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FACE LIFT - FULL

FACE LIFT - FULL

A full face lift, also known as a complete face lift, or rhytidectomy, aims to reduce the signs of ageing by improving the contours of the face and neck. This is achieved through tightening and removing sagging facial skin, jowls and loose neck skin.

Procedure

A full or complete face lift improves the skin and tissues of the lower two-thirds of the face, from the ears, across to the cheeks, and down to the jawline, by removing excess fat, tightening muscles and re-draping skin.

face lift surgery may also be combined with other facial rejuvenating procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow lift, and facial fat grafting. To improve the texture of the skin and treat sun-damaged areas, non-surgical treatments such as chemical peels or skin resurfacing can also be performed at the time of the surgery.

A full face lift takes approximately four hours.


Usually, general anaesthesia is used, or the patient may elect to have sedation and local anaesthesia.


Usually, this is an outpatient procedure, although some patients may require a short hospital stay.


Possible side effects include:

  • Temporary bruising
  • Swelling
  • Numbness and tenderness of the skin
  • A tight feeling and dry skin
  • For men, there may be a permanent need to shave behind ears, where beard-growing skin is repositioned.

Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (which is usually temporary but in rare cases may be permanent), infection, bleeding, poor healing, excessive scarring, asymmetry and a change in the hairline.


The patient may return to work after ten to fourteen days. More strenuous activity may be resumed after two weeks or more. Bruising should begin to disappear after seven to ten days. Sun exposure must be limited for several months after the face lift. The use of a sunblock that provides both UVA and UVB (ultraviolet) protection is recommended.


Most face lifts can be expected to maintain optimum appearance for five to ten years.


WHEN YOU CHOOSE A DOCTOR WHO IS A MEMBER OF APRASSA, YOU CAN BE ASSURED THAT YOUR SURGEON IS QUALIFIED IN ALL ASPECTS OF COSMETIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY.

Find a Surgeon

The Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Southern Africa was formed in 1956. All our members are fully qualified Plastic surgeons that have been approved for APRASSA membership and will endeavour to provide you with excellent care throughout your plastic surgery journey.









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