Contents
Facelift Procedure
As we age, from the 30s onwards, we typically face a range of issues on the face and neck area that start subtly and gradually increase over time. These usually include:
- Frown lines on the forehead, around the eyes, on the cheeks and the neck.
- Sagging skin and face aging.
- Loose skin and folds on the jowls, neck, and chin or from the nose to the corner of the mouth.
- A smile that is beginning to turn downwards.
- Lost volume around the cheeks.
- Tired looking face.
A facelift procedure becomes an option for anyone who wants longer lasting results, which anti-aging products and creams cannot offer. Some of the issues above can be temporarily addressed with non-invasive procedures, while others may require some subtle interventions. Everyone is different and has different requirements. It is therefore important to understand how these issues are expected to evolve over time, how they affect the overall look and appearance of the whole face, rather than simply a specific area of the face and what the best approach is for each person individually.
Facelift Technique Options
A facelift is a cosmetic procedure where a Plastic Surgeon uses diverse surgical techniques targeting the face, to give a patient a more youthful and fresher look. The procedure, also known as a rhytidectomy, tightens and trims the face, and gets rid of unwanted fat tissue, to give a more enhanced, younger, and contoured face. For individuals considering a facelift in Dubai, understanding the different surgical techniques available and how they can be tailored to the individual's facial structure is an important part of the process.
The goal of a facelift procedure is to surgically or non-surgically repair the signs of aging by repositioning and lifting underlying facial tissues and muscles to restore volume, eliminate wrinkles and folds, and tighten sagging skin on different areas of the face. The procedure improves the overall appearance of the facial structure, which results in a more youthful look and feel.
There are two categories of a facelift procedure, which depend on the needs of the patient, as well as the recommendations of the Plastic Surgeon. These are invasive and non-invasive facelifts. A facelift surgery in Dubai refers to a surgical facelift, which is by definition more invasive than a non-surgical procedure or treatment. The Plastic Surgeon will always determine which the best technique to use is to achieve the desired result for each individual candidate.
- Surgical Facelift: This facelift technique involves surgery, where the patient is put under general anesthesia. The Plastic Surgeon tightens the underlying facial muscles after making incisions above the hairline, behind the ears, all the way to the jawline or through tiny incisions in the case of an endoscopic facelift. This enables the surgeon to remove excess fat and to trim off excess skin. This technique is done in a day surgery center or a hospital setting. It is often combined with an eyelid lift or fat injection.
- Non-Surgical Facelift: Compared to the surgical facelift, this technique is done in-office in a treatment room. The Plastic Surgeon uses injectables like dermal fillers and or Botox ® or lasers/radiofrequency or ultrasound to tighten skin, which gives the skin a firmer, fresher look and feel. A typical example is the “Nefertiti” neck lift using Botox®
Our Commitment To You
Our highly trained and experienced staff will guide you smoothly and comfortably along the entire process to allow you to make the best decision. At Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery, our experts have more than 20 years of experience in plastic and cosmetic procedures and helped more than 10,000 patients safely achieve their dream of beauty and confidence. We will identify the most suitable expert for your facelift surgery in Dubai, will listen to you, understand and identify your individual and detailed requirements in a tailor-made consultation, advise you on what you expect from the right treatment and ultimately develop the most suitable treatment plan with you.
The Facelift Process
a) The Consultation
The first step of a facelift is having a detailed consultation and examination in the clinic with our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, to determine a tailor-made plan for each candidate, whether it is a surgical facelift, non-surgical facelift in Dubai or possibly another more suitable treatment.
b) The Surgery
The second step is to schedule the facelift surgery with the highly qualified and experienced Plastic Surgeon who is an expert in facelift and anti-aging procedures. The procedure requires 3-5hours under general anesthesia.
Prior to the surgery, each patient is screened to ensure that it is safe to proceed with the procedure. This includes a pre-anesthetic consultation, blood testing, and to ensure the patient is a fit candidate for the procedure.
