Facelift

A facelift is divided, according to the problem area, into the upper face (forehead/brow), mid-face (eye area) and lower face (mouth, jaw, neck). The aim is to lift the sagging tissue back to its old position and to tighten the skin by removing the excess. The incision scars are not prominent because they are hidden in the temple hairline and the natural folds in front of and behind the ear. Combining it with eyelid aesthetics, filler or botox improves the result.

It is for young patients aged 35-45 whose cheek sagging is mild and not yet fully settled. Without going deep into the tissue, it lifts the sagging cheek area upward; loose tissue is removed through the incision in front of the ear and the inner tissue is tightened. It takes an average of 2 hours under general anaesthesia, and a full facelift can be done later.

It especially targets the cheekbone area. By lifting the sagging cheek tissue under the eye, the cheekbone is made prominent and the lip-corner lines are eliminated. It is done with an endoscopic incision from under the eye or the scalp. It is suitable for ages 40-55; general anaesthesia, an average of 2 hours.

With an incision extending from in front of the ear to the edge of the scalp, it combines the mini and mid-facelift in a single session. The whole cheek is opened, the deep tissue is addressed, the cheek and lower face are lifted and the excess skin is removed. It is suitable for more advanced-age skin, usually 55-60 years; general anaesthesia, an average of 2-3 hours.

The patient stays one night in hospital, then is followed up at home. Much pain is not expected; it is relieved with painkillers. A drain may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation and is removed in 1-2 days. The swelling and bruising in the first days largely pass in 1-2 weeks and the patient returns to daily life. The results are preserved for about 8-10 years; ageing continues during this period.