Face Lift (Meloplasty) and Neck Lift (platysmoplasty)
Skin of the face and neck is lifted and tightened, as are some of the deeper supporting structures of the face and neck.
What is a facelift (meloplasty)?
As part of the natural ageing process, the skin and support structures in the face and neck lose elasticity and descend under the constant effects of gravity. A facelift (meloplasty) and a neck lift (platysmoplasty) can surgically reposition and tighten these deep supporting structures and change the shape and contour of the face and neck. These are significant procedures that can have prolonged downtime and potentially permanent complications.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
These procedures can change the overall shape and position of the face and neck by removing excess skin and elevating and tightening the deep supporting structures in these areas.
These procedures can be effectively combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a brow lift surgery, eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) or liposuction to the neck and chin. The combination that would be most suitable for your particular circumstances will be assessed and discussed at your consultations.
Is Dr Morgan experienced in this procedure?
Mr Morgan has a special interest in facial surgery, and facial cosmetic surgery, and performs these procedures on a regular basis. At your consultation, he will be able to show photos of his other patients who have undergone this procedure to give a sense of what change can be achieved. These results are specific to these patients, and may not accurately reflect the types of result you may achieve. All results can vary for a number of reasons, including differences in genetics and original appearance, as well as differences in healing and recovery. Despite all care being taken, complications can and do occur, and can also affect the final result. Occasionally, revisional surgery is required.
How is it performed?
A facelift (meloplasty) and neck lift (platysmoplasty) are carried out under general anaesthetic, and depending on technique, can take between three and six hours. These are significant procedures.
A minimum of one night stay in hospital is required, although patients will often stay for a longer period of time.
These procedures involve incisions made from the sideburn hairline, down the front of the ear, around behind the ear, and into the hairline again on both sides of the head, and can be combined with a small incision under the chin ta assist in the neck lift procedure. Through these incisions the skin and deeper supporting structures are lifted and tightened. Excess skin is then removed.
How long will I need to recover?
These are significant procedures and can require a prolonged period of recovery. Dressings and a facial support garment will remain in place until your initial post-operative appointment approximately 7-10 days after surgery. Sutures will be removed at this time, and advice given about ongoing wound care and scar management.
Many patients experience prolonged numbness in the cheeks, and a sense of tightness when moving their face and neck, for several months. Swelling and bruising can last several weeks, but most patient are able to return to social activity at 3-4 weeks. Return to work usually occurs after 4 weeks. Full recovery from the surgery, and maturation of the scars, can take several months.
Specific Risks and Complications
Facelift (meloplasty) and neck lift (plastysmoplasty) surgery have several potential specific risks:
- Bleeding, infection, poor quality or visible scars, hair loss around the scars, permanent numbness in the cheeks, nerve injury resulting in loss of facial movement, asymmetry, irregularity in the skin, changes to earlobe shape and position, dissatisfaction with the cosmetic outcome, need for revisional surgery.
- – This is not an exhaustive list of potential risks. Every patient responds differently to surgery and anaesthesia, and can heal and recover differently. Individual results can vary. The results experienced by one patient do not always reflect the results other patients may achieve. Potential outcomes and possible variations will be discussed during your consultations
All Surgical Procedures Carry Risks
Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner.
Individual results may vary due to a number of factors, including genetics, and variations in healing and recovery, and the potential for complications. The outcomes experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect the outcomes that other people may experience. Potential outcomes and possible variations will be discussed during your consultations
Cosmetic surgery is real surgery, and will most often require a general anaesthetic. All surgery will require a period of recovery before returning to normal activity, as outlined in the particular procedure information. Although uncommon, complications can and do occur, and may affect the final result of your surgery. The potential risks will be discussed fully during your consultations, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the various risks in your particular circumstances. Risks may include the general risks of surgery, as well as the risks specific to the procedure, and include poor quality scarring, excessive bruising and swelling, infection, bleeding, pain, asymmetry, nerve injury, anaesthetic complications, drug reactions, unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes, the need for further surgery, and permanent disability and death.
As a specialist plastic surgeon, Mr Morgan is appropriately trained and qualified to deal with complications of surgery, including the ability to admit you to hospital, if required.
Who should/should not consider this type of surgery?
You should not consider this type of surgery as a response to a personal or professional crisis, or under the encouragement of somebody else. Any decision to undergo surgery needs to be for the right reasons. All surgery entails an element of risk, and you should not make any decision regarding surgery at a time of stress.
Face (meloplasty) and Neck Lift (platysmaplasty)
Being healthy and happy with your decision increases the chances of achieving a satisfactory result. Smoking, other medical conditions, and being overweight can make surgery unsafe. These and other risks will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.
If you would like to know more about face (meloplasty) and neck lift (platysmaplasty), or to book an appointment, please contact us today.