Facial surgery
Facial surgery comprises of several aesthetic plastic surgery procedures which are performed to improve and eliminate evidence of ageing of the face and neck, and to improve the appearance and function of facial features.
Face/neck lifts (Rhytidectomy)
A face/neck lift improves the most visible signs of ageing by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles and re-draping the skin of your face and neck. It is important to note that the success of these procedures requires both skin and muscle tightening to produce a long lasting result. It also depends on the elastic qualities of your skin.
The procedure
Facelifts are very individualized procedures and your surgeon will evaluate your face, including your skin and muscle elasticity, and your underlying bone structure. They will then discuss the surgical techniques required.
Your surgeon may decide to complete one side of the face at a time or move back and forth between the sides. Incisions usually begin close to the hairline at your temples and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. Your surgeon will separate the skin from the fat and muscle below it, trim or suction the fat then tighten the underlying muscle and membrane. If you requested neck work, a small incision may also be made under the chin.
Duration of surgery
Surgery may last from 2–4 hours depending on the technique used and the extent of the procedure.
Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)
Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the nose by increasing or decreasing the size of your nose, the shape of the tip or bridge, narrowing the nostril span or changing the angle between your nose and lip. It is also performed to correct birth defects, relieve nasal obstruction or correct deformities resulting from injury.
This procedure should not be performed until the bones of the face are mature, usually age 16 in girls and 18 in boys.
The procedure
During surgery, the skin of the nose is separate from the bone and cartilage which is sculpted to the desired shape. The skin is then re-draped over this framework. Usually, a surgeon performs Rhinoplasty by making an incision inside the nostrils however in some cases (and depending on the surgeons’ preference) a small incision to the narrow strip of skin between the nostrils is sometimes required.
When completed, a splint will be applied to help maintain your new nose shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints may also be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the dividing wall between the air passages.
Duration of surgery
Depending on the type of technique used, surgery may last 1–2 hours.
Brow lift
A brow lift is a procedure that restores a more refreshed look to the area surrounding the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows at the outside corners of the eyes and the frown lines that develop between the eyes.
The procedure
In a brow lift, the muscles and tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are removed or altered to raise the eyebrows and minimize lines.
The procedure can be completed using one of the two following methods:
- An incision is made just behind the hairline and excess tissue under the skin is removed and the muscles are weakened or removed. The eyebrows are elevated to a higher position using sutures and the forehead skin is pulled upwards and excess skin is removed.
- An endoscopic brow lift is performed with an endoscope — a viewing instrument that allows the procedure to be performed with minimal incisions. The endoscope is passed through an incision and the forehead skin is released from the underlying bone and lifted upwards. Sutures are placed under the skin to lift the brow. Temporary screws may also be inserted behind the hairline or tiny screws under the skin may be left in place. No forehead skin is removed and the hairline remains unchanged.
Duration of surgery
Surgery takes between 1–2 hours.
Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is the removal of fat, excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It can also correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes.
The procedure
Usually, your surgeon will make incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids. Working through these incisions, your surgeon will separate the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, remove excess fat and often trim sagging skin and muscle. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.
Duration of surgery
Eyelid surgery usually takes 1–3 hours depending on the extent of the procedure.
Anaesthesia
Depending on the surgery you are having, you may be placed under twilight sedation, local or general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will discuss your requirements during consultation.
Side Effects of Facial Surgery
Facial surgery will cause some degree of swelling and bruising that can last as long as 2 or 3 weeks.
Some facelift patients experience tightness and numbness of their face and neck, which may persist for a longer time.
Eyelid surgery patients may experience a few days of blurred vision and excessive tear production.
Nose surgery patients may experience numbness of the nose or a change in feeling that continues after the swelling has receded.
Brow lift patients may experience altered or loss of sensation in the treated area. Numbness may be replaced with intense itching while the nerves heal.
It is important that you have an adequate understanding of the possible side effects of your procedure at your consultation. If you do not understand your surgeon’s explanation you should ask for more information until you are comfortable and you understand what is involved.
Revisional surgery
In most circumstances facial surgery need not be repeated. However, as with all surgical procedures, revisional surgery may be necessary to correct minor irregularities.
Returning to normal activities
Returning to your normal activities after surgery is an individual matter. Your surgeon will advise you on the likely time depending on your individual requirements. They will also advise you on matters of special care concerning make-up and the protection of your skin from the sun. Most patients are able to return to work after 2 weeks, but others may require a longer period of recovery based on the nature and extent of their procedure.