Midlands Specialist Centre
Dr Bronwen Schoenfeld
MBBCh (WITS) FCS Plast (SA)
Specialist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
facelift
FACELIFT / RHYTIDECTOMY
A facelift is technically known as a Rhytidectomy. The word deriving from the from Ancient Greek (rhytis) “wrinkle” + (ektome) “excision”, ie surgical removal of wrinkles, is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure used to give a more youthful facial appearance.
There are multiple surgical techniques. It usually involves the repositioning of sagging facial tissues, with removal of excess facial skin, and the redraping of the skin on the patient's face and neck.
Facelifts are effectively combined with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and other facial procedures and are typically performed under light or deep sedation, or general anesthesia.
According to the recent statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, facelifts were the sixth most popular aesthetic surgery performed after liposuction, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and breast lift.
Dr. Schoenfeld has always stayed abreast of the latest facelift techniques.
Everyone knows about the facelift, and nobody wants that stretched, tight look we have all seen in Hollywood. Luckily for you Face-Lift surgery has advanced in leaps and bounds since the horror results of the 80’s. Today there are various techniques to accommodate your desired result and to produce a natural more youthful look. The rise in popularity of Botox and Dermal Fillers has allowed for some people to opt for a non-permanent solution.
What does facelift surgery entail?
Facelift surgery is, in a nutshell, the removal of excess skin in the face and the repositioning of fat-pads and ligaments in the cheeks. This does not mean there is only one-way to perform the surgery or that you will require the full extent of the surgery. A consultation with Dr.Schoenfeld will put you at ease regarding your surgical approach matching your desired aesthetic result.
How is the surgery performed?
The surgery usually lasts between 2.5 and 3.5 hours. The intricacies may vary, but in general, an incision is made around the front and back of the ear and hidden within the hairline. Using specific suture techniques, Dr. Schoenfeld will reposition ligaments and fat pads to recreate your face’s natural and youthful shape. Once this step is completed the excess skin and fat is removed, drains are inserted and your facelift surgery is completed with careful suturing of the re-draped tissues.
Of course this is just a general idea and your surgery will be specific to your:
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Age.
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Expected aesthetic outcome.
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Skin quality.
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Existing facial state.
You may go home after your surgery and will have to return the following day for the drains to be removed. Most of the stitches are dissolving stitches but there are usually some additional stitches that will require removal after about 10 days.
Recovery
Recovery actually starts before surgery begins! Some recovery tips are:
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Do not smoke.
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If you are a smoker, you absolutely must stop smoking for at least 6 weeks prior and 6 weeks post-surgery.
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Smoking significantly increases the complication rate after facelift surgery and could lead to disastrous results. It just isn’t worth taking a chance!.
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Do not take blood thinning medication (alcohol is a blood thinner, and so are aspirin, arnica, omega’s and garlic).
These “do not’s” will allow for faster healing and better-oxygenated blood flow reduces complication risk. These complications will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
Dr.Schoenfeld will ensure you are happy and comfortable with the procedure and your decision.
In most cases, you may want to hide from public view for a week or two, until the worst of the bruising and swelling subsides. Your time off work will depend largely on the type of work you do.
What alternatives are available?
Yes, in some cases facelift surgery is unavoidable but in many cases Dr. Schoenfeld will suggest alternatives to try avoid going under the knife, although these non surgical alternatives do have their limitations.
These alternatives include but are not limited to:
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Botox.
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Dermal Fillers.
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Chemical peeling.
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Dermabrasion.
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Laser treatments tailored to target your specific needs.
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Lipo-filling / Fat transfer to the face.
If you are considering undergoing Facelift surgery with Dr. Schoenfeld, or merely want advice regarding facial rejuvenation, please make an appointment for a consultation. Call her Howick rooms now on 033 330 4727 / 4.