Whilst non surgical techniques such as BOTOX and FILLERS have improved tremendously oer the last 20 years, such that we can slow down the signs of aging, there comes a time when the effects of aging are too severe and we have to resort to a traditional surgical facelift to achieve the desired result.
Most people as they age want to look fresh, vibrant and sharp looking. Above all they want a tight, lifted midface and a smooth youthful jawline and neck, without jowling. In such cases a surgical Facelift may be the correct procedure that will give the results you are looking for and that will last up to 7-10 years.
First and foremost is the assessment. If the facial skin has lost its tone, volume and elasticity and the neck is hanging down in unsightly folds, BOTOX, FILLERS AND THREADLIFTS will not help anymore. We need to lift things back into their original position and to hold it there. This means cutting off excess skin and soft tissue.
There are many different styles and variations of a facelift. You will hear of terms like SMAS facelift, High Lateral SMAS Lift, Deep Plane lift, Subperiosteal Lift, Endoscopic Lift, Short scar Lift, Long scar Lift, Concentric Lift etc. Don’t get confused. Let your surgeon guide you through these different techniques. There is no “one size that fits all”. Each of us is specialised in our own way.
My favorite procedure is the High Lateral SMAS Lift with either a Short or a Long scar depending on how much skin you have. In my hands I have better control and predictability using this technique as I have been performing it since the early 90’s.
A short scar technique refers to a very short scar made just in front of and slightly behind the ear in order to perform the facelift. This is useful for younger patients who have some sagging but not a lot of excess skin.
A long scar technique is one where the incision for the facelift may extend from above the sideburns down to and around the ear and then for a certain length into the posterior hairline. So it is much longer. We will only do what is necessary.
The procedure involves dissecting free the skin and then locating the SMAS layer of soft tissue beneath the skin which can be pulled upwards in a superior direction. This restores the volume and shape of the cheeks and also under-eye firmness. The SMAS layer also extends into the neck and when this is lifted up it gives a nice sharp aesthetically pleasing jawline. The skin is then redraped in an upward-backward vector and te excess skin removed.
This can be a 4-7 hour operation depending on what is done during the procedure so it is not for everyone and you need to be mentally prepared to undergo such an operation. You also need to be aware that there is a long recovery time and that complications can occur with such a big procedure.
However, those who have undergone such a Facelift remain some of the most happy and satisfied of patients.