Facelift (Meloplasty)

Before your surgery, you’ll have a detailed consultation with Dr Law to discuss your goals, the procedure, and any risks. Clinical photos will be taken, and a second consultation will be arranged to answer further questions. It’s important to stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery to reduce risks. You may need blood tests and other health checks, and will receive instructions to prepare you for surgery.

The basic steps of a facelift usually involves:

• Anaesthesia
  Facelifts are usually done under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital, and you’ll stay in hospital overnight.

• Incision
  A discreet incision is made, typically starting in the hairline at the temples, continuing around the ear, and ending behind the ear. For a neck lift, a small incision may also be made under the chin.

• Lifting and tightening
  The skin is separated from the deeper facial tissues. The deeper facial tissues are repositioned to a more lifted position. Fat may be redistributed to improve facial shape.

• Removing excess skin
  Any loose or extra skin is trimmed away.

• Closing the incisions
  The skin is re-draped, and the incisions are closed with fine stitches to support healing and minimise visible scarring.

• For a facelift: Incisions are usually hidden in natural skin creases – along the hairline, around and behind the ears. Sometimes, a shorter scar (called a short-scar facelift) may be possible if your neck doesn’t need lifting.

• For a facelift combined with necklift: Additional incisions may be made including under the chin - most people won’t notice this when looking at you straight on.

• Scars fade over time but won’t disappear completely. Most are well hidden, though some areas (like behind the ears) may take longer to settle. If needed, minor scar revisions can be done later under local anaesthetic.

Recovery can vary between individuals.

In general, after surgery:

• Your face may be wrapped in a bandage.

• Small drains may be placed to collect fluid.

• You’ll be propped up in bed and encouraged to stay calm.

• At home, rest with your head elevated on pillows.

• Please avoid smoking and alcohol while healing.

• Expect swelling, bruising, and tightness for a few weeks.

• Pain is usually mild and managed with paracetamol.

• Stitches and hair staples are removed between 7–10 days after surgery.

• You can wear makeup after your stitches are out.

• Most people return to normal activities in about three weeks. But the exact recovery will differ depending on the adjunctive surgeries performed at the time of face lifting.

The effects of a facelift last many years, but a facelift doesn’t stop the ageing process. Some people choose to have another facelift 8–10 years later. Maintaining good skin care and sun protection can help the facelift results last longer.