Cosmetic Surgery in Glasgow

Face Lift

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, it becomes thinner and the muscles slacken. This causes wrinkles, creases and folds of skin to appear. The corner of the mouth can also droop and the jaw can sag creating a "jowly" appearance. Fat can also accumulate on the neck and beneath the chin. Whilst this is part of the natural ageing process, it is accelerated by factors such as weight loss, smoking or exposure to the sun. An S-Lift facelift tightens facial skin and underlying muscles, giving a natural, youthful, "refreshed" look rather than an artificial "wind tunnel" look of more traditional facelifts. This technique is popular and results in very high levels of patient satisfaction for a number of reasons: it is minimally invasive - incisions and scars are minimal - it is a quicker operation with fewer complications, produces more natural looking results and has a shorter recovery time compared with more aggressive facelift techniques. The S-Lift lasts as long as a conventional facelift, usually around 7-12 years..

What Does the Procedure Involve?
Special anaesthetic solution is gently injected in underneath the skin, both to numb the area and also to assist the surgeon to lift the skin from the underlying tissue. An S-shaped incision is made following the natural curve of the ear and extended either into the temple or hidden behind the ear. The skin is lifted and the underlying muscles and tissues (SMAS) are tightened and repositioned. Excess fat is removed, and the opening is closed using fine stitches. The technique reduces the risk of damage to nerves and heavy bleeding, and the whole procedure normally takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

What are the risks and likely after effects?
Cosmetic surgery, like any other surgery, involves a "trauma" to the human body and there are risks associated with any procedure. Each person's body is different, and your general health, level of fitness, age and genetic profile will all have an effect on the speed of healing and also on the risk of side-effects. If you smoke, drink alcohol, are overweight and/or take drugs for medical or other reasons, the risk of complication during and after surgery can be greatly increased. Smoking, in particular, is discouraged because it increases the risk both of infection, wound breakdown and thrombosis (blood clots).

After a facelift it is normal for all patients to experience some pain and discomfort, swelling, numbness and bruising. These symptoms can be controlled and reduced by taking regular prescribed medication. There is a minimal risk of excessive scarring, hair damage and the risk of damage to facial nerves is extremely low.

What will happen following the surgery?
Post-Op
Your surgeon will see you when you have come round from the anaesthetic to check that all is well, and you will usually be discharged the same day. You'll be given medication and post-operative instructions and will wear a small bandage over the incision site for 1-2 days. You will also be given appropriate telephone numbers in case you need to contact us at any time.

Week 1-2
Most of our S-Lift patients resume normal activities after 4-5 days, and some return to work in this time. It depends on the individual. You will also receive a check-up with our nurse 7-10 days after surgery to remove your stitches. The puffiness and bruising usually clears up in 2 weeks and normal make-up may then be applied.

Weeks 8-10
Your surgeon will see you again, usually 8-10 weeks after the procedure for a full post-operative consultation.

Full Post-Operative Cover
We're confident that you will be delighted with the results. For that reason, we guarantee that we will provide post-operative cover for a full year after your procedure. It's our way of ensuring that you have peace of mind and confidence in Visage. General matters pertaining to cosmetic surgery.

1. Expectations and limitations: Cosmetic surgery may satisfy many needs and often provides inner confidence. It may enhance your quality of life significantly. It is however, not the answer to all of life's problems. It is vital to understand the limitation of such surgery. The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to improve one's appearance. But do not expect miracles. Most patients understand these limitations and have a realistic view of what may be achieved. Unrealistic expectations may lead to disappointment. Being realistic brings satisfaction.

2. General risks of Surgery and Anaesthesia such as blood clots, chest complications, pain and discomfort, infection, swelling, bruising, bleeding and haematoma, seroma, problems in the healing process, numbness, sensitivity etc.

3. Subjective Nature of Cosmetic Surgery: It has been emphasised that, the final assessment of the result is a matter of subjective opinion. Hence, while a probable expected result has been advised, this is in no way a guarantee of a good result.

4. Scars: All surgery involves creating some scars. Although these are placed in locations to hide, any scar, in theory, can become prominent. It normally takes 12-24 months for scars to fade away completely.

5. Time lag for final results: Every operation is followed by a period of healing, before tissues return to normal and the final result is apparent.

6. Numbness: Loss of sensitivity is a consequence of all surgery and it takes time for normal sensation to return.

7. Revisions and Refinements: Every operation may sometimes need more refinement to achieve a satisfactory end result.

8. General Asymmetry: Every human body is asymmetrical between left and right sides. This normal difference will persist after the surgery and shall be obvious.

Other Minimal Access Techniques
Thread Lift
Thread lift is suitable for younger patients.
Threads are used to create lifting through very small incisions normally hidden in hair.

Minimal Access Cranial Suspension (MACS)
Tissues/muscles (SMAS) are lifted through small incisions hidden in the temple.

Minimal Access Cheek Temple and Neck Lift
Can be performed on the same principles as above