Facelift for men, also known as Meloplasty is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure aimed at rejuvenating the face, cheeks and jowls. Face Lift can be combined with other procedures such as Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty), Brow lift, and Neck lift according to patient’s needs and wishes, to produce full facial rejuvenation and to achieve overall improvement of features of aging of the face and neck.
As we all age there are some changes associated with aging to our face. These include the loss of volume in the upper and mid face and descent of the soft tissues of the face to the lower face and neck area. Different people are affected differently, and there are many other factors that also affect these changes including smoking, weight changes, genetics, excess sun exposure and excessive facial animation.
More about Facelift for Men
Age-related changes can affect the appearance of one’s face to such an extent that one might feel their identity has changed or it no longer reflect how they feel inside. How young they feel within themselves is disproportionate to the age their face look, on the outside. Facelift is not just for women, more and more men are also seeking facial rejuvenation.
Technique
Facelift is performed under General Anaesthetic in fully accredited hospitals. Dr Safvat only works with highly trained anaesthetics accredited with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. The operation time varies depending on the number of procedures needed to rejuvenate the face from 3-6 hours.
Early Facelift operations were just tightening the skin. Unfortunately, skin stretches and the results of these “skin only” facelifts were very short lived. Dr Safvat performs the most modern Face Lift techniques which involve repositioning of the supporting structures under the skin – the SMAS (Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System) to a more youthful position. Excess skin is then resected without any tension on the suture line therefore ensuring better healing, longer lasting and more natural results. The incisions are hidden and quite inconspicuous and are placed either just arround the ear (short scar/mini Face lift) or extends to the hairline above and behind the ear (long scar). The choice of the incision technique generally depends on the amount and the site of excess skin that requires removal. In men, the incision is usually put in front of the ear so that hair bearing skin (beard) is not pulled onto the ear.
Restoring volume to the mid face sometimes requires fat injection (fat grafting). It involves the removal of fat from unwanted areas of the body and its placement in the face to make it more youthful. One of the bonus “side effects” of fat grafting is its high concentration of stem cells which also improves the quality and texture of the surrounding skin and tissues.
Often multiple procedures are combined to address the different effect of aging on the whole face and neck to achieve overall facial harmony and youthfulness. For example, upper and lower Blepharoplasties are done to rejuvenate the tired look of the eyes, the mid face volume restored with fat injection, a Face Lift targeting the mid face, the nasolabial and cheek area, and a Necklift with or without liposuction and platysmal tightening to address the neck.
The most appropriate procedure or combination of procedures to best suit a patient’s needs and desires will be individually determined by Dr Safvat’s careful examination and assessment. Dr Safvat’s philosophy is to give his patients a more youthful yet natural look rather than the unnatural excessively tight skin look of some, with the tell-tale “operated on” appearance.
Facelift for Men Recovery
Patients often require to stay in hospital 1-2 nights and to have about 2-3 weeks off work to rest and recover from the procedure. There will be swelling and bruising between 2 to 4 weeks and patients need to wear a compression garment for this time. Prior to the facelift procedure, Dr Safvat will give you instructions to follow in order to enhance your recovery.
Cost
Facelift is a cosmetic procedure and as such it is not covered by Medicare or Health Funds. Dr Safvat and his team will discuss all the costs associated with Face Lift at the initial visit.
Complications
Any surgical procedure can be associated with some general complications such as risks associated with general anaesthetics, collection of blood (heamatoma) or other fluids (seroma), and mild to severe infection.
Having your procedure done in an accredited hospital minimises risks. Dr Safvat prescribes antibiotics upon discharge to minimise infection risk. Also if blood flow problems develop in the skin flaps, part of it may be lost. This is rare but more likely in smokers and people with circulation problems. Dr Safvat will go through the risks with his patients in details.
What you need to do before the operation
Smoking has been shown to cause more complications after Face Lifts especially in men. Patients will need to stop smoking at least 3 weeks before their surgery and continue to do so to at least one week post surgery.