FACE LIFT
What are the benefits?
When we age, the effects of gravity, the sun and daily stress become more and more visible on our face. A face lift can’t stop time but it can turn the clock back a bit with work on the skin, facial muscles and neck. With firmer skin and wrinkles that are less apparent, the face appears younger and fresher.
Is it for me?
The best candidate for a face lift is either a man or woman with realistic expectations, whose face has started to sag yet whose skin quality remains good. In general, this person is between 40 to 70 years old.
A face lift can give you a younger, more rested look and therefore, improve your self confidence. However, it can’t give you the energy and health of youth and it won’t change your overall appearance. Before opting for this procedure, be clear about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Duclos. She’ll be happy to answer any questions clearly and provide information on the type of procedure that’s best for you, including the pros and cons.
What techniques are used?
A face lift can be performed alone or in combination with a forehead lift and/or eyelid lift, liposuction or rhinoplasty (“nose job”). Dr. Duclos may also advise you to put off a face lift and use filler products for a few years (see Facial injections section). It is also possible to use filler products in tandem with a face lift to avoid pulling the skin too tightly, for a more natural result.
The length of the incisions depend on the extent of the surgery. Sometimes small incisions are sufficient, and are situated directly behind the ear or in the hair or at the temple (in front of or behind the hair) as well as at the cartilage in front of the ear. Sometimes, an incision is placed under the chin. Incisions are placed to be as discreet as possible. They can usually be covered by hair or are placed in the natural creases of the skin. During the face lift, the skin is lifted from the fascia layer and muscle below. Fat can be removed or suctioned from the neck and chin (see Liposuction or chin and neck lipectomy section). Next, the fascia layer and muscles are pulled, the skin repositioned and the excess removed.
What should I expect?
During your consultation, Dr. Duclos will evaluate your face, specifically the skin and underlying structure, and discuss objectives with you. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have, especially those that concern your expectations and fears. Dr. Duclos will be happy to answer them all, clearly and concisely.
A face lift is a procedure that must be tailored to each individual. If you decide to go ahead with the procedure, Dr. Duclos will point out the incision sites and explain the inherent risks and each step of the procedure itself and discuss pre and post operative care.
Usually, the procedure is done under local anaesthetic with sedation. Once the anaesthetic takes effect, you won’t feel any pain. In some cases, general anaesthetic is advised.
The length of the procedure depends on the extent of the work that needs to be done. You will then remain under observation until the doctor decides you may leave the clinic. Painkillers will be prescribed and the date of your next appointment will be given to you before you leave. Make sure you ask someone to accompany you back home.
After the procedure, you may experience some slight pain that can be relieved with the prescribed medication. Significant pain and sudden swelling must be taken care of immediately. Skin numbness is normal and should subside in the weeks and months following the procedure. Bruising will take about two weeks to disappear.
You must wear the chin strap at all times for about two weeks, then 10 hours a day for the two weeks after that.
You must keep your head elevated for the first few days to minimize swelling. You can sleep with two or three pillows or sleep in a “lazy boy” type chair. You must avoid getting the bandages wet. The bandages will be taken off at your follow-up visit.
You can walk around the day of your operation but you must avoid leaning down or lifting anything during the first few days. Avoid taking a hot bath or going into a sauna for several weeks, and keep your scars out of the sun or tanning salon for about six months.
Most patients take up their normal activities about two weeks after the procedure.
What are the risks?
Complications are rare and usually minor. However, physical reactions, scarring and final results vary from one individual to another.
Some complications that may occur: haematoma (accumulation of blood under the skin), nerve trauma that inhibits facial expression (usually temporary), infection, a loss of skin sensitivity, and reactions to the anaesthetic. Irregular scarring and skin necrosis can also occur, more frequently in smokers.