Facelift & Neck Lift

Features of ageing in the face and neck include ptosis, wrinkling and laxity. Although many non-surgical treatments address the superficial layers of the skin, descent of the deeper tissues are better addressed by surgery.

Assessment of photographs comparing those across various stages of life can indicate the direction of tissue decent. Formation of jowls, nasolabial folds, submental (under the chin) fat deposition are common features involved in face and neck ageing.

There are many types of facelifts performed by different surgeons such as SMAS facelift, MACS facelift, short scar facelift, mid facelift, and deep plane facelift. The facelift technique which has given Dr Randle the most consistent results has been the extended SMAS facelift.

In combination with platysmaplasty (manipulation of the neck muscle) better definition of the jawline and neck may be achieved. Neck lift surgery alone is sometimes performed in men to address the jawline and chin region.

Facelift surgery is performed in a hospital and/or day surgery centre. Markings are performed prior to surgery for placement of incisions to minimise scars. Direction of skin shift and deep tissue shifts are very important to achieve a natural looking appearance post-surgery. The addition of fat grafting and removal of fat in different areas add to the achievement of an aesthetic outcome.

The surgery can last between 3-6 hours depending on the procedures involved. Drainage tubes are used to reduce swelling. Overnight stay is required in most patients. Stitches are removed between 5 and 7 days and most patients are presentable to go in public by about 10 days, although this can vary.