FACELIFT

A facelift addresses signs of ageing by lifting and repositioning the facial and neck tissues. The plastic surgeon makes precise incisions around the hairline, ears, and sometimes under the chin to access deeper facial structures. These tissues are then lifted and repositioned, and excess skin is trimmed away to create a smoother and more youthful contour.

As we age, collagen production slows down and the skin gradually loses its elasticity, resulting in a sagging and tired appearance. Facelifts are useful for addressing signs of ageing which include:

• Sagging excess skin causing deep folds, eg. Laugh lines, Marionette folds
• Severe jowls causing loss of jawline definition
• “Turkey-Neck” deformity caused by loose skin under the chin
• Brow ptosis causing severe upper eyelid hooding

There are a vast number of face-lifting techniques available with no one solution suitable for every patient. The procedure needs to be customised upon assessment of the individual patient. The more common facelifts are the Deep-Plane sub-SMAS facelift, the MACS mini-facelift or the Endotine facelift.

Common small ancillary procedures performed concurrently include Vaser Liposuction of the lower face and neck, neck muscle (platysma) tightening and eyelid procedures (blepharoplasties). The exact techniques will be decided during the consultation.

• Deep Plane Facelift: A deep-plane facelift classically refers to a facelift which lifts the deeper support layer of the skin, the SMAS and platysma. The advantage of lifting this layer is the longevity of results as it is stronger and less prone to stretching under tension. Even when performing a deep-plane lift, the skin will need to be lifted and the excess trimmed.
• MACS Mini-Facelift: MACS stands for Minimal Access Cranial Suspension. This version of a facelift involves shorter scars than the Deep-Plane lift. Key stitches are used to lift fat compartments within the face which have sagged with age. Excess skin can be trimmed using this technique which has less downtime than the more aggressive Deep-Plane lift.
• Endotine Facelift: The Endotine implants are bio-absorbable devices with patented hooks or “tines” to hold the tissue in a lifted more youthful position. These implants effectively distribute the load and enable a stronger fixation. The end result is a durable, dramatic lift.

Not everybody wants or needs a facelift. There are less invasive or even non-surgical alternatives such as:

• Ulthera – Ulthera uses a US FDA-approved ultrasonic device for non-invasive face lifting. It utilises ultrasound energy to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, to lift and tighten the skin in the neck, chin, and brow.
• Thermage – This procedure uses a US FDA-approved radiofrequency device for non-invasive tightening. It utilises radiofrequency technology to heat the deep, collagen-rich layers of the skin, making the collagen contract and facilitating the growth of new collagen.
• UVL – The Korean Ultra-V Lift utilises absorbable PDO (PolyDioxanone) threads, which are placed under the skin to stimulate collagen synthesis and achieve a tightening effect. Aside from lifting the skin, this also helps achieve a V-shaped face.
• Silhouette Lift – The Silhouette lift uses threads with 3-dimensional cones for an anchored lift. The technique utilises micro-suspension technology where dissolvable thread sutures are applied deep into the skin to lift the cheeks and jowls.

These procedures will not give the same strength of result as a full surgical facelift. However, they are suitable for patients who need or want more moderate improvements with less downtime and cost.

Recovery time from a facelift varies depending on the patient’s age, the extent of the treated area, and the technique used. Bruising and swelling after surgery are common, which typically subsides in 2 to 3 weeks. Most patients are able to return to work within two weeks, but there may still be minor bruising and numbness, which are only noticeable by the patient. Complete recovery normally takes around 3 months.

There are a vast number of facelifting techniques available with no one solution suitable for every patient. The procedure needs to be customised upon assessment of the individual patient. The more common facelifts I perform are (1) the Deep-Plane sub-SMAS facelift, (2) the MACS mini-facelift or (3) the Endotine facelift. Common small ancillary procedures performed concurrently include Vaser Liposuctionof the lower face and neck, neck muscle (platysma) tightening and eyelid procedures (blepharoplasties). The exact techniques will be decided during the consultation.

Though the swelling persists for a number of weeks, most patients return to work within two weeks.