Face and Neck Lift MedBelle Information Brochure

Face and Neck Lift MedBelle Information Brochure

Why we prepared this brochure for you Hi, my name is Sarah. I m a cosmetic treatment adviser with MedBelle. Every day, I speak with patients in the UK looking into cosmetic treatment. Having worked in the industry for some time now, I have come to realise how difficult it is to find comprehensive and reliable information on the web about procedures, surgeons, and aftercare. At MedBelle, our goal is to make healthcare simple and more transparent for patients. With this brochure, my team and I aim to take the first step towards simplifying the research process for you. Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with. That s what I m here for. For now, have fun with the brochure! Sarah O Connell 2

Face and Neck Lift Guide Rhytidectomy...4 & Platysmaplasty - Why have...5 a facelift or necklift? - Am I a good......6 candidate for a facelift or necklift? - What....7 a facelift or necklift will not resolve - Overview...8 of the surgical procedure - Facelift techniques...9 - Necklift techniques......11 Your Consultation.....12 What To Let... 13 Your Surgeon Know Risks and complications....14 Preparation.........17 Tips The Procedure.......18 After surgery Care Final Results..........19.......20......21 Frequently Asked Questions.......22 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? Visit: www.medbelle.com 3

Medical Name Rhytidectomy & Platysmaplasty Goal Tighten and lift the skin and muscle of the face and neck Length of surgery 2-5 hours Recovery time Return to work: 2 weeks Exercise: 3-4 weeks Anaesthetic Type Commonly performed under general anaesthetic. Can be performed under local anaesthetic Overnight stay Daycase, overnight End results Final results visible: 6-9 months 4 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Why have a facelift or necklift? As we age, our skin progressively loses its elasticity and our facial muscles slacken. This creates the appearance of wrinkled, sagging skin, especially on the face and neck. Excessive sun exposure and stress can also contribute to these changes. This may make you look older than you actually feel, and affect your confidence in your social, personal and work environment. A facelift (rhytidectomy) and necklift (platysmaplasty) can give you a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance. You may want to consider a facelift and / or necklift if: You are seeking to improve your confidence and self-esteem. You want to look and feel rejuvenated. You want an effective intervention with lasting results. 5 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Am I a good candidate for a facelift or necklift? Ideal candidates for this surgery have the following traits: Skin elasticity and strong bone structure: Skin that has retained some of its natural suppleness is ideal as it will be able to conform to its new, improved contours. Well-defined bone structure also contribute to satisfying results however, patients with less distinctive features may benefit from facial implants. Good general health: Seek smoking cessation advice in advance of surgery. If you intend to lose weight, do so before the procedure. This allows the surgeon to remove more skin and achieve better results. Loose skin, wrinkles, deep creases: A facelift or necklift is an excellent way to address skin laxity issues. 6 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

What a facelift or necklift will not resolve A facelift and necklift will remove excess skin, smooth deep creases and tighten the skin of the lower face and neck but will have little to no effect on: Wrinkles above the eyes A browlift is more appropriate for this. Eyelid sagging Blepharoplasty is more appropriate for this. Fine wrinkles, age spots or rough skin A chemical peel or laser resurfacing is more appropriate for this. If your surgeon suggests any of the above procedures, it may be possible to perform it at the same time as your facelift or necklift. 7 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Overview of the surgical procedure A facelift and necklift involves raising and repositioning the soft tissue of the face. During the procedure, incisions are made on both sides of the face along the hairline, in front of the ears, underneath the earlobe and behind the ears. For the necklift, an incision may also be made underneath the chin. Excess skin and fat is then removed and the muscle is tightened. The remaining skin is lifted, pulled back and stitched into its new position. Fat and tissue is also redistributed and sometimes added to the face to create a smoother and more youthful appearance. Soft tissue is lifted up and back At the end of the procedure, your face and neck will be wrapped in bandages to minimise bruising and swelling. 8 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com Incision* under the chin for necklift * Incision site may vary Incision* along the hairline, in front, underneath and behind the ear.

