| FNL | Face / Neck Lift Surgery |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Face & neck lift surgery (also called rhytidectomy) comes in several variations. I perform deep plane lifts of SMAS and platysma layers and mini-face & neck lifts. The skin is lifted up to give access to a deeper tissue layer called SMAS (=Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) and the platysma muscle. SMAS / platysma lifts elevate (=imbrication) this layer under a general anaesthetic. The surgery is more complex and an aesthetic rejuvenation of about 10 years is expected. Mini-face & neck lifts involve less skin undermining. The SMAS and platysma are tightened only (=plication). The surgery is less complex. An aesthetic rejuvenation of about 3-5 years is expected and laxity or fullness can remain in the central neck. A face & neck lift can be combined with neck (=submental) liposuction, fat excision and / or resection of the submandibular salivary glands when done under a general anaesthetic. Excess skin is then trimmed off. I do not use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which do not require removal and dissolve within four months. A support garment following surgery is recommended. |
| Scars | Along the temporal hairline, around and behind the ear. With or without scar under the chin. |
| Operation time | 3 - 5 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General for SMAS / platysma lift. Local for mini-face / neck lift. |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery > (Overnight) |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Skin cones, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis (Ice packs should be avoided), Pain, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness, paralysis), Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Remaining / Recurrent redundancy (Central neck etc.), Earlobe distortion, Hair loss, Ectropion, Aesthetic imperfections (higher risk after subsequent weight changes), Seroma (=wound fluid collection), Salivary fistula or cyst, Sialoma, Dry mouth, Organ injury, Functional problems, Contour irregularities, Need for further surgery, Allergic reaction, Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs N.B. Most complications are unlikely; serious or fatal outcomes are rare |
| Risk factors | Smoking / contraception / flights within 6 weeks of surgery, overweight, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), diabetes, ice packs |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, scar massage, sun protection, support garments |
| Discomfort | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities 2 weeks, Driving 3 weeks, Physical work & sports 6 weeks, Unrestricted 3 months |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 - 18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Make-up, Thread lifts, Fillers, Chemical peels, Laser, Dermabrasion, Other types of face lifts, Facial implants |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
