Facial rejuvenating procedures such as facelift surgery are highly rewarding and satisfying procedures for appropriate patients. Most patients requesting evaluation for facelift surgery feel that their facial features do not reflect their youthful spirit and energy level. The sagging skin of the face and neck is a common problem due to the combination of gravity and ageing. A facelift surgery restores a more pleasing contour of the face and neck, allowing patients to “turn back the clock”, providing them with a better, more youthful appearance. At VIDA H&A, we believe in providing our patients with a natural, vibrant and refreshed look as opposed to a more artificial, “plastic” or “pulled” appearance.

More and more younger women are taking advantage of a lower-cost, less-invasive alternative to the traditional facelift. The MACS-lift (minimal-access cranial suspension facelift) or short-scar facelift, which is growing in popularity around the world, is an easier-tolerated procedure for first-time facial rejuvenation patients who are starting to see sagging in the mid-face area, jawline and neck. Performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or intravenous general anaesthesia, the procedure involves using short incisions around the ears which are well-hidden within the natural creases. The incision starts in the hairline just above the ears and runs along the front and ends behind the ear. Using special sutures, the middle tissues and muscles are lifted vertically, instead of horizontally as in the traditional facelift, which provides a more subtle, natural-looking result.

Because the MACS-lift can often be done under local anesthesia and uses smaller incisions, there is less risk and less-noticeable scarring than in traditional facelifts. The surgery also does not take as long to perform and has a shorter recovery time — usually only two to three weeks. This benefit of less downtime with minimal scarring is very attractive to younger professionals with busy lifestyles.

These techniques both involve lifting the deeper muscles and tissues of the face called the SMAS layer which may provide a smoother, longer-lasting rejuvenation than traditional facelift techniques. The ideal candidate for the SMAS Facelift will need tightening and re-supporting of the lower face only. It is important to note that this technique does not eliminate a deep nasolabial fold.

However, the Deep Plane Facelift addresses both the lower face and the mid-face or cheek areas. With this procedure, the fat pad of the cheek can be repositioned higher to create a more pleasingly contoured and youthful-looking mid-face.

These surgeries can be performed using either general anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia and generally require one to three weeks of recovery time with much the same aftercare as with traditional facelifts. It is important to rest and allow your body time to heal and guard against stress or pressure on the affected areas of your face.

The option of IV sedation with local anesthesia, if appropriate, may lessen the risks and recovery time for some patients. Consultation with your surgeon will determine which of these procedures is best for your individual situation and will produce the most pleasing results.

Some important facts about Facelifting:

• Facelift Surgery is a day surgery procedure safely executed under sedation or GA administrated by Anaesthetist.
• We will always ensure your comfort during the procedure, which takes approximately 2-4 hours.
• Facelift is performed in the surgical theatre and private facilities of the Jersey General Hospital.
• The procedure involves excising excess skin, tightening of musculofascial layer and the re-draping and suturing of skin with fine sutures.

A consultation with Mr. De Cordova will provide full insights into the options and techniques most suitable for your lifestyle that best suits your desired appearance, as well as opportunity to discuss your options.