Facelift techniques There are several different facelift techniques. Your surgeon will advise on what is most suitable for the results that you desire. The most common techniques are as follows: Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) facelift Problems targeted: mild to moderate laxity, jowls, mid-face and neck sagging. Technique: The Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) is a deep layer of tissue that interlinks the muscles of the face and neck. It is responsible for the positions of the muscle and with age, this weakens. In this procedure, incisions are made under the SMAS layer and it is elevated and tightened. Excess skin is also removed. Pros: Full facelift procedure. Gold standard technique. Long lasting results. Cons: Longer procedure and recovery compared to other facelift techniques. Minimal Access Cranial Suspension (MACS) facelift Problems targeted: mild laxity, jowls, mid-face and neck sagging. Technique: Smaller incisions that do not extend behind the ear. The SMAS layer is tightened by vertical suspension using stitches. Unlike the SMAS facelift, this technique does not cut underneath the SMAS layer. Pros: Minimal surgical intervention. Shorter scar and more rapid recovery when compared to the SMAS facelift. Ideal for younger patients in their 40s/50s beginning to show signs of aging. Cons: Not as extensive and results may not last as long as the SMAS facelift if sagging is severe. 9 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Facelift techniques (continued) Mid-facelift Problems targeted: middle third of the face, flattened cheeks, prominent nasolabial folds, under-eye puffiness. Technique: This procedure restores a smooth, youthful appearance to the lower eyelids and cheeks. Small incisions are made in the hairline and either the mouth or lower eyelid. Through these incisions, the surgeon is able to lift, reposition and tighten the fat and muscle tissue over the cheeks. Pros: Provides subtle freshening-up of the face. Ideal for patients that want to elevate and define their cheeks but do not require lifting of the neck or chin. Short recovery period. Cons: Associated with lower eyelid swelling. Not as extensive as a full facelift so change will be modest. Mini facelift Problems targeted: mild to moderate laxity, jowls, mid-face and neck sagging. Technique: Small incisions are made in front or behind the ear and (depending on the extent of the lift needed) along the hairline. A stitch is inserted just under the skin into the fibrous tissue to lift the cheeks, jowls and upper neck. Pros: Good alternative to SMAS facelift for patients who are showing the first signs of aging. Least invasive type of facelift. Smaller incisions and shorter recovery time. Can be performed using an endoscope and under local anaesthetic. Cons: More modest results compared to a full facelift. Results may not be as long-lasting as a full facelift if sagging is severe. 10 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Necklift techniques A necklift is often performed in conjunction with a facelift. However, it may be the case that a necklift alone is sufficient to achieve the results you desire. A necklift will address sagging bands of skin as well as excess fat and wrinkles in the neck area. Typically, this is performed in conjunction with neck liposuction to remove excess fat. The two main necklift procedures are summarised below: Cervicoplasty Problem targeted: Excess skin in the neck Technique: An incision is made under the chin and sometimes behind the ears. The skin is lifted and trimmed to remove any excess. The reduced skin is then repositioned over the neck and sutured in place. Platysmaplasty Problem targeted: Banded appearance/folds in neck Technique: An incision is made under the chin and sometimes behind the ears to access the neck muscle called the platysma. The platysma is sculpted using a small surgical instrument and then sutured, resulting in the tightening of the central area of the neck. To achieve the best results, both cervicoplasty and platysmaplasty may be combined during surgery. 11 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Fat grafting As we get older, we also tend to lose volume in our face leading to a sunken, worn-out appearance. This is due to the loss of fat content in the face over time. In order to restore a more contoured and youthful appearance, your surgeon may advise fat grafting as an adjunct to your facelift surgery. Fat grafting is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing fat cells via liposuction from an area it is not wanted (typically the torso or thighs). The fat cells are then processed and microinjected into facial areas that would benefit from volume restoration such as the cheeks, lower eyelids, nasolabial folds and the corners of the mouth. Fat grafting may be done at the same time as your facelift procedure or as a daycase procedure at a later date. 12 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Your Consultation You will meet your surgeon for a consultation (usually 15 minutes to an hour) to talk about your requirements and the operation. There are some important questions you might want to ask your surgeon: Do you think what I want to achieve from surgery is realistic? Where will my scars be located? Can I see before and after pictures of similar operations you have done? Your surgeon will consider: The best surgical approach to the problem you have expressed. You desires and concerns. Your past and current medical conditions. Do you want to go ahead and schedule a consultation with one of UK s leading surgeons? Reach out to us: medbelle.com 13 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

