.png)
.png)
.png){kind=small}
Facelift
Removal of excess sagging skin, re establishing refreshed natural facial curves and contours
ˈfeɪslɪft
The ageing face can lead to a tired and worn out appearance which is often inconsistent with how one feels. This weighs down on the energy and affect that is expressed. Having a facelift is one modality which may assist you with re establishing a degree of rejuvenation and elimination of some of the facial stigmata of facial ageing. The goal is to create a refreshed appearance that is noticeable without being able to work out why. This is achieved while maintaining your natural facial appearance without creating an overdone look.
There are many layers in the face that change with time such as the underlying bony skeleton, superficial and deep fat compartments, and the skin itself. Changes to all of the facial anatomical components contribute to an overall aged facial appearance. Breaking down the individual elements that are most likely to be contributing to your ageing stigmata means choosing the most appropriate treatment modality that will be the most effective for you. A wide range of both surgical and non surgical options are available. A facelift might be the right choice for you.
Dr Azzopardi’s technique of choice is an en bloc deep plane facelift. En bloc means that the skin and the deeper SMAS layer are predominantly dissected as one without too much separation from each other, therefore causing the least possible trauma to the skin both in the short term peri operative period, in the form of bruising and swelling, and the longer term in the form of skin quality and longevity. Deep plane refers to a dissection that is deep to the SMAS layer which ensures there is absolutely no tension on the skin closure and creates a refreshed long lasting appearance that is natural and not overdone. A deep plane dissection also allows the surgery to target the necessary anatomical compartments and ligaments to achieve the desired refreshed goal. The incisions are kept to a minimum and fashioned around the ear with extension into the hairline avoided as much as possible.
Patients are offered a tailored facelift approach. Depending on the specific goals and anatomical findings, the face is either addressed in its entirety or have parts addressed in isolation such as a lower face and neck lift. Dr Azzopardi's shortened incision to specifically target the lower face and neck has been a natural progression to the development of LIFT - Lobe Incision Facelift Technique for lower face and neck lift surgery.
This technique did not evolve from an endeavour to attempt to create a novel procedure or minimal scar operation, but rather as a natural evolution stemming from the high demand for specific patient facial goals revolving around the lower face and neck and hence the tailoring of face and neck lift surgery into specific facial zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age and in what way will I benefit from a facelift?
One of the most noticeable age related changes in the face is lax excess skin and soft tissues which progress over years. Maintaining a refreshed age appropriate appearance at an earlier stage is ideal, rather than attempting to reverse longstanding established changes. A facelift can usually be considered from the age of about 40 onwards. It achieves a refreshed appearance by lifting the deep muscle layer of the face and eliminates excess skin, accentuating underlying natural facial curves and contours.
What is an en bloc deep plane facelift and why do you perform it?
An en bloc deep plane facelift refers to the surgical technique. En bloc means that skin separation from the deeper layer called the SMAS is kept to a minimum, which translates into a more natural result without a stretched windswept appearance as well as less down time in the immediate post operative period. Less skin separation reduces the amount of post operative bleeding and fluid collection so no drains are needed. Deep plane means that the dissection is deep to the SMAS which allows for a more robust lift and reliable longevity. A deep plane lift does not mean that the outcome will be obvious or overdone, it can be adjusted to the desired final appearance by tailoring the area of dissection and suture fixation.
Dr Azzopardi’s lower facelift technique LIFT - Lobe Incision Facelift Technique refers to the placement of incisions around the ear lobes to carry out a deep plane lower facelift in isolation or in combination with a neck lift.
This technique did not evolve from an endeavour to attempt to create a novel procedure or minimal scar operation, but rather as a natural evolution stemming from the high demand for specific patient facial goals revolving around the lower face and neck and hence the tailoring of face and neck lift surgery into specific facial zones.
How much scarring will I have and will it be visible?
Scars are kept to a minimum. For a face and neck lift, an incision is carried out along the junction of the ear and cheek, around the earlobe and half way up behind the ear. Extension into the hairline is avoided as much as possible. For a lower face and neck lift, the incision is limited around the ear lobes as described by Dr Azzopardi’s LIFT technique.
Scarring varies between different individuals and the process of maturation over the years to follow can’t always be predicted. However, the position of the incisions is chosen to blend in with natural creases and therefore be the least noticeable possible.
What type of anaesthesia do I require and how long will I be in hospital for?
General anaesthetic. If your surgery is carried out in the morning, you can be discharged on the same day if you prefer. For surgery commencing in the afternoon, an overnight stay is recommended.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
What are the potential risks and complications? Access a detailed surgical procedure information sheet by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons here.
