Facelift
A facelift is performed to achieve a younger-looking appearance by smoothing wrinkles, correcting jowls, and tightening loose skin. As one of the most acclaimed and effective methods of facial rejuvenation available, facelift surgery can restore the youthful contours of the face while improving visible signs of age. Unlike facelift procedures of previous decades, advances in technique and technology have allowed modern facelifts to appear extraordinarily natural and beautiful. Our extensively trained plastic surgeon in Johannesburg, Dr Vaneshri Chetty-B, emphasises elegant and refined results when performing facelift surgery. She also typically incorporates a neck lift during the procedure, allowing patients to enjoy a full, comprehensive outcome.
Who is a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
Facelift surgery can benefit any individual who shows signs of aging in the lower face that they would like to improve. Contrary to popular belief, there is no “best time” to pursue a facelift. Every person ages at a unique rate and whether a patient exhibits the necessary aesthetic concerns is typically a stronger indication of candidacy than one’s age. While Dr Chetty-B will be able to personally evaluate your needs during a consultation, good candidates for a facelift generally have:
- Loose or sagging skin in the lower face
- Signs of jowling, facial folds, or deep creases
- No uncontrolled medical conditions that may affect the healing process
- Realistic expectations for the outcome
A facelift can be an excellent technique to refresh the lower face and neck; however, the procedure does not usually address signs of aging in the upper face. If you also show signs of skin laxity and wrinkling around the eyes, you may be interested in combining your facelift with blepharoplasty to address the entire face during one procedure.
How is the Facelift Procedure Performed?
At our Johannesburg practice, a facelift is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the extent of skin laxity experienced, discreet incisions are usually made at the temples and continue around the ear. From here, fat is sculpted or redistributed to minimize jowls, and the underlying SMAS layer is lifted and repositioned. This can help avoid the tight or unnatural look that is sometimes an obvious indication of facelift surgery. The skin is then redraped over your new facial contours and excess tissue is removed, leaving behind a smoother and more youthful appearance.
What Can I Expect From the Facelift Recovery Period?
Most patients return to work and their daily routines after one to two weeks; however, exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least four weeks to ensure optimal healing. Some degree of swelling and bruising is expected after facelift surgery and should resolve naturally, although it can take up to one year for swelling to fully subside. After the procedure, Dr Chetty-B may advise you to keep your head elevated while resting or sleeping to help facilitate blood flow and further reduce inflammation. The final outcome should continue to improve as the healing process progresses. A facelift will not stop the aging process, but patients usually enjoy lasting rejuvenation for years—and even decades—to come.
If you would like to learn more about a facelift, Dr Chetty-B would be happy to address all of your questions and concerns. Please contact The Forever Institute to schedule a consultation.