The facelift surgery is conducted in a hospital operating theatre and the patient typically spends 1 night in the hospital after surgery to recover. He or she can spend more time if required.
The expert Plastic Surgeon accompanies the patient throughout the entire process of recovery and healing, through scheduled follow-ups.
c) The Recovery
Upon discharge from the hospital, the patient typically has minor bandages, which are changed the following day, and new ones placed. After 3 days, the bandages are replaced with an elastic face sling, which the patient has to wear throughout for the next 7 days, after which it can be worn for only 12 hours a day for two weeks.
During the recovery period, strenuous activity should be avoided, but normal day-to-day activities can typically be resumed after 1 week.
Over a period of about 4 weeks, the patient would typically have several post-operation visits to the clinic to monitor the healing process.
Before And After Results
At Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery Dubai, we do our best to protect our patients’ confidentiality. That is why all the Before & After results are not available online, however, they will be shown during a consultation in the clinic only.
Meet Our Team
Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons have over 20 years’ surgical experience and are trained at some of the world’s best medical schools with a proven track record in UAE, the USA and Brazil.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Buthainah Al Shunnar is an Emirati American Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in breast surgery, body contouring, aesthetic facial surgery, hand surgery, post-cancer reconstruction and microsurgery, as well as non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Dermal Fillers and PRP.
Dr. Buthainah Al-Shunnar
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Dr Kamal is an American Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in aesthetic facial surgery, breast surgery, reconstructive surgery, body contouring, fat transfer and non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Dermal Fillers and PRP.
Dr. Kamal Sawan
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Claudia Machado is a Brazilian Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in aesthetic facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, fat transfer and minimal and non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Dermal Fillers, PRP, Chemical peels, CO2 therapy and others.
Dr. Claudia Alves Silva Machado
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Precautions
Although a facelift procedure is straightforward, it is important that the right level of intervention or treatment is determined and that the procedure, whether surgical or non-surgical be performed by a qualified and expert plastic surgeon. A potential candidate has to fit into certain criteria to be eligible for the procedure and should have:
- Be a non-smoker
- Realistic expectations regarding the expected results.
- Be in good health both physically and psychologically.
What To Expect From A Facelift
The main benefit of a facelift are fresher and younger-looking features, which makes a notable difference in how your face looks and feels. Since everyone is different, the expected results of a facelift might vary from person to person, but benefits typically include:
- Well-defined facial contours.
- Eliminated or reduced facial wrinkles and loose skin.
- Firmer and more toned facial skin.
- Restored volume to the face.
- Long-lasting results.
- A restored smile with a more relaxed, happier expression
- A boost in confidence and self-esteem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the results of facelift permanent?
The results of a Facelift last for approximately ten years. However, having the procedure may help to turn back the visible effects of time but it does not stop the natural ageing process. To ensure that the results look good for as long as possible, you should lead a healthy lifestyle and enjoy a healthy diet, avoid smoking, follow a good skincare routine and avoid excessive exposure to the sun.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for facelift surgery?
To know if you are the ideal candidate for a facelift procedure it is essential to have a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon (who has expertise in facial procedures) to definitively know whether you are ready to undergo this kind of Cosmetic Surgery. During your consultation, you will discuss your goals, complete medical history including if you are currently on any medication, and lifestyle choices.
You will also undergo a facial physical exam.
You will be required to meet the following candidacy criteria to be considered a good candidate for a facelift:
- Be in good physical and emotional health
- You are a non-smoker
- You have realistic expectations about the outcome of the facelift procedure
- You have sufficient skin elasticity
- You understand the recovery process
You should also be experiencing some the following skin issues:
- Sagging skin around your jawline
- Moderate to severe line and wrinkles
- Drooping eyebrows and eyelids
- Prominent neck bands
- Facial folds
What are the dos and don'ts of preparing for facelift surgery?
