Facelift

For your rhytidectomy procedure, you’ll be admitted as a day patient at the Renaissance Surgical clinic. Dr Nerina Wilkinson will examine you in the ward and draw markings of the planned surgery and incisions on your face.

The facelift is performed while you’re placed under conscious sedation, which will make you feel drowsy and relaxed, however, you’ll sleep through the entire operation and not be aware of the procedure. The advantage is however that you will wake up feeling refreshed without the side effects of general anaesthesia, though, She may use it to perform some facelifts. In all cases, a certified female anaesthetist will be responsible for your well-being.

The facelift surgery usually takes between 2 and 5 hours and involves:

• Incisions – Fine skin incisions are made to hide in the sideburns and extend down a natural crease, in front of the ear. From there, the incision continues underneath the earlobe to behind the ear, ending in the scalp area of the neck. The length of the scar will be determined by how much work your neck requires.  If she needs to work on more of your neck, a small incision  is needed under the chin to tighten the neck muscles in the midline.

• Draping and repositioning – Once she has elevated the skin, she is able to treat and elevate the underlying facial muscles. To achieve the best and a longer-lasting result it is important to not only remove lax skin but to tighten the muscle layer known as the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS). Many techniques have been described to improve the SMAS layer. The most extensive is to dissect under this muscle layer, however, this technique is also associated with the highest risk of damage to the facial nerves. Double-blind studies have over the past few years confirmed that the results of a SMAS plication has similar results with decreased complications. She, therefore, uses a SMAS plication technique also called the S-Lift. This involves lifting the SMAS muscle layer and suturing the muscle to itself, creating a lift of the jowls and an attractive fullness in the cheek area. This is a very safe technique due to the fact that the facial nerves are not directly exposed. Once the underlying muscles have been secured in the correct position, the excess skin can be draped.

If only the jowls need to be treated, she minimizes the scar using a “short scar” technique or MACS lift (minimal access cranial suspension).

If your neck, however, requires more extensive lifting, she makes an additional incision under your chin, where she is then able to trim or remove some fat in this area using liposuction and to plicate the neck muscles in the midline, to improve the contour of your neck.

• Finishing touches – Excess skin is trimmed and then fat grafting is used to achieve a youthful, natural-looking face. She uses a combination of stitches and metal clips to close the incisions.  A small drain is placed under the skin for between 1-2 days to remove any blood that collects under your skin. Your face is then lightly wrapped in bandages to promote minimal bruising and swelling.

Most people are admitted as day patients who are discharged to the postoperative care facilities for 1-4 nights. You will be placed under the care of our expert ward nurses who will use ice and light therapy to accelerate your healing process.

Dr Nerina Wilkinson’s team are attentive and understand the support you will require, not only medically, but also psychologically. She, therefore, suggests to most patients undergoing any facial rejuvenating surgery to spend a few nights in the aftercare centre. The drains and bandages are removed within the first 2 days and you will be discharged with the head lightly wrapped in bandages.

For the first 5 days, you can anticipate being swollen and uncomfortable, then there will be some discomfort and bruising for the next 2 weeks. At this point, most patients are presentable and feel “brave” enough to visit friends and family. If you are travelling to Cape Town for your surgery, we suggest you allow yourself 3 weeks of recovery in the city.  While you should be fine within 3 weeks, there can be some subtle swelling up to 8 weeks after the procedure

You may have a small S-shaped scar around the ear or a full scar around the front of the ear extending to the scalp in the neck. The majority of scarring should fade to thin, white lines after 6 months to a year. Clever hairstyling can minimize the appearance of obvious scars during the first year.

Expect full recovery to take time. Complete healing of the sensation and deeper tissues can take up to 6 months. You should also expect a numbness of the skin and contour irregularities which can vary from day-to-day. Emotionally you can expect a bit of a “roller coaster” ride. This is normal and her team of specialists are prepared to help you through those difficult days. Everyone goes through them, some just more than others.

Dr Nerina Wilkinson’s professional team are known for their discretion and compassion and you can always count on the best service and care. More importantly, you don’t have to worry about not recognising yourself by the time your bandages are removed as Dr Nerina Wilkinson believes in enhancing one’s natural features and not completely redesigning your shape.

I believe that I perform very natural facelifts and a patient will never leave my office looking “windswept”. I always ask my patients if anyone commented on their surgery. If they mention that no one commented except that they looked like they “were in love” or just returned from a holiday, then I know I have succeeded in my goal.

Contact Dr Wilkinson today to book your facelift surgery consultation.