Facial aging is inevitable, and occurs due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. As the years go by, the skin & underlying supportive tissues of the face & neck lose their elasticity. There is a loss of fat from the middle & lower part of the face. There is also some resorption of the gum tissue. The skin surface itself undergoes its own aging process.

As the skin begins to loosen and the structures under the skin weaken, the facial structures follow gravity and tend to drift downwards and forwards, and the normal volume and contours of the youthful face and neck are lost.
This normal aging process eventually results in one or more of the following:

  • loss of jawline contour ie “jowling”
  • deepening of the nose-to-mouth smile lines ie “nasolabial folds”
  • heaviness of the brow
  • bagginess of the upper & lower eyelids
  • sagging of the cheeks with loss of volume & a “sunken cheek” look
  • deepening of the mouth to chin lines ie “marionette lines”
  • sunken or drawn in mouth
  • sagging of the neck skin, excess fat in the neck with a prominent double chin
  • loss of the angle between the neck & the chin ie the “cervicomental angle”

Many people choose to undergo face lift procedure to enhance their natural features and restore their youthfulness.

We will assess your condition and general health, and plan the treatment that is best suited to you.

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Facelift Procedures

There are several available techniques and styles of face lift. Unfortunately, there is no standardized labeling or nomenclature for the lifts. The concept is the same, but different surgeons throughout the country (and indeed the world) will refer to these lifts by slightly different names. These include: full facelift, face and neck lift, rhytidectomy, meloplasty, SMAS lift, and deep plane facelift to name a few.

There is no universal terminology so it is important to understand what each particular surgeon means by his or her “facelift” techniques. You must be fully informed and understand the procedure, including the incisions,
extent of dissection and exactly what structures or tissues are “lifted”.

It is important to emphasize that regardless of the technique used, the result will always be natural and you will look like a younger fresher YOU.

The main difference between the different techniques used are the length and extent of incisions, the extent and depth of tissue undermining (or lifting) and the degree of tightening of the underlying fibrous supportive layer. The results of a full face and neck lift are generally going to last longer than a face lift alone. A face and neck lift will generally take longer than a face lift and will generally require you to take more time off work. There are pros and cons in selecting the procedure which is right for YOU, and these will be discussed in detail during consultation.

The technique of choice depends on several factors, most importantly what YOU are trying to achieve, ie:

  • What are your main concerns?
  • What area or area/s bother you most?
  • What do you want, what do you wish to achieve, what are your goals and expectations with regard to surgery or other treatments?

From our viewpoint:

Is a face lift procedure appropriate for you, and if so which particular technique is most suitable for you? Which particular technique will realistically satisfy your needs?
Most importantly, a thorough assessment of your facial features and tissue structure is essential. If, for example you have minimal jowling, minor neck sagging and firm facial tissue structures then you may not be ready for a full face lift, and non surgical treatments may be recommended. On the other hand, if there is a high degree of sagging then a full face and neck lift may be recommended.

Facelift (Full Facelift)

A conventional or traditional facelift means that there will be an incision made behind the hairline in the temple region, and it extends down in front of the ear following the natural crease, then curves around the earlobe and back along the crease of the ear and into the hairline behind the ear at the back of the scalp. The extent and depth of dissection and the layers dissected vary. After elevating the skin, the next deeper layer of the face (SMAS) with muscle attachments is then tightened for a more natural look. Tightening of this layer also increases the longevity of the results. The facial skin is gently repositioned and lifted, and the excess is removed. Please note that facial skin is never “pulled tight” – this would distort your facial features and potentially compromise the blood supply.
The skin of the neck is lifted all the way to the midline, and the underlying muscles are tightened. A necklift is usually performed at the same time as a facelift but can be performed as a single procedure.

Short Scar Facelift

This procedure involves using an incision which is similar to that used in the traditional method, but it does not extend very far behind the ear. There is less dissection of the tissues and the dissection remains superficial to (ie above) the layer of tissue which contains the most important facial nerve which supplies the facial muscles. Please note that other surgeons may use a different definition of “short scar” lift.

Duration of Results

Regardless of the technique you will see results immediately after surgery. You will feel and look refreshed, revitalized and more youthful but you will still look like you. In other words, most people won’t guess that you’ve had surgery. The result is so natural and enhances your own features. Apart from some minor temporary bruising and swelling, you will not look “operated on”. Friends may tell you that you look rested and it’s a good idea to tell them that you’ve been on a holiday or started using a new skin cream or perhaps had a change of hairstyle.

Unfortunately, following surgery, the normal aging process resumes. Your lifestyle choices, bone structure, skin type, sun exposure and heredity all play a part in determining how many years can be removed by any facelift procedure and how long the results may last. Most can expect to 5 to 10 years off their age and the results to last 5 – 10 years.

If you are considering Cosmetic Facial Rejuvenation, we can certainly guide and advise you. We want your new look to be as attractive and appropriate for you as possible. All cosmetic procedures have limitations. Therefore, if for any reason we feel that we are unable to fulfill your expectations we will tell you immediately. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss this procedure.