of your health, your weight (whether
it is stable or fluctuates) and how much exposure your
skin has had to the sun prior to surgery.
But regardless of all these pre-operative factors
you will non-the-less experience a marked improvement
in your appearance post-operatively. And if you can
thereafter stabilize your weight, look after your health
through sensible eating and mild exercise, limit your
exposure to the sun and maintain a regular beauty regime
there is no reason why the benefits of your surgery
can’t be prolonged for a significant period of time.
RISKS
As with everything else in life there are also risks
involved in surgical procedures. No matter how good
the Surgeon performing the Surgery may be, complications
can arise. Therefore before proceeding with any surgery
of any kind please discuss all your concerns with your
surgeon and ask as many questions as you like so that
you are in a position to make an informed decision.
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