What to let your surgeon know As it may change the approach to your care, it is important that you notify your doctor and surgeon of any previous treatments, medication, and medical problems. This includes, but is not limited to: Previous surgeries to your face and neck Previous injury to face and neck Previous problems with anesthetic agents Diabetes High blood pressure An autoimmune disease A weakened immune system Reflux disease Conditions that interfere with wound healing and/or blood clotting Circulation problems Breathing problems A clinical mental health diagnosis 14 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Risks & Complications Our surgeons recommend that you have a two week "cooling-off" period between your consultation and treatment to allow you enough time to consider and decide if you wish to proceed with the surgery. Your surgeon will outline the potential risks and complications associated with your procedure. It is important to educate yourself on these. Tissue necrosis Some areas of skin may die (called necrosis) if the blood supply has been lost during surgery. This is much more likely in smokers. If this does occur, you may need another operation. Skin necrosis can affect the final results of your surgery. Nerve injury Nerves injury can lead to loss of sensation or movement in the face that may be temporary or permanent. However, long term loss of sensation or movement is a rare complication. Surgery performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon minimises this risk. Hair loss and hairline distortion Hair loss may occur at the temples and other areas of incision. This loss may be temporary or cause a permanent reduction of hair growth. Hairline distortion can occur following a facelift procedure. In men, the beard may grow closer to their ears as a result of the skin being trimmed, lifted and tightened. 15 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Infection is a risk with any surgery but a rare complication of this procedure. In the unlikely case that you are affected, it will become apparent over the first two or three weeks post-op when things are not settling down as expected. Infection Mild infections (often wound infections or delayed wound healings) will settle down with antibiotics. Signs of infection include: A temperature over 38 C. Redness at the incision line that is beginning to spread away from the incision after the first 48 hours. Yellow pus-like or foul-smelling fluid from the incision. Increased pain or discomfort that is not relieved by your pain medication. Skin discolouration Most people will get a change in the colour of their skin in the area where the operation was performed. If this does occur, it will most likely settle after some months and can be easily covered by make-up. Scarring As this procedure requires surgical incisions, scarring may be unavoidable. In most cases, this is minimal and will fade over time. The extent of scarring is highly dependent on the technique used and the ability of your skin to heal. 16 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Bruising & bleeding Bruising is common following a face or necklift and is usually temporary. A solid collection of blood under the skin is called a haematoma and presents with pain, significant bruising and facial/neck swelling. Almost all haematomas occur within 24 hours of your procedure and requires medical attention. The risk of a haematoma is higher in males, patients with high blood pressure and patients that take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aesthetic There is always the risk that you are unhappy or dissatisfied with the results of your procedure because of aesthetic reasons. There is a risk that following the procedure, your facial features may appear asymmetrical, including the position of your earlobe. We therefore advise patients to choose their surgeon carefully and make sure he or she is experienced and fully understands your expectations. 17 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Preparation Tips You may find it more comfortable to sleep propped up after surgery, so make sure you have plenty of extra pillows. Rest and sleep in an inclined position on your back for the first few days. This will also help reduce swelling. It is helpful to do a big food shop before the day of your surgery. You could also prepare some meals for the freezer so you do not have to worry about cooking after your surgery! Clean the house and do things like the laundry or taking the bins out before your operation. It is good to get jobs like that out of the way! You will not be able to drive for at least 1 week following surgery so it is essential that you arrange to get home safely. We can help you with travel arrangements as well! You may find it helpful to ask friends and family to help look after young children and pets for the first few days after surgery to aid your recovery. If you are planning to have your hair permed, bleached or coloured, do this before your procedure as fresh scars are sensitive to these chemicals for a few weeks. After the surgery, eat high-protein, low-sodium foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Stay hydrated with water and caffeine-free beverages. Avoid consuming high amounts of salt and sugar during your recovery time. Following surgery, it is best to wear clothing that fastens in the front or back rather than clothing that must be pulled over your head. This avoids contact with the operated area and is more comfortable for you! 18 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

The Procedure The procedure lasts 2-5 hours. You will come into the hospital on the morning of surgery, having had nothing to eat or drink the night before. 1. You will meet the anesthetist and will have an anaesthetic preoperative assessment. 2. You will meet your surgeon to sign the consent form. The surgeon will also draw some lines on the treatment area and discuss the exact goals of the surgery. 3. You will be taken to the operating theatre, laid on the operating table, and either the treatment area is numbed (local anaesthetic) or you are put to sleep. 4. The skin will be cleaned and draped to create a sterile field. 5. Incision in the area you discussed. 6. Excess skin and fat is removed and the muscle is tightened. 7. The incision is closed with sutures and a dressing is applied to the face and neck. A small drainage tube may be placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any fluid that might collect there. 8. You are taken back to the ward to recover from the anaesthetic. 9. You will be able to return home in the next 12-24 hours. 19 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

