Possible Side Effects

• Bruising and swelling - may last up to 3 weeks.
• Numbness and tenderness of the skin.
• The skin may feel tight and dry.
• Male facelifts reposition beard-growing skin behind the ears. Either laser hair removal or regular shaving behind ears will be required.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, infection, bleeding and delayed wound healing can occur. Fortunately however these uncommon complications are unlikely to have any negative impact on the final cosmetic outcome.

Injury to the facial nerve that controls facial muscles movement can occur. (This is usually temporary but in rare cases may be permanent.)

The incision site generally fades over a few months leaving a virtually imperceptible scar. Rarely abnormal scarring may result. This may include hypertrophic or keloid scars, stretched or pigmented scars. In some cases a scar revision may be required.

Sun-creams and broad rim hats should be used for at least 6 months following surgery.

Recovery

A patient may return to work after approximately 2 weeks. Strenuous activity may be resumed after 3 to 4 weeks. Post-operative evaluation of your recovery will determine how soon after surgery you may return to your normal activities.

Bruising should begin to disappear after a week and settle between the 3rd and 4th weeks.

Sun exposure must be completely avoided after surgery.

Results

The natural ageing process will continue and therefore a facelift cannot be expected to last indefinitely. Most facelifts can be expected to maintain optimum appearance for between five to ten years.

My patients often enquire what will happen after this time. Although your appearance will change you will continue to look younger than had you not had a facelift.