Facelift surgery in Brighton

Why choose Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital for my facelift?

At Nuffield Health Brighton, we've been providing first-class private healthcare to people in East Sussex since 1976. We specialise in cosmetic surgery treatments and pride ourselves on giving the highest standards of care to our patients. Surrounded by the beautiful South Downs, our hospital offers a relaxing and comforting environment. You'll stay in your own private en-suite bedroom and we have plenty of free parking for family and friends to visit. Our team of passionate nurses will be with you whenever you need them, providing 24-hour care.

What happens during a facelift operation?

A facelift is usually performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes two to three hours. The aim of the operation is to tighten and lift the skin and soft tissues of your lower face and neck.

The surgical technique will depend on what area of the face and neck are being lifted.

SMAS facelift - Your surgeon will make an incision on both sides of your face in the hairline around your ears. They will cut under the deeper layer of tough tissue (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system or SMAS layer), lifting and tightening it. Your surgeon will then tighten the skin towards your ears and remove any excess skin.

MACS facelift- The MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) facelift involves a smaller incision eliminating any scarring behind the ear. Your surgeon will tighten the SMAS layer with special suspension stitches to avoid cutting underneath it. MACS face lift involves less surgery but the results may not last as long as an SMAS facelift.

Mid-facelift - A mid facelift addresses the area below your lower eyelids over the cheekbone. Your surgeon will make small cuts along your hairline and either inside your mouth or in your lower eyelid. They will use special surgical instruments and stitches to lift the cheeks. Once you have recovered from the anaesthetic, you will be encouraged to sit up in bed. Sitting upright will help to reduce some of the swelling. Your face is likely to feel tight and tender around the ears. However, there should not be any severe pain and this will be controlled with simple analgesia. You may feel drowsy following surgery. Expect to wake up and doze off for the remainder of the day.

You may have a bandage around your head and under your chin after surgery. We will remove it the day after your surgery. Small, thin tubes (drains) may be temporarily inserted into the wounds. You are likely to stay in hospital overnight.

You may be given a support garment to wear after your bandages are removed. We will show you how to put this on.

What happens during a mini facelift?

A mini facelift is usually performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. Your surgeon will numb the area in front or just behind your ears. They will make a few small incisions in front or behind your ears and (depending on the extent of lift needed) along your hairline. They will extend and tighten the skin where needed. Your wounds will be closed using very fine stitches.

Going home after a facelift

You may experience swelling and bruising following your facelift. You may feel tightness when opening your mouth. Your surgeon may ask you to sleep upright for the first few days to keep swelling under control. Stitches can be removed after 10 to 14 days. Be sure and discuss your return to work with your surgeon. At around four weeks you will be feeling more like your “normal” self. However, the full effect of a facelift may not be visible for 6 to 9 months after the procedure.

This chart is a guide to stages of recovery only. Everyone heals differently so your results may vary.

Every surgical procedure has a risk of complications. Be sure and discuss any concerns you might have about these risks with your surgeon.

Specific complications of a facelift may include:

• Loss of skin or hair
• Developing a collection of blood under the skin
• Developing pale or dark areas on your face
• Damage to the facial nerve
• Cosmetic problems.