Facelift FAQ & A With a Facial Plastic Surgeon – PART III

Welcome to the third instalment of our three-part series on facelifts. If you haven’t already done so, we hope you’ll take a moment to read part I and part II. In our final article on the subject, we answer a broad range of questions on a variety of facelift-related topics.

Facelifts and Time

Q: How long does a facelift procedure take?

A facelift is a delicate operation that cannot be rushed. The procedure typically takes from 6-8 hours. The time frame can change, however, based on several factors including the techniques being employed and whether additional procedures are being done at the same time.

Facelifts and Other Procedures

Q: Are there non-surgical treatments or procedures that can be performed along with a facelift to enhance facial rejuvenation?

Thanks to innovation, there are, indeed, non-surgical treatments that can make a good thing, your facelift, even better. Among them:

• Laser treatments
• Light- and energy-based treatments
• Chemical peels

These treatments are an effective way of addressing issues not resolved by a facelift, such as:

• Uneven skin colouration
• Freckles
• Sun spots
• Scar tissue
• Acne

Light treatments are especially useful, as they stimulate the body’s natural ability to repair and regenerate skin. Light therapy is also an outstanding way to increase collagen production to keep skin looking healthy and radiant.

Facelifts and Scars

Q: Will I have telltale scars that people will be able to see?

Skin tension at the incision site is the reason red scars and lumps develop. Dr Marcells uses the deep plane facelift technique. In this approach, there is only minor skin tension, so incisions heal better and more quickly with less scarring.

Facelift and Your Social Life

Q: When should I schedule a facelift before a special event so I look great?

Although you are physically good to go two weeks after a facelift, it’s important to understand it may take up to six months before you are able to enjoy the full aesthetic benefits of your surgery. During that time, skin that has been re-draped to a new contour will begin to look more relaxed and less tight. Slowly, but surely, your face will look more natural and less “done.”

Facelifts and Your Job

Q: How long should I expect to be away from my job after a facelift?

At the minimum, Dr Marcells recommends that patients take a two-week break from business and social goings-on. You should give yourself a four-week break if your work involves strenuous activity and/or you have an active lifestyle with lots of exercise.

Facelifts and Forever After

Q: Are facelift results permanent?

The deep plane facelift offers the longest-lasting benefits, but even its rejuvenating effects are not permanent. It’s not that the effects wear off. Instead, the natural ageing process resumes after your procedure. Facial ageing is due to:

• Smoking
• Genetics
• Sun exposure
• Skin care
• Stress
• Weight gain/loss

There is a range of procedures and treatments that can help the benefits of a facelift last longer, but they will never be forever.

Facelifts & Dissatisfaction (It sometimes happens!)
Q: What happens if I’m not happy with the results of my procedure?

Dr Marcells is dedicated to helping patients achieve the facial rejuvenation of their dreams. He works hard to get to know patients during the initial consultation and subsequent visits to discuss their goals and expectations in depth. Even if everything goes to plan, however, a patient may not be completely satisfied with the results.

Secondary facelift surgery can be performed to address specific issues of concern. Secondary facelift surgery is also an option for people whose facelifts need a touch-up over time.

Facelifts and Happy Endings
We know asking questions and getting answers before facial plastic surgery will help ensure that you don’t look back on your experience at our practice with “Gee, if only I’d known…” If you’d like to talk to an expert, we invite you to use our online enquiry form or call us on 1300 555 095.