Facelift surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of ageing in the face, it is the most effective and radical management for facial skin laxity. This process involves removing excess skin, tightening underlying tissues, and re-draping the skin to create a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance. For maximum skin tightening, it is best combined with laser skin resurfacing and fat grafting.
TYPES OF FACELIFTS
There are many ways to classify facelift. It can be simply divided into full-facelift (long scar) or mini-facelift (short scar). When the facelift is extended upwards, it can include a temporal lift. When extended downwards, it incorporates a necklift. The scar is sited in just front of the ears and may extend backwards behind the ears to provide lifting to the neck.
Endotine facelift is done via small incisions in the hairline. Endotine fixation devices are inserted. They are absorbable strips which bear small claws to lift up the cheek, jowl and neck. They are absorbed in about 3-6 months. Endotine lifting is suited for patients who do not have significant skin excess.
The facelift procedure can be done under sedation or general anaesthesia.
| Facelift Type | Description | Suitable Patients | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Facelift |
| Patients with significant sagging or laxity in the face and neck, who are willing to undergo a more extensive procedure. | 2-3 weeks of downtime |
| Mini Facelift |
| Patients with mild to moderate sagging or laxity in specific areas of the face, who are looking for a less invasive option with quicker recovery time. | 1-2 weeks of downtime |
| Endotine Facelift |
| Patients with moderate sagging or laxity in the midface or lower face, who are looking for a minimally invasive option with shorter recovery time and longer-lasting results. | 1-2 weeks of downtime |
It is important to note that the suitability of each facelift surgery type varies depending on individual factors, such as skin elasticity, facial bone structure, and personal goals. A consultation with our surgeon can help determine the best facelift approach for each patient.
PROCEDURES DONE TOGETHER WITH FACELIFT:
Facelift surgery can be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as “double eyelid surgery (incisional blepharoplasty)“, “Fat grafting to the face”, and “laser skin resurfacing” for skin rejuvenation and skin tightening.
Fat transfer to the face is commonly done during a facelift. Fat is harvested from the abdomen or thigh, processed and injected into the cheeks for volume augmentation and other areas of the face to reduce marionette lines, nasolabial fold, and nasojugal fold.
Erbium Yag Profractional laser skin resurfacing is another commonly combined procedure. This tightens the skin and improves the texture of the aged skin left behind after the face and neck lift.
FACELIFT SURGERY RECOVERY
Post surgical bruising may last for up to 2 weeks. Sutures are removed after a week.
The scar and recovery period for a mini-facelift is slightly shorter due to less dissection involved.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long do the results of facelift surgery last?
The results of facelift surgery can last for several years, but they are not permanent as the ageing process will continue to affect the face over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following your facelift surgeon’s aftercare instructions can help prolong the results of the procedure.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to facelift surgery?
There are non-surgical alternatives to facelift surgery, such as botox injections, derma fillers, laser treatments, and thread lifts. Similar to facelift surgery, these treatments can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. However, non-surgical methods typically provide subtle and short-lived face lifting results, and they may not be able to address more significant sagging or excess skin. Additionally, non-surgical treatments require regular maintenance appointments to maintain the results.
Facelift surgery, on the other hand, can provide more dramatic and longer-lasting results by addressing underlying muscle and tissue laxity and removing excess skin. While it is a more invasive procedure that requires more downtime, it may be the best option for those who want to achieve more significant facial rejuvenation.
Ultimately, the decision between surgical and non-surgical face lifting options depends on an individual’s concerns and goals, you may contact our facelift surgeon to provide guidance on the most appropriate treatment plan.
Is facelift surgery painful?
Facelift surgery is performed under sedation or anaesthesia, so the patient will not feel any pain during the procedure. After the surgery, there will be some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, but this can be managed with pain medication prescribed by our facelift surgeon.
What age is appropriate for a facelift?
There is no fixed appropriate age to undergo facelift surgery as each person ages differently. Generally, the common candidates for facelift surgery are in their 40s to 60s, this is when signs of ageing are more pronounced. However, age is not the only factor to consider, the decision to undergo a facelift should also be based on a person’s overall health, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. An experienced facelift surgeon can evaluate an individual’s candidacy for facelift surgery during a consultation.
During the consultation, our facelift surgeon, Dr Ng, will advise the best method of facelift most suited for you. This may include a mini or full facelift, the use of Endotine devices, fat grafting, and laser resurfacing for further rejuvenation. A combination of techniques are often used by the top plastic surgeons in Singapore and around the world.