After Surgery You are usually able to return home after 24 hours. Before you leave the hospital, an appointment with your surgeon will be arranged within 2 weeks to examine the outcome of your surgery, remove sutures, replace any dressings and discuss the next steps in care. How you will feel after surgery? If a general anaesthetic has been used, you will gradually wake up following surgery. Your memory and concentration may be affected, however this will only last for 1-2 days. Following local anaesthetic, you may experience altered sensation on your face and neck but this will eventually wear off. Your face may feel tight and tender following the procedure. How much time do I have to take off work? It is recommended that you take around 2 weeks off work. However, it is essential that you avoid any heavy lifting for at least 4 weeks. What other points do I have to consider? Due to the effect of general anaesthetic, it is important that you arrange for a responsible adult to stay with you for at least 24 hours following surgery. Avoid strenuous activity and contact sports for 4-6 weeks. Also avoid saunas, steam face masks and any products that promote facial flushing. 20 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Care It is not uncommon to experience pain, swelling and bruising after your operation. This will tend to increase in the first 3-4 days and may take up 2-4 weeks to settle. It can be managed by the use of a cold compress and over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol. Avoiding hot drinks and chewy foods can also help settle swelling quicker. You should also sleep and rest with your head propped up by pillows for the first 10-14 days and avoid bending forward or having sex for at least two weeks. The surgeon will apply a light dressing to your face and neck following surgery. These bandages will normally stay on for one to two days. It is essential that you follow your surgeon s instructions in order to get the best results from your surgery. Your stitches will be removed 10-14 days following your surgery. 21 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Final results At first, the skin on your face and neck may feel too tight. This will settle within 6 weeks. Although you may see a difference in your face and neck in the first few weeks following surgery, it is important to remember that it can take around 6-9 months to appreciate the full cosmetic results. Usually, scars tend to be pink and raised in the first few weeks after surgery and will eventually fade to faint white lines over the following months. Sun exposure while the incision sites are still healing can cause them to darken and this may be permanent. Your surgeon will most likely recommend that you avoid all sun exposure and apply sunscreen often. After 4 weeks, you will be feeling more like yourself and be a younger looking version too! 22 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Frequently asked questions Do I need a GP referral for cosmetic surgery? Most cosmetic surgeons will be happy to see you for an initial consultation without a referral from your GP. If you plan to go ahead with cosmetic surgery, your surgeon may ask your permission to contact your GP for details of your medical history. When can I shower and wash my hair after surgery? The surgeon will guide you on this. Generally, you may shower and wash your hair with a mild shampoo 48 hours after surgery. You can also blow dry your hair on a cool setting. Be careful when combing your hair to avoid catching your comb in the suture lines. Can I wear makeup after surgery? Do not wear makeup until the surgeon gives you approval to do this. Generally, it is ok to start wearing makeup 2 weeks after your procedure. Camouflage cosmetic products can be helpful in covering any bruising you may have. 23 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

Frequently asked questions When will I feel comfortable attending major events after surgery? Most people will feel comfortable enough to start attending major events 4 weeks after surgery. By this time, the vast majority of bruising and swelling should have settled. How long will my results last for? A facelift or necklift is not a permanent solution and no procedure can stop the effects of time and aging. The procedure you have will determine how long your results last for. Patients have reported the effects of a full facelift remaining for over a decade. To ensure long-lasting results, limit sun exposure by using sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat when outside, moisturise regularly and stay healthy and hydrated. Effects of drugs The risk of complications from surgery can be greatly increased if you smoke. It is strongly recommended that you stop smoking and using all nicotine products at least six weeks before surgery. 24 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com

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Quality you can trust All our surgeons are members of BAAPS or BAPRAS, the most prestigious societies for plastic surgery. All of them are registered in the specialist register of the General Medical Council for plastic surgery. All of our partner clinics fulfil the highest quality standards as confirmed by the Care Quality Commission. 26 Ready to take the next step towards treatment? www.medbelle.com