Considering a facelift? Here's all you should know
Written by:
Plastic surgeon
Published: 04/04/2022
Edited by: Conor Lynch
What exactly is a facelift, and is it painful? Find out below in our latest article, as revered consultant aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon, Ms Kallirroi Tzafetta, gives us a detailed account on a facelift procedure, as she explains the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift.
What’s involved in a facelift?
It can either be a mini facelift or a full facelift. The aim of the procedure is to lift the face, by restoring the facial tissues from deep to skin tissues. Most of the time, a facelift involves a jawline restoration, which gives a nice, natural look. Of course, we, as surgeons, must ensure to consult the patients with regards to what type of facelift they want.
Is it painful?
I wouldn’t say that a facelift is a painful procedure. However, I like to put a compression garment on patients for a week following the surgery. This will feel more like a feeling of tightness rather than actual pain.
Usually, if a patient experiences pain, this will only generally be for the first 24 hours after their facelift. After this time period, it is very tolerable.
How long does a facelift last?
The aim of a facelift is to give long-lasting outcomes. Generally, facelifts last up to 10 years.
What is the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?
A mini facelift mainly addresses the jawline, the jaws, and heaviness in the lower face. A typical mini facelift will last around two and a half hours. In a mini facelift, the scar is just on the edge of the ear, and occasionally might extend slightly behind the ear.
A full facelift, meanwhile, is much more extensive. It centres on the upper part of the face, the mid-face section, and even the neck. A full facelift will take up to between three and a half hours to four hours.
Ms Kallirroi Tzafetta is a highly accomplished consultant aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon who specialises in performing facelift procedures. If you are considering a facelift, make sure you check out her Top Doctors profile today to book an appointment with her.