Facelift surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to address the effects of aging, such as loose skin and reduced facial fat. Aging transforms the triangular shape of a youthful face into a quadrangular shape, with prominent nasolabial folds (laugh lines), loose skin around the jawline, and sagging in the chin, neck, and eye areas. These changes can lead to a loss of confidence, making facelift procedures increasingly sought after.
Techniques of Facelift Surgery
There are both non-surgical and surgical techniques available.
- Non-surgical techniques are temporary, lasting 6-12 months.
- Surgical techniques offer long-lasting results, typically 8-10 years.
Non-Surgical Techniques
- Vampire Facelift: Uses the patient’s blood to prepare PRP (platelet-rich plasma), which is injected into the face for skin remodeling and tightening. Requires 4-5 monthly sessions.
- Thread Lift: Involves inserting threads to lift the skin. Minimal downtime of 1-2 days, with results lasting 6-12 months.
Surgical Techniques
- MAC Lift: A short-scar facelift with an incision in front of the ear.
- Standard Facelift: Involves incisions in front of and slightly behind the ear.
- Facelift with Neck Lift: Combines facelift with tightening of the neck skin.
Assessment and Preparation
During the consultation:
- Dr. Abdul Malik takes a detailed history, noting any co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart issues, or hepatitis.
- The patient’s medications are reviewed.
- A thorough facial examination is conducted, assessing wrinkles, loose cheek skin, jawline definition, nasolabial folds, neck skin, and prominent neck bands.
Dr. Abdul Malik discusses the patient’s concerns and explains suitable techniques, procedure details, recovery, and possible complications. Baseline tests (e.g., blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray) are performed, and patients with conditions like diabetes or hypertension are required to obtain fitness clearance from their treating physician.
Procedure
Facelift surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the technique and patient comfort.
- The surgical area is sterilized.
- Local anesthesia or infiltration is administered, followed by an incision along the pre-marked lines.
- Skin flaps are lifted, and the underlying SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer is assessed.
- Loose SMAS tissue may be resected and tightened with non-absorbable sutures.
- Excess skin is removed, and the incision is closed symmetrically.
- Hemostasis is secured, and the wound is dressed.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
- Patients under local anesthesia are discharged the same day; those under general anesthesia may stay in the hospital for one day.
- Sleep with the head elevated for 2-3 days.
- Smokers are advised to quit or reduce smoking for four weeks pre- and post-surgery to promote healing.
- Dressings are changed after two days, and stitches are removed after seven days.
- Scar massage and steristrips are recommended for optimal healing and symmetry.
- Swelling and bruising typically subside within 7-10 days.
- Edema resolves in about two months, with final results visible within 2-3 months.
- Patients can resume routine work after one week.
Benefits of Facelift Surgery
- Achieve a youthful appearance.
- Look 10-12 years younger.
- Enhanced jawline definition.
- Reduction of laugh lines.
- Regain a triangular facial shape.
- Improved symmetry and wrinkle correction.
- Youthful neck contour.
- Boosted confidence and attractiveness.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects are minimal when performed by an experienced surgeon but may include:
- Swelling and bruising.
- Hematoma (blood collection).
- Infection or wound breakdown.
- Temporary nerve damage or altered sensation (typically resolves in 4-6 weeks).
- Compromised skin flap blood supply.
- Asymmetry.
- Visible scars or hypertrophic scars.
Cost of Facelift Surgery
The cost varies between PKR 85,000 and PKR 150,000.
Facelift surgery can be combined with procedures such as eyelid surgery, eyebrow lifts, Botox, or filler injections, with additional charges for each procedure.