Facelift surgery in Leicester

Why choose Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital for your facelift surgery?

From your initial facelift surgery consultation, right through to your thorough after care you are guaranteed the very best patient care at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital. Our experienced cosmetic and plastic surgeons are supported by our excellent matron-led nursing and healthcare team.

Why not attend a free cosmetics open event at our Leicester Hospital where you will get the chance to meet one of our consultants, find out more about facelift surgery and ask any questions you may have about the procedure. Deciding to under a cosmetic procedure is a big decision and we want all our patients to be as informed as possible.

What happens during a facelift?

A facelift is usually performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes two to three hours. The surgical technique will depend on what area is being lifted. There are three main types of "lift" performed at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital.

• 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) face lift 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 in the wounds
• You are likely to stay in hospital overnightYou may be given a support garment to wear after your bandages are removed.

Going home after your facelift surgery at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital

• You may experience swelling and bruising following your face lift
• 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.

Please note this chart is only a guide to stages of recovery from facelift surgery and everyone heals differently.

Whilst complications are rare, there are a few risk factors to consider when proceeding with your facelift surgery. These 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.