Face Lift ~ Rhytidectomy
A face lift (Rhytidectomy) can be regarded as a restorative treatment for facial sagging. Understandably, many men and women fear the over tight look, that have made Hollywood celebrities a point of ridicule, but it doesn't have to be like that! A good, natural looking face lift can easily be performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon.

Upcoming Consultation Dates
Friday 24th September
All surgery carried out in Belfast.

What does a face lift involve?
A face lift generally involves skilful reshaping of the underlying structures of the face and neck and removal of excess skin around the ear margin and in the hair line. This technique can easily reduce the appearance of aging by up to ten years, allowing you to regain a more youthful looking neck, jowl and cheek line.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and takes around two to three hours, depending on how extensive the surgery needs to be. A face lift can often be combined with other procedures, such as a brow lift or eye bag removal. Patients recovering from facial surgery, are discharged home to rest after one or two nights in hospital. Patients are often fit to return to work within a fortnight without any glaringly obvious tell tale signs of surgery showing!

How will I feel after the procedure?
Most women complain of some pain and discomfort and also of a tight pulling sensation for the first few weeks after surgery. Sutures around the ear margin are usually dissolvable and the special clips in the hairline are removed between seven and ten days. Every individual's tolerance to pain and discomfort varies, but most patients take pain killing tablets given to them on discharge for the first week or so gradually reducing them in the second week.

How long will it be before I will feel back to normal?
Although the swelling and bruising has usually disappeared within two weeks, improvements generally continue for a further three months. Patients are advised to protect their skin from the sun for six months, but with this exception, most patients are encouraged to get back to a normal routine within a fortnight.

All surgery involving a general anaesthetic has an element of risk, but modern surgical techniques have made the face lift a relatively simple operation. All patients are carefully screened pre-operatively to ensure that they are fit and healthy to undergo this operation without putting themselves at unnecessary risk. For this reason, many surgeons are reluctant to perform facial surgery on heavy smokers.

Will I have any scars?
Fine scars contour the ear margins but the other scars are hidden behind the ears in the hairline. In the hands of an expert cosmetic surgeon these should fade away in time to become barely visible.

Where do I go from here?
If you are interested in having a face lift or at least talking to an expert about the procedure, a consultation can be arranged for you to meet with a surgeon. He will discuss and explain the procedure, answer any of your concerns and assess your suitability for such surgery should you wish to go ahead. To book a free and confidential consultation, contact the clinic on 02890861186. We look forward to hearing from you