As we age gravity has affects the face causing it to drop. The central area above and below the lips which would be covered by a goatee beard is fixed and cannot move. As the cheek and jowl areas move downwards with age the creases coming down from the side of the nose and the mouth deepen. Facelift surgery is designed to reverse these changes and replace the tissues in their previous position.

In the USA the trend is to make the face as tight as possible- this creates a stretched or mask-like appearance. In my experience most patients from Northampton do not want this unnatural appearance and instead ask to look like a younger and fresher version of themselves.

As techniques have improved plastic surgeons have developed different facelift techniques depending on each patients requirements. Every face is different and surgery should be tailored to your features to achieve the best, most longstanding and natural results.

Below are some of the questions I am frequently asked by patients considering facelift surgery:

Will it work?

Following a facelift most patients look between 8-10 years younger. This is achieved by lifting the cheeks, jowls and neck regions to their previous position. Importantly lines on the forehead and within the goatee beard area will not improved by a facelift alone. Non-surgical injection techniques are very effective in these areas and are often combined with facelift operations.

Will it tighten the skin of my neck?

A facelift should really be known as a face and neck lift as it improves both a areas. Loose skin in the neck and face is tightened and the underlying muscles replaced in their former position.

How long will it take me to recover?

With modern advances in surgical and anaesthetic techniques the recovery time has been significantly reduced. Most patients feel confident to go out in public after 10-14 days.

Will everyone notice?

Interestingly no. The aim is to make you look like you- only younger and fresher. Friends and colleagues may notice that you look better but attribute it to being rested or having enjoyed a good holiday. If they do suspect most are too polite to mention it.

What are the dangers?

With modern techniques the risks have been significantly reduced. However as with any operations there are risks. Heavy smokers and patients who have serious chest or heart conditons are often counselled against surgery.

What is the ideal age to have a facelift?

The signs of facial aging begin to appear from the mid-thirties onwards. Modern face-lift techniques include mini-face lift procedures which are specifically designed for people in their 40’s. These involve less downtime and a quicker recovery. To achieve the most natural result it is best to treat facial aging earlier rather than later before irreversible changes have occurred.

How long will the effects last?

Generally facelifts make patients look like they did 8-10 years previously without looking unnatural. The face then ages at the same speed it did previously.

Mr Adrian Richards

Plastic and Cosmetic Sugeon