Facelift

Would you like to make the facial oval more defined and the contours — more expressive and harmonious? One way to achieve such a result may be a facelift. The surgery makes it possible to correct age-related changes and make facial features more expressive.

At «Oxford Medical», surgeries are performed by plastic surgeons with many years of experience in a modern surgical inpatient facility. The method and extent of correction are selected so as to improve facial contours while preserving natural features and facial expressions.

To understand what changes can be achieved specifically in your case and which type of surgery will be most suitable, it is worth starting with a consultation with a plastic surgeon. The doctor will answer your questions and help you make a well-considered decision. You can make an appointment through the form on the website or the «Oxford Medical» contact center.

A facelift — is a plastic surgery procedure aimed at lifting the face and correcting age-related changes. It helps reduce sagging skin and the prominence of folds, as well as improve the facial oval.

Modern facial lifting makes it possible to achieve a noticeable result without a drastic change in facial features. The goal of the surgery — is to preserve natural facial expressions and individual features of appearance.

A facial oval lift may cover one or several areas — the exact extent of the surgery is determined depending on which changes concern the patient the most.

Most contraindications to a facelift are temporary. In such cases, the surgery is postponed.

Temporary contraindications include:

• acute infectious diseases;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• inflammatory processes or skin damage in the area of the future surgery;
• uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;
• pregnancy and the breastfeeding period.

After temporary contraindications have been eliminated, the surgery can be planned.

Absolute contraindications are severe decompensated diseases of the heart, lungs, and other internal organs, as well as uncorrected blood clotting disorders in which surgical intervention and anesthesia are associated with a high risk to health.

Preparation begins with a consultation with a plastic surgeon, during which the surgeon assesses the condition of the skin, the severity of age-related changes, and the contours of the face. At this stage, it is determined what extent of intervention will be sufficient and which methods of facial contour correction are better to use in order to achieve a natural result.

Before surgery, it is necessary to undergo a preoperative examination. It usually includes:

• a general blood and urine test;
• a biochemical blood test;
• a coagulation test;
• testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C;
• an electrocardiogram;
• additional examinations if indicated.

The doctor also clarifies information about chronic diseases, previous surgeries, and allergic reactions. A surgical facelift is performed after a preoperative examination and exclusion of contraindications.

Since the intervention is performed under general anesthesia, no food should be consumed for 8 hours before the surgery, and drinking clean still water should be stopped 2 hours before. Before hospitalization, the patient receives all the necessary recommendations regarding preparation.

At «Oxford Medical», facelifts are performed by plastic surgeons with many years of experience in a modern high-tech surgical inpatient facility. The operating rooms are equipped with expert-class equipment that helps surgeons accurately perform the planned manipulations and anesthesiologists — continuously monitor the patient's condition during surgery.

The main stages of the surgery:

• Anesthesia. A facelift is performed under general anesthesia. Throughout the entire surgery, the anesthesiologist monitors breathing, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and other main indicators.
• Incisions. They are placed in natural folds near the ears and along the hairline so that the scars remain barely noticeable after healing. When correcting the neck, an additional small incision under the chin may be required.
• Lift. The surgeon corrects the position of the soft tissues and, depending on the selected technique, works with the deeper structures of the face. After that, the surgeon removes excess skin and forms more defined contours.
• Completion of the surgery. The incisions are sutured and a dressing is applied. If necessary, thin drains are placed to remove fluid during the first hours after the intervention.

If necessary, a facelift can be combined with other plastic surgeries, for example, with blepharoplasty — correction of the upper or lower eyelids. Such a combination makes it possible to correct several age-related changes of the face during one surgery.

After a facelift, the patient usually remains in the inpatient facility for 1–2 days. At «Oxford Medical», comfortable single and double rooms are provided for postoperative recovery. During this time, the medical staff monitors the patient's well-being, performs the necessary dressings, and follows the course of early recovery.

During the first 2–3 days, swelling, bruising, moderate soreness, and a feeling of skin tightness may occur. Then these manifestations gradually decrease. Approximately 7–14 days later, the sutures are removed during a follow-up examination.

During the recovery period, it is recommended to:

• sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first 1–2 weeks;
• wear a compression or fixation bandage if prescribed by the surgeon;
• avoid sudden bending and significant physical activity during the first weeks;
• not visit a sauna or bathhouse and not take hot baths;
• protect postoperative scars from the sun;
• return to intensive training approximately 4–6 weeks later;
• attend follow-up examinations on the designated days.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain: after 2–3 weeks, swelling and bruising have already decreased significantly, so the result of the surgery becomes more noticeable. Subsequently, the contours continue to gradually form as the tissues fully recover.

Complications after a facelift occur infrequently, but it is impossible to completely exclude risks, as with any surgical intervention. That is why thorough preparation, proper planning of the surgery, and adherence to recommendations during the recovery period are of great importance.

At «Oxford Medical», before a facelift, the patient undergoes a comprehensive preoperative examination. The surgery is planned taking into account the state of health, anatomical features, and the required extent of correction. Facelifts are performed by plastic surgeons with more than 20 and 30 years of professional experience in modern operating rooms equipped with expert-class equipment. This approach helps to minimize risks at all stages of treatment.

Possible complications include:

• bleeding or hematoma formation;
• infection of the postoperative area;
• prolonged or uneven swelling;
• temporary numbness or changes in skin sensitivity;
• delayed healing of incisions;
• noticeable or thickened scars;
• asymmetry of contours;
• temporary thinning of hair near the incision lines;
• in rare cases — damage to branches of the facial nerve with impaired facial expressions.

After discharge, it is important to follow the surgeon’s recommendations regarding care, physical activity, and follow-up examinations. This also helps reduce the risk of postoperative complications and ensure normal healing.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» advise contacting the surgeon earlier than the scheduled examination if pain or swelling suddenly increases, bleeding appears, the temperature rises, or well-being noticeably worsens. Such symptoms may indicate the development of complications.

The price of a facelift depends on the extent of the surgery, the area of correction, and the selected surgical technique. A plastic surgeon can accurately guide you regarding the cost during a consultation after an examination and determination of the surgical plan.

The current cost of the consultation can be viewed here. To make an appointment at «Oxford Medical», use the online appointment form on the website or contact the contact center.

The information is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.

Sources:

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• US National Library of Medicine
• PubMed