Introduction
Facial aging is a multifactorial process involving the skin, soft tissues, and facial skeleton. Key elements of mid-facial aging are gradual ptosis of the cheek skin below the infraorbital rim creating infraorbital hollowness, descent of the malar fat pad with loss of malar prominence, deepening of the tear trough, and prominence of the nasolabial fold. As the face ages there are predictable surface, volume, and positional changes acting as landmarks for soft tissue manipulation and repositioning.
The major goal of facial rejuvenation is to restore smooth contours and soft transitions between facial units. Facial skeleton work is limited in facelift. Soft tissue augmentation with autologous fat transfer can significantly improve structural bony deficiencies and is included frequently to enhance results in facial rejuvenation surgery.
Common Techniques
Short scar facelift
Short scar facelift techniques have gained popularity over the past 15 years for patients who seek facial rejuvenation. The advantage of reduced morbidity, shorter scars, and less downtime is very appealing for both the patient and the facial cosmetic surgeon.
SMAS plication technique
There is no flap elevation or resection of SMAS. The edges of the fixed and mobile SMAS are simply plicated together with sutures. The vectors can be diagonally oriented or vertically oriented, depending on the desired outcome. The SMAS stacking procedure includes a limited lateral SMAS dissection and stacking of the SMAS during plication for volume increase in the lateral cheek.
Minimal access cranial suspension lift (MACS lift)
Developed by Tonnard, large purse-string suture loops are used to suspend the SMAS platysma in a cranial position instead of using the traditional individual plication sutures placed parallel to the nasolabial fold
Deep Plane (Composite) Approach
The deep plane approach repositions the SMAS and skin as a single unit. The skin flap dissection in front of the ear is limited and there the transition into a skin–SMAS flap starts laterally, over the deep parotid fascia. The skin–SMAS composite flap is suspended as a single structure in a superolateral vector. This composite flap is thick and has robust vascularization, being a good option for patients with potential would healing issues, such as smokers and diabetic patients
Process At Bliniq
Consultation :
Your consultation can be organised at the clinic or on a video call depending on your needs. At the time of consultation you can discuss areas of concern for your face. What will be the best method to achieve your desired results will be discussed. You will be required to undergo a few blood investigations.
Surgery:
The surgery is carried out under general anesthesia. You are called nil per oral on the day of surgery in the morning. The procedure lasts for 45-60 minutes. You are kept under observation for 6-8 hours after the procedure after which you can go home. You will be discharged with medications for 1 week.
Follow up:
Day-2
Your dressing will be changed
Day- 10
Your sutures will be removed
Day-30
To review the results and discuss any issues you are facing after surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Will there be a scar after the surgery?
A1. We perform facelift surgery via short scar incision. There is a 6cm incision in front of your ear which fades over time and becomes less discernible after 3 months have passed by.
Q2. When will I see final results ?
A2. After the surgery there is oedema which takes around 4 weeks to settle down You can appreciate your final result after 3 months. Results do continue to improve upto 1 year after the surgery.
Q3. When can I join back work?
A3. You can join back work after 10 days of surgery?
Q4. When can I take a bath after surgery?
A4. You can start bathing from the third day after surgery.
Q5. I am coming from outside India how do I plan my trip?
A5. You will need to arrive 1 day before the surgery for investigations and workup. On the day of surgery, you can go back to your hotel. You can book your return flights after 2 weeks.
Q6. When can I start exercise after the surgery?
A6. You can start cardio exercises 3 weeks after the surgery.
Q7. Can I combine other facial surgeries with facelift surgery?
A7. Yes, other facial surgeries like blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, botox injections, fat augmentation, genioplasty can be performed in the same sitting.