Combining Fat Transfer with Facelift (‘Lift & Fill Facelift’)
For patients who require additional volume to restore and enhance facial contours during a facelift, Mr Townley routinely performs a fat transfer. Also known as fat injections or fat grafting, fat transfers involve the harvesting of excess fatty tissue from one region of the body and the reinjection of purified, healthy fat cells into areas of the face with depleted volume to achieve soft, subtle augmentation. When performed properly, the results achieved with facial fat transfers can outlast dermal fillers and deliver a smooth, natural-looking appearance—beautifully complementing the rejuvenating effects of facelift surgery.
Combining a Facelift with a Neck Lift
Neck lift techniques are often recommended in combination with facelift surgery for patients who are experiencing significant skin, tissue, and muscle laxity along the jawline (jowls), beneath the chin, and/or along the neck. Liposuction and/or fat excision may also be performed in this region to create leaner, more defined contours. By performing facelift and neck lift within the course of a single operation, patients can generally achieve more comprehensive and natural-looking rejuvenation of the lower face, jawline, neck, and side profile. The goal for Mr Townley is always to create youthful definition in key areas to restore smoothness, lift, and elegance.
Combining Facelift with Additional Facial Rejuvenation
Visible signs of ageing are rarely isolated in one area of the face, and Mr Townley often recommends that facelift be combined with other surgical procedures and/or cosmetic treatments to optimize facial rejuvenation:
- Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can treat drooping skin, bags, and puffiness around the eyes to restore youthful vibrance.
- Chin augmentation with chin implants, injectables, or fat transfer can help further define the jawline and balance the facial profile.
- Injectable wrinkle therapies can temporarily relax dynamic wrinkles along the forehead, around the eyes, and in other regions of the face to create a smoother appearance.
- Dermal fillers can temporarily restore youthful volume to areas of the face, as well as fill deep facial wrinkles and creases.
Depending on your needs and goals, Mr Townley can develop a personalised surgical plan that includes the procedures and treatments necessary for creating the more youthful look you desire.
What Happens During Facelift Surgery?
Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take up to four hours to complete. In some situations, where a less invasive approach is used (e.g. mini facelift), the procedure may be performed as a daycase under local anaesthetic with or without sedation. During the procedure, Mr Townley smooths loose skin, repositions the deep connective tissue in a more elevated position, and trims away any excess. If facial contours are to be enhanced through fat transfer, excess fatty tissue is harvested through liposuction from elsewhere on the body, filtered and purified, and then reinjected into the pre-designated area(s) of the face. After surgery is complete, an overnight stay in the hospital is usually recommended.
What is Facelift Recovery Like?
After facelift surgery you can expect to experience some temporary swelling, soreness, and bruising. Keeping yourself upright, using cold compresses as directed, and taking prescribed pain relief medication can help keep you comfortable in the early days of healing. Most patients plan to take at least two weeks off from work to rest and recover. During surgery, Mr Townley is mindful of keeping incisions as hidden as possible to minimise the visibility of any scarring. While scar tissue may appear reddish and raised at first, it should fade and flatten considerably as it continues to mature.
Will I Have Facelift Scars?
During surgery, Mr Townley is mindful of keeping incisions as hidden as possible to minimise the visibility of any scarring. Facelift incisions can be concealed within the hairline and extend in front of the ear, which is an area that tends to heal very well for most patients. While scar tissue may appear reddish and raised at first, it should fade and flatten considerably as it continues to mature. The majority of Mr Townley’s facelift patients do not develop concerns regarding scarring once healing is complete. If you happen to be bothered by the appearance of any visible scarring, Mr Townley may discuss treatments and procedures that can help with reducing the prominence of scars.
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
The longevity of facelift results vary from patient to patient depending on each individual’s natural rate of ageing; however, the techniques Mr Townley uses for facelift surgery are designed to deliver long-lasting results. One of the major benefits of undergoing a facelift is that patients generally experience a more graceful ageing process once they have had the procedure. If after many years, you experience significant changes in your appearance due to further ageing and desire additional rejuvenation, Mr Townley can discuss the possibility of a touch-up procedure to restore a more youthful look.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
The average price range for a facelift performed by Mr Townley is usually between £12,500 and £17,500. The cost for a facelift varies based on several factors, including the degree of enhancement desired, the techniques used, and any additional procedures performed in combination during the surgery. Following a consultation with Mr Townley to discuss your goals and develop a customised treatment plan, you will receive an accurate estimate for the cost of your facelift. Payment options and scheduling can be discussed at this time as well.
Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives to Facelift Surgery?
While there are no non-surgical facial treatments that can compare to the significant improvements achieved with facelift surgery, men and women are often surprised by the degree of rejuvenation that can be accomplished with injectable treatments and facial fat transfer procedures. These non-surgical options are sometimes recommended for individuals who are not yet ready for a facelift, but desire a more youthful look.
Do you have questions about facelift surgery? Contact our practice to learn more about this procedure.