Facelift surgery can dramatically improve the appearance of the face and neck, giving you a younger, healthier look. There are various techniques available with modern day facelift surgery. The old technique of simply pulling the outer layer of skin tighter was commonly associated with the unnatural and “pulled” appearance associated of the Hollywood stars of the 80’s and 90’s. It is this approach to facelifts that has given this procedure a fearful name. Most facelift patients want to achieve a more youthful look, without appearing different. They want to turn back the clock, without looking as though they’ve had anything “done”. The most common patients for a facelift procedures are those with one or more of these conditions present: loose sagging tissues of the mid-face, deep folds of loose skin at the sides of the nose and mouth, jowls or loss of definition of the jaw line, or an excess of fat or loose skin causing a “hanging” of tissue in the neck area.
WHY GENIALE?
If you come to Géniale for a facelift procedure you’ll be in the incredible hands of Dr. Bill Lyon. An Australian born and trained cosmetic surgeon, he has trained at Flinders University, undertaken extensive training throughout both Australia and England, won numerous prizes and scholarships for both clinic and research work, and has numerous publications in international peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Lyon has also travelled to both Rwanda and Fiji as a part of the Open Heart International humanitarian agency. Dr Lyon’s gentle and caring approach will provide you with an honest opinion regarding your suitability for a facelift, with your safety and wellbeing at the core of every decision.
DO I NEED A CONSULTATION FIRST?
Here at Géniale, we will take the time to discuss a holistic approach to your goals for reshaping your body. A preliminary consultation is encouraged so you can get to know our team, and so that our resident facelift specialist can assess the proportions of your entire body, not only your face, to ensure your results are as natural as possible. We also encourage consultations so you can learn more about alternative procedures that may be better suited to your goals.
HOW IS THE TREATMENT CARRIED OUT?
Modern facelift techniques involve pulling the deeper layers of tissue and muscle to help achieve a more natural appearance. After all, it’s not just the skin that ages, it’s also what’s underneath that is succumbing to gravity and ageing! In order access these deeper layers of tissue and muscle, small incisions are made in specific locations around the face. These locations are dependent to the patient, however they are made to ensure minimal scarring and so that these scars are hidden either behind the ears or within the hairline.
While all of our surgeons are highly trained to ensure that any undesirable side effects are minimal, there are
still inherent risks associated with this procedure. These include:
- Anesthesia risks – Bleeding – Infection
- Poor wound healing and skin loss
- Facial nerve injury with weakness
- Temporary or permanent hair loss at the incisions
- Fluid accumulation
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Unfavorable scarring
- Prolonged swelling
- Skin irregularities and discoloration – Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin that require removal. These can become visible or create some discomfort
- Unsatisfactory results may include: asymmetry, unsatisfactory scar location and unacceptable visible deformities at the ends of the incisions. (It may be necessary to perform an additional surgery to improve your results) – Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
*Any invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Is it right for me?
We understand how difficult the decision is to undergo any medical procedure. During your preliminary consultation we will assess your suitability for a facelift procedure and discuss with you how best to achieve your desired result.
How long is the recovery time?
The facelift recovery requires up to two weeks off work, sometimes longer. The main issues are bruising and swelling, along with giving your incisions time to heal. This is an extremely important aspect of the recovery period as looking after your incisions properly will ensure you minimise any scarring.
Will there be any scarring?
While scarring is a natural side effect of a facelift procedure, experienced surgeons such as Dr Bill Lyon are also able to minimise scarring and ensure any scars are well hidden behind the ears or the hairline.
Will I need anaesthetic?
General anaesthesia is a requirement for an facelift procedure. While the risks of modern anaesthetic are low they are still present. The doctor will discuss these with you prior to the procedure.
How long until I see results?
Results will be immediate and will continue to improve for 3-4 weeks. This continued improvement will take
place as the swelling and bruising from the procedure begins to fade.
Will other medications affect results?
Our Géniale doctors will enquire into any medications you are taking during your consultation. Depending on the medication these may need to be halted leading up to the surgery.
How long does the procedure take?
Typically this procedure takes two to four hours, however this timing is largely dependent on the patient’s needs.
