PROCEDURE
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Facelifts are becoming increasingly popular. As we age, the underlying structure of the face, including the skin, muscle and connective tissue begins to deteriorate causing the dramatic aesthetic change we see with ageing. This ‘sagging’ effect is due to the skin’s lack of elasticity and collagen, which also results in wrinkles and fine lines. Fine lines, jowls and crow’s feet can often feel like more than mere signs of ageing; they can become burdens, casting shadows on your confidence. To combat the signs of ageing, individuals opt for a facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, to reverse the effects of ageing to achieve a more youthful, smooth appearance.
Book Your Consultation For a Facelift in London.
Achieving Outstanding Facelift Results
If you are considering a facelift in London, it is important to understand the procedure and variation of facelift types to choose from. A consultation is the best way to consolidate all information and receive a professional opinion, whilst also benefiting from 3D reconstruction imagery. This is a feature we offer at Yapa Plastic Surgery which allows patients to see surgical facelift plans for themselves and make an informed decision.
At a glance
Procedure Length:
Typically 2-5 hours.
Cost:
Starting at £10,900.
Anaesthesia:
Typically performed under general anaesthesia, though local with sedation may also be used.
Downtime:
Usually 10-14 days, with full activity resumption in 4-6 weeks.
Hospital stay:
Typically an outpatient procedure, but some may require an overnight stay for observation.
Showering:
Wait 48 hours post-surgery before showering to protect incisions.
Smoking:
Refrain from smoking at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery.
Makeup:
Refrain from applying makeup for at least 7-10 days.
Sun exposure:
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 6 weeks and always wear a high SPF ouside.
Driving:
Avoid for at least 7-10 days post-surgery.
Sleeping:
Sleep elevated and avoid sleeping on your side for the first few nights.
Kshem Yapa For Facelifts in London
If you are considering a facelift in London, it is important to research your surgeon of choice. Kshem Yapa is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly trained in all aspects of cosmetic surgery and is credited for his ability to achieve natural results that surpass patient expectations. Mr Yapa is renowned for his exceptional facelift surgery results and has won several awards during his time operating.
He also sub-specialises in advanced facial rejuvenation techniques in London, including deep plane facelifts, upper and lower blepharoplasty, brow lifts and lip lifts to name a few. Kshem Yapa is also recognised for his professionalism and exceptional knowledge. To arrange your facelift consultation in London with Mr Yapa, contact our friendly team.
Ideal Candidates for Facelifts
Ideal candidates for facelifts in London are those looking to improve the youthfulness of their face, are in good overall health, are non-smokers (or willing to stop weeks before/after the surgery) and those who have realistic expectations for the surgical results. Kshem Yapa will be able to offer further insight during your consultation as to whether you qualify for facelift surgery (rhytidectomy). Your physical health may also determine whether you are eligible for anaesthesia which is required to perform the facelift.
Benefits of A Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Ageing is unique to each person when factoring in genetics, environment and lifestyle habits. For this reason, different patients seek the facelift procedure for different reasons. Whether you have experienced significant weight loss causing excess facial skin, or you have been subjected to sun damage due to consistent UV exposure, facelifts aim to combat these signs of ageing. Here is a further insight into the benefits of the facelift procedure:
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Target multiple symptoms:
Facelifts offer a comprehensive solution, addressing multiple signs of ageing simultaneously. They seamlessly tackle sagging skin, pronounced wrinkles, creases, and the notorious double chin, presenting a holistic approach to revitalising your appearance.
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Get that “chiselled” jawline look:
Excess skin, whether due to age or weight loss, often culminates in unsightly jowls. Facelifts rejuvenate by sculpting and tightening the facial skin including the jaw and upper neck regions, reinstating the definition of a strong jawline.
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Get rid of loose or sagging skin:
Levels of collagen (the skin’s natural repair molecule) diminishes with time. While some solutions may provide temporary relief, a facelift offers a longer-term remedy by removing excess skin and fortifying the underlying structures, producing a smooth, taut look.
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Say goodbye to wrinkles:
Beyond sagging, our skin becomes home to deep wrinkles as collagen depletes. Facelifts, sometimes paired with other minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, effectively diminish these deep-seated lines, especially the prominent ones around the mouth and nose.
