| FNL | Face / Neck Lift Surgery |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Face / neck lift surgery (=rhytidectomy) where skin and deep layers (=SMAS and platysma) are lifted (=imbrication) can give aesthetic rejuvenation of about 10 years. Because mini-face / neck lifts only tighten (=plication) these layers, laxity often remains and an improvement of 3-5 years is expected in suitable patients. 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 > (Local) |
| 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 (e.g. "pixie ears", "joker lines" / "swoop marks" = cross cheek depressions etc. Higher risk of laxity 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
