Face & Neck lift Surgery
Meloplasty / Rhytidectomy / Cervicoplasty / Platysmaplasty
Face & Neck lift Surgery Overview
Welcome to our page dedicated to Extended Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift also known as Rhytidectomy, Meloplasty, Platysmaplasty or facelift surgery. These surgeries are performed by Dr Griffin, an ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon specialising in facial plastic surgery. Here, we provide essential information about the general indications for extended deep plane facelift, details about the basic operation, and what to expect during the recovery process.
General Indications for Face & Neck lift Surgery
Deep plane meloplasty, or facelift surgery, is recommended for individuals seeking to address signs of facial aging, such as:
- Sagging skin and jowls: Loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone in the lower face and neck, resulting in the appearance of jowls.
- Deep wrinkles and folds: Pronounced lines and folds around the mouth, nose, and chin, often exacerbated by sun exposure and natural aging.
- Loss of facial volume: Decreased volume and fullness in the cheeks, temples, and midface, contributing to a tired or aged appearance.
- Excess skin and fat: Accumulation of excess skin and fat deposits in the lower face and neck, creating a heavy or drooping appearance.
Face & Neck lift Surgery Operation
During an extended deep plane facelift procedure, Dr Griffin will perform the following steps:
- Anaesthesia: You will be placed under general anaesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and unaware during the procedure.
- Incisions: Dr Griffin will make carefully planned incisions along the hairline and around the ears to access the underlying facial structures.
- Muscle and Tissue Repositioning: Using a deep plane specialised technique, Dr Griffin will reposition the underlying muscles and tissues to restore youthful contours.
- Skin Redraping: Excess skin will be carefully removed when the deeper aspects of the procedure are complete.
- Closure and Recovery: After completing the necessary adjustments, Dr Griffin will close the incisions with sutures and apply dressings as needed. Your recovery will be closely monitored before you are discharged from the hospital.
Recovery After Face & Neck lift Surgery
Recovery from Extended Deep Plane Facelift typically involves the following:
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after facelift surgery and usually subside within a few weeks. Dr Griffin may recommend cold compresses and elevation to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Pain Management: You may experience some discomfort or tightness in the face and neck following the procedure. Dr Griffin will provide instructions for managing pain effectively, which may include over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medication.
- Dietary Guidelines: It’s important to stick to a soft diet for the first few days following surgery to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the facial muscles. Cold or lukewarm liquids and soft, easy-to-swallow foods are recommended.
- Activity Restrictions: Rest is essential during the initial recovery period. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.
- Follow-Up Care: Dr Griffin will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing. It’s important to attend these appointments and communicate any concerns or symptoms you may have.
A Note Regarding Combined Procedures
Combining Extended Deep Plane Facelift with Cervicoplasty/Platymaplasty (neck lift) and Brow lift are common. These procedures when combined can take upwards of 5 hours to complete and patients therefore need to be of robust health and non-smokers.
Post-op Instructions
Schedule your consultation today
If you are considering deep plane meloplasty to rejuvenate your facial appearance, Dr Griffin is a highly trained specialist ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon with training in Facial Plastic Surgery including advanced extended deep plane techniques. Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and explore your treatment options.
Surgical Risk Disclaimer
Please note that all surgical procedures carry risks, including the possibility of complications during and after surgery.
While high standards of medical care and safety are always our priority, individual results and recovery times may vary. Each patient’s experience is unique based on their medical history, condition, and other factors. We strongly encourage you to discuss any concerns and the specific risks related to your procedure with Dr Griffin during your consultation. This discussion will provide you with detailed information tailored to your personal health profile and help you make an informed decision.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalised diagnosis and treatment.
General Operative and Anaesthetic risks
- Acute medical event: Heart or lung complications (e.g. heart attack, stroke, chest infection)
- Death
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolisms (PE)
- A sore throat/breathing difficulty due to the general aesthetic or the endotracheal tube, which can cause swelling, noisy breathing or discomfort
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia
- Wound infection, which may result in treatment with antibiotics or further treatment/surgery. This is more likely in a smoker or a person with diabetes.
- Heavy bleeding from the wound, which may result in further treatment/surgery
- Wound discharge
- Poor or slow healing of the skin; wound breakdown; skin necrosis
- Wound dehiscence (wound ruptures along the surgical incision)
- Bruising and swelling. This will start to subside in one to two weeks but can take up to several months to settle
- Abscess/Haematoma/Seroma/Oedema
- Pain and discomfort
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressing, antiseptic solutions
- Altered or loss of sensation in and around the treated area, which may persist for some months, numbness maybe permanent
- Adverse scarring
- Revisionary surgery
- Psychological impact of change in appearance
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance
Specific Procedure Risks
- Skin necrosis
- Haematoma
- Seroma
- Swelling and bruising
- Asymmetry
- Alopecia
- Movement of ears
- Parasthesia (may be numbness or tingling)
- Facial nerve injury
- Extended drainage period