Preparing for a facelift surgery involves your Plastic Surgeon examining your health to ensure that you have no underlying medical condition that can increase risks during the procedure or impair your healing.
You may be asked to start taking certain medications or have your current medications adjusted. You will also be asked to stop taking herbal supplements, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory medication as they can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Are there other procedures that I can combine with my facelift?
Facelift surgery can be combined with other cosmetic procedures. This will not only enhance the results but also reduce your recovery for multiple procedures. Some of the procedures that can be done at the same time as a facelift include:
- Eyelid surgery. It involves rejuvenating the area around the eyes by removing excess skin, repositioning or removing fat pockets, and tightening the underlying muscles.
- Brow lift. This procedure elevates the brows to reduce the appearance of frown lines between the eyebrows.
- Chin Implants. These give more definition to the jawline and improve the angle of the neck as well as add more projection and improve the contour of the chin for better facial balance.
Other procedures include skin resurfacing treatments and injectables such as dermal fillers and Botox.
What if I’m not ready to go under the knife for the facelift surgery?
Individuals who are not ready to undergo a surgical procedure can opt for other facial rejuvenation treatments such as:
- Dermal fillers add volume, smooth fine lines, and wrinkles, and make the skin look fuller.
- Botox or other neurotoxins to prevent the formation of wrinkles or improve their appearance.
- Chemical peels get rid of old, damaged skin layers and expose the healthy skin underneath.
- Microdermabrasion to brush off old skin layers and stimulate collagen production.
What should I expect during my facelift recovery?
During your facelift recovery, you will experience some discomfort but it can be managed with pain medication. There will be some swelling, bruising, numbness, pain, and drainage from the incisions but these usually resolve after some time.
You will have follow-up appointments during the next two months after your procedure. They will involve the following:
- The drainage tube will be removed by your Plastic Surgeon a day after the surgery. Antibiotic ointment will be applied to your incisions and new bandages placed on the face.
- After two to three days you can switch from wearing bandages to an elasticized facial sling.
- About a week after the surgery, your Plastic Surgeon will remove the stitches and assess the wound.
Your Plastic Surgeon will provide you with further post-op instructions to follow during your recovery. They will include:
- Wound care instructions
- Avoid picking at the scabs
- What kind of shampoo and soaps to use
- Do not put excessive pressure on and around the incision sites
- Avoid vigorous activities
- Avoid direct sun exposure during your recovery
- Do not color, bleach, or perm hair for the next six weeks
Subsequent appointments to monitor your progress will be scheduled.
What are the risks and complications associated with a facelift procedure?
The potential risks associated with facelift surgery are rare but they include anesthesia risks, bleeding, infection, facial nerve injury, changes to skin sensation, fluid accumulation, persistent pain, prolonged swelling, poor wound healing, unfavorable scarring, sutures surfacing through the skin, and unsatisfactory results.
How soon can I resume my normal activities after my facelift surgery?
Getting proper rest is a priority after any surgical procedure. Most individuals take a week or two from work and are advised to avoid certain activities during the recovery period. However, walking for a few minutes and other light activities can be resumed within 48 hours after the procedure. Normal activities will be gradually resumed as you are recovering.
Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities should be avoided at least until the 6th week.
Your Plastic Surgeon will give you an individualized breakdown of how soon you can resume your activities based on how well you are healing.
How long will my facelift results last and what are some of the things I can do to maintain the results?
The results of a facelift are long-lasting and can last 10 years plus. The total length of how long the results last depends on your age at the time of the procedure and how your body ages over time.
To maintain and extend your results, you can consider routine antiaging cosmetic treatments and live a healthy lifestyle.
Patient Reviews
Awesome clinic, could not have asked for a better place. I am feel home and safe when I am here. the staff is kind and caring, the clinic is sparking clean, and the vibe is happy. The best clinic I have ever been in Dubai
(Verified Patient) View More Reviews >Next Steps
Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation, to develop a tailor-made plan for you. Contact us or Book an appointment and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.