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Natural results:
The objective of a modern facelift isn’t just restoration but doing so subtly. Kshem Yapa’s techniques ensure tightened skin and refined contours, all without the stereotypical “done” look.
What Are The Different Types of Facelift?
Each facelift technique caters to specific needs and desired outcomes. Choosing the right facelift procedure for you depends entirely on your goals and individual characteristics. Just because one type of facelift worked for one individual, doesn’t mean it’s best for you. An in-depth consultation with Mr Kshem Yapa will help you determine the best approach tailored to your individual goals and facial anatomy. The different types of facelift surgeries offered are:
Mini Facelift
A less invasive alternative to a traditional facelift, the mini facelift is another facial skin tightening technique primarily targeting the lower face, addressing minor jowls and early signs of ageing. Utilising small, discreet incisions often concealed within the hairline, this procedure tightens and elevates the skin, eliminating excess tissue. Learn more about mini facelifts here.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift delves beneath the skin, going beyond mere surface-level adjustments and targeting the musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). Positioned near expressive facial muscles, the SMAS layer, when reshaped and repositioned, results in a smoother and youthful appearance. Learn more about deep plane facelifts here.
SMAS plication
A SMAS plication is a technique where the SMAS is folded and subsequently sutured to create tension, essentially lifting the lower face and neck. While it might not be quite as powerful in addressing the mid-cheek region as a deep plane facelift, which operates in the sub-SMAS plane, this method is particularly safe and can be very effective in the right patient.
Smasectomy
This approach involves the excision of the redundant section of the SMAS as it is lifted and tightened. After making the initial skin incision, there’s widespread undermining, often extending towards the nose, lips, and even the neck, before addressing the excess in the SMAS. Excising this excess, or occasionally transposing it to other regions, results in tighter SMAS alignment.
How Is a Facelift Procedure Carried Out?
Facelifts are a safe procedure when carried out in the right hands. Nevertheless, as with any surgical procedure, it is not totally risk-free. The steps of a facelift procedure are as follows. Please bear in mind that the procedure is not the same for all types of facelifts.
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Anaesthesia
Prior to the facelift surgery in London, an anaesthetist will first apply a mixture of medicines to help put you into a state of comfort. The nature of facial surgery typically mandates general anaesthesia, ensuring you’re in a restful state although facelifts can also be done under sedation and with the appropriate pain relief.
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Making the incisions
While under anaesthesia, Mr Kshem Yapa makes a series of discreet incisions, tailored to your desired outcome and chosen facelift variant. Standard incisions will be placed at the hairline, extending around the ear, and occasionally beneath the chin, especially if complemented by a neck lift. Strategically placed within natural contours, these incisions are designed to minimise visible scarring.
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Doing the “lift”
Once incisions are placed, Mr Kshem Yapa will identify the most appropriate technique to follow depending on the type of facelift you have opted for and the results you hope to achieve.
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Finalising with Sutures
Once the SMAS layer has been tightened and elevated, Mr Kshem Yapa will secure your new look in place while removing any excess skin. Occasionally but not frequently to aid healing, a drain might be introduced to prevent the build-up of fluid. The incisions are then sutured.
Face Lift Risks and Complications
As with all plastic and cosmetic surgeries, there are potential risks and complications associated with having facelifts. Patients should be aware of the following:
Despite best efforts to hide scarring and make concise incisions, there is always a risk of scarring depending on the skin’s condition.
This is the swelling and clotting of blood within the skin’s tissue. They can be removed by a doctor or surgeon, but they pose the risk of extending your facelift recovery time.
Nerves in the face may be subjected to temporary nerve damage, and in some rare cases this damage has been permanent. This can result in sensation changes or numbness.
Despite exceptional sterilisation during surgery, there is still risk of incision sites becoming infected. This would lead to further required treatments.
Some patients may experience negative effects following anaesthesia. This can include allergic reactions, and also postoperative sickness whilst the anaesthesia wears off.
Face Lift Recovery Timeline
The body recovers differently depending on your underlying physiology – i.e. how healthy you are, and how your body reacts to the surgery. Generally speaking, however, the recovery timeline follows a similar trend for all.
