Understanding Facelifts: What to Expect

Baby, it’s cold outside – particularly for those of us living in the south-eastern states like Melbourne and Tasmania.

Between the frosty chill of winter keeping everyone at home and the increasing number of businesses moving to work from home technologies, this may be the opportune time to make the most of hibernation and seriously consider that facelift you’ve been long contemplating. After all, what better time could there be to sit at home convalescing?

Many decide to look for facelifts in Melbourne, as it’s one of the world’s leading cities for cutting edge technology and expertise in cosmetic facial plastic surgery techniques. In fact, pioneers of modern facelifts such as Dr Chris Moss (MBBS, Dip. Anat., FRACS), revolutionised our thinking about aesthetic facial surgery, dropping the ‘one size fits all’ pull it and pin it approach which had been in use since the early part of the twentieth century.

Modern techniques are producing far superior results, greatly reduced healing times and minimal dressings. Today’s facelifts offer a tailored, multi-faceted approach, designed to subtly refill and refine the face to bring it back to a more youthful version of you.

First Consultation

Deciding on a surgeon is a key ingredient to achieving natural, long-lasting results – so choose well. Knowing what to ask during your first visit is vital to selecting the best surgeon for your needs. Consider the following:

• Before and after photos of actual patients
• Surgeon’s skill and experience in performing facelifts
• Postoperative care
• Commitment and attitude to revision surgery if required
• Techniques used to ensure natural results – see more about this below

Inspecting The Work

One of the non-negotiables patients look for is natural results, without any telltale signs of surgery. Your best tool for judging the ability of his work is the surgeon’s past clients. When viewing before and after images pay special attention to the overall symmetry and the side view; particularly around the ear.

The image above shows the tragus; a small protruding piece of flesh bordering the inner and outer ear. When looking at before and after facelift photos, take a good look at this area. Many surgeons choose to hide their incisions inside the ear but unless performed expertly, this single little nub of flesh can be a dead give-away that you have had work done; causing it to look as if the facial skin has been tucked into the ear. In many cases, placing the incision in front of the ear, running in line with the natural crease and curve, can produce better results. The skill of your surgeon will be the decisive factor here.

Also, look at the connection of the ear lobe to the face. The lobe should droop in a slight curve before attaching to the face. ‘Pixie ears’, where the lobe attaches directly to the face, is also a sign of a poorly executed facelift.

On The Day

Once you have selected your surgeon, an appointment will be set for the day of the operation. You will be given a set of instructions to follow prior to the day and the success of the outcome of your facelift can depend on how closely they are followed. These instructions may include:

• Avoid all nicotine products. This enables fast healing and lessens the risk of infection.
• Prophylactic medicines. You may be asked to begin a course of antibiotics to prevent postoperative infection.
• Avoid supplements or medications such as vitamin E, which may contribute to postoperative bleeding.

First Two Weeks

By the end of the first two weeks, you may feel comfortable turning the video back on your Skype calls. This is not the time to judge final results as there will likely be residual bruising and swelling but often these feel more noticeable than they actually are, particularly if make-up is worn.

Six Months On

By the end of the six months, the majority of healing will have taken place and you will be able to appreciate the final results. Scars hidden well behind the ear will have faded to be almost imperceptible. If fat grafting had been part of the procedure, this will have settled, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful, natural softening it can provide.

As the skills and techniques of plastic surgeons continue to advance, facelifts are becoming far more attainable, affordable and aesthetically pleasing. They have also become an acceptable way to mirror on the outside, the vibrant and youthful individual you are on the inside.