People have changed their attitudes towards plastic surgery, and fortunately, more people are becoming open about going under the knife.

Face and neck lifts are common plastic surgery procedures today. People who notice visible signs of skin ageing usually get this treatment to pull back their faces. However, facelifts aren’t limited to aesthetic reasons; some doctors also recommend this procedure for necessary facial reconstruction on some patients.

But just like any medical procedure, there are some risks involved, so it pays to know more about the treatment before you proceed with surgery. With that being said, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about facelifts—the different types, how they work, and the potential risks you may experience.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift surgically improves signs of skin aging in a patient’s neck and face. Although this is often done due to aesthetic reasons, some surgeons perform medically necessary facial reconstruction as well.

What Are the Common Types of Facelifts?

  • Traditional Facelifts start at your temple and continue in front and around your ear, ending in the lower scalp. This way, your surgeon can redistribute fat, reposition tissues, trim excess skin, and even lift your muscles.
  • Limited Incision Facelifts involve smaller cuts and incisions can be on your temple, around your ears, your lower eyelids, or under your upper lift.
  • Neck Lift Incisions start in the front of your earlobe and continue behind your ear, ending in your lower scalp. This procedure often treats signs of aging in your chin, lower face, and neck.

Why A Facelift?

A neck and facelift are performed for several reasons, such as:

  • You are unhappy about the signs of aging you see in your face;
  • You need medical treatment due to facial asymmetry or skin laxity;
  • You have a genetic facial deformity;
  • You sustained a traumatic facial injury;

What is MIFACE?

Minimally Invasive Face and Cervical Elevation (or MIFACE), developed by The Lotus Institute’s very own Dr Peter Widdowson, provides an alternative to a full facelift and targets just the neck and lower face. It can be performed under general anaesthetic with just a day stay in hospital needed to complete the operation.

What Are the Complications and Risks of a Facelift?

Complications of a facelift may vary depending on your case. Some can be serious and life-threatening, while others are mild and due to recovery. Generally, some patients may experience some anesthesia and allergic reactions that may trigger breathing issues. Some may experience bleeding, blood clots, and infections.

As for complications, some may experience a change in skin colour or contour, some temporary damage to the nerves controlling your facial structure, fluid collection beneath your skin, hematoma, numbness, persistent pain, and more.

The Bottom Line: Work with the Right Surgeon for a Safe and Smooth Facelift Procedure

Neck and facelifts, even if you’re going through a minimally invasive procedure, can still be complicated. That’s why it’s important to speak to a reputable surgeon and ensure that the proper steps are being taken to guarantee a smooth operation. Not to mention, they’ll guide you through recovery, mitigating the risks and complications in your surgery’s outcome.

If you’re thinking of getting a neck and facelift, head over to The Lotus Institute. The Lotus Institute combines premium technologies with first-class care, helping us achieve our goal of excellence in plastic, laser, and cosmetic surgery.

Our team of qualified plastic surgeons have extensive experience in cosmetic surgery, ensuring that you reach your aesthetic goals. Book an appointment with us today!