0 – 48 hours: Immediately after your facelift in London, and depending on the type of facelift you have had, you will wake up with your head wrapped in a bandage. This is just to help keep the surgical sites dry and safe. You may be asked to stay in the clinic overnight for observations.
Some patients report some discomfort or feelings of tightness for the first 48 hours after their treatment. Swelling and bruising are common, so we recommend that you sleep more upright with a few extra pillows to help swelling come down.
1- 2 weeks: During the first couple of weeks, you may be asked to wear a compression garment around your face. This will help relieve pressure and ease some of the pain. Be sure to avoid any heavy lifting and generally take it easy while you recover.
3 – 4 weeks: In the third and fourth weeks, you’ll notice that the swelling has gone down a considerable amount, but you may have some slight bouts of numbness here and there, which are entirely normal.
6 – 12 weeks: From weeks six to twelve, you’ll be coming to the end of your recovery period. Mr Kshem Yapa should clear you for activities and get you back to living life, albeit with a younger look.
24-hour Response Team
All of our London facelift patients will be provided with a direct phone line to our specialist cosmetic nurse who provides a 24-hour on-call service. For all support, questions or concerns you have following facial skin tightening, you will be able to get in touch. We strive to provide the highest level of care and want all patients to feel supported 100% as we join you on your journey to achieving your dream aesthetic results.
London Facelift FAQs
Opting for a facelift in London is a decision not to be taken lightly. On one hand, patients have the benefit of a rejuvenated appearance that restores radiant confidence, on the other hand, as with any surgery, there are risks to take into consideration. For our most asked questions regarding the facelift procedure, take a look at the following questions:
Deciding whether a facelift is the right procedure for you involves personal judgement, and also the professional opinion of a trusted surgeon. Good candidates for facelifts in London often have visible signs of ageing including sagging skin, wrinkles, facial volume loss, and jowls. Bear in mind that natural ageing is not always the reason why people opt for a facelift. For example, patients who have experienced rapid weight loss often experience loose skin around the facial area, especially if their skin has lost its elasticity.
Qualified patients also will have realistic expectations, as it is important to understand that not all imperfections can be rectified with a facelift. Additional treatments may be required such as facial fillers for the optimal desired effect once the surgery has healed.
Your face lift surgeon will give you a bespoke surgery timeline as to how to best prepare for your facelift in London. There are a few things however that all patients will be asked to do in preparation:
Maintain good skin care: Looking after your skin before and after surgery is essential for optimal results. You will be asked to avoid the use of make-up 24 hours before surgery, and also 7-10 days after surgery to avoid the risk of infection. Avoid sun exposure, and apply sufficient amounts of SPF before and after surgery.
Maintain a good diet: Eat a well-balanced diet in the lead-up to your surgery. This will support your immune system during surgery, as well as promote healing during recovery.
Stop smoking: You should stop smoking 6-8 weeks before surgery as this may increase surgical risks and hinder the healing process.
Plan ahead: This means scheduling the recommended time off work and arranging support for your time at home. From shopping to child care, you need to factor in all of the daily tasks that you will be restricted from carrying out during recovery, and plan for a trusted friend or family member to support you.
Here at Yapa Plastic Surgery, we understand the importance of transparency with patients, hence why you will be able to find all of the starting pricing on our website. Facelifts in London start at £10,900 with Yapa Plastic Surgery. Cost fluctuates depending on the complexity of the procedure, and also if any additional treatments are desired at the same time.
Your facelift surgeon will be able to offer tailored advice as to how you can most comfortably sleep following surgery. In most cases, patients will be advised to take either prescribed medication or over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort. Also, your head must be elevated during sleep to reduce the risk of swelling. Sleeping on your back with two pillows often is sufficient, however, there are also surgery tailored pillows that aim to promote comfort and prevent your head from sleeping on one side.
There is no ‘optimal’ age to have a rhytidectomy. Keep in mind however that facelifts can be most effective at a later age, but this can differ from person to person depending on genetics and lifestyle habits. Facelifts are often desired as a result of visible signs of ageing. For this reason, the average age is anywhere from age 40 and over. For those with less visible signs of ageing, mini facelifts are often the most viable option. For more advanced signs of ageing, patients may opt for a deep plane facelift.
