Time and gravity cause the skin to loosen and lines to form on the face. How soon these changes occur depends on a number of factors. Unwanted signs of aging can be alleviated by tightening the skin (facelift).
The first fine lines and loose skin on the face and neck, the feeling we are getting old, can appear at a surprisingly young age. Perhaps our face and neck are letting us know that we cannot rely on naturally healthy skin forever, but that we need to start taking care of it, giving it the moisture, massage and masks it needs. While this care can slow and ease the effects of the aging process, deeper lines will eventually form. Cosmetic dermatology can act as a first line of defense, successfully employing a variety of rejuvenating methods such as mesotherapy, plasma therapy, botulotoxin, hyaluronic acid-based injectables, and more. If gravity and loss of elasticity have led to wrinkles and sagging skin to a degree that can no longer be counteracted by these treatments, a facelift or SMAS lift offers a viable alternative.
Facelift is appropriate for anyone experiencing unwanted signs of aging in their face, including loose, sagging skin and wrinkles. The age at which these changes begin to appear varies greatly from individual to individual. It depends on skin type, genetic predisposition, lifestyle, sun exposure, etc. Generally speaking the first signs of aging begin to appear between 30 and 50.
If needed, we can also combine a facelift with a eyelid surgery or chin liposuction. Candidates should be in good health.
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Before your facelift you will need to consult with a plastic surgeon. The surgeon will assess the condition and elasticity of your skin and the signs of aging and then make their recommendations. The procedure takes place under analgosedation (a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous sedative), which means you will need to have a pre-operative internal examination.
The surgeon makes an incision under the hairline at the temples leading under the earlobe and around the back of the ear. Typically a SMAS facelift is performed at the same time to tighten the deeper, supporting tissues under the skin. This gives better, more lasting results. Afterwards the incision is closed with very fine stitches, making the scar as unobtrusive as possible, just a faint line mostly hidden under the hair.
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| Facelift before photo | Facelift after photo |
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| Facelift before photo | Facelift after photo |
As skin ages with time, more wrinkles form, and soft tissues diminish. Facial skin sagging mainly occurs in the regions of the cheeks and neck. Thanks to modern aesthetic medicine, we can address this ageing process. Facelift is a surgical method that tightens the skin on the face and neck by removing loose and excess skin. A significant advantage of facelift is the barely visible resulting scar, both in front and behind the earlobe. We use SMAS lift for a more enduring facelift outcome, as it not only lifts the facial skin but also tightens it deeper into the layers. SMAS (Superficial muscular aponeurotic system) is a fibrous muscular subcutaneous structure located between the facial skin and facial bones, including facial muscles among other elements. By surgically manipulating this layer, we achieve a longer-lasting effect.
In Deep plane facelift, we focus on the deep layers to achieve a more intensive facial lift. However, the facelift effect is not artificial or overly tightened. The result is a younger, natural appearance that also lasts longer than with a traditional facelift. Deep plane facelift is more demanding technically, requiring an experienced surgeon.
During Deep plane facelift, we do not perform extensive separation of the skin from the deeper SMAS layer. Instead, we prepare it deep under the SMAS layer, which is a significant advantage. This reduces the risk of bleeding under the loosened skin and minimises bruising and swelling after the surgery. Simultaneously, we thoroughly release significant groups of fibrous connections under the SMAS layer, which otherwise would hinder proper tissue movement and, therefore, the longevity of the effect. In Deep plane facelift, we do not just focus on the face; we also lift the tissues in the neck, where we prepare under the platysma, which is subsequently tightened, resulting in an overall neck lift.
After the operation, the patient stays at the clinic for one night, and the dressing is removed from the head the following day before the patient goes home. We recommend a week of rest at home, while office work is possible after a week. Exercise is recommended 3-4 weeks after the operation. Most bruising and swelling subside after 14 days, and the patient can return to work. At first glance, no one will be able to tell that the client underwent a facial surgery; as they will appear rejuvenated and well-rested. The goal of the operation is not to change the patient's appearance but to enhance and rejuvenate it. The result of the surgery should look natural.
What is Deep plane facelift, and what are its advantages? Deep plane does not involve separating the skin from the deeper layer; instead, it mostly works beneath the surface. This reduces the risk of bleeding, swelling, and bruising and results in a more natural-looking outcome.
You will need to stay in the facility one or two days after having a facelift. The dressings are changed the second day after the operation, and if drainage tubes were placed in the wound to drain excess fluid, they are removed at this point. You will need to keep the bandage on your head for five days after the operation. After that you can take it off and wash your hair. The doctor can recommend an analgesic for pain relief if necessary.
Swelling and bruising should last for two to three weeks after the operation. You will need to avoid physical activity including bending over for two to three weeks as well. The stitches usually dissolve on their own, so you will not need to come back to have them removed. You should start massaging the scar on the 18th day after the procedure. Press down on the scar for 30 seconds, and repeat for the entire length of the scar. This massage should be repeated several times a day. Make sure to protect the scar from sunlight for several months with sunblock that has a high UV factor.
You can resume light office work five days after having a facelift, although you should keep in mind that swelling and bruising will continue for some time, which can make it awkward going out in public. You can resume more strenuous physical activities after three weeks.
Facelift is a surgical procedure, and as such it involves the risk of certain complications, such as increased bleeding, infection in the wound, or excessive scarring. If you experience bleeding, redness, increased pain or fever during the healing process, make sure to contact your surgeon to head off any potential complications.
Later and less common complications include damage to the nerves controlling the muscles in the face, lips and mouth interfering with facial expressions. This problem requires long-term specialized rehabilitation of the facial muscles and a special vitamin regime.
Facelift offers long-term results that last for years. However, the procedure cannot stop the aging process completely, so new wrinkles and loose skin may continue to form. The procedure can be repeated after some time if desired.
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| Facelift before photo | Facelift after photo | Facelift after photo |
You can come for a consultation to see if a facelift is the right option for you at our offices in Prague, Brno and Liberec. The operation will take place at our clinic in Prague, where we have all the equipment we need for complex inpatient surgical procedures. At Perfect Clinic we do facelifts under analgosedation rather than full anesthesia.
