We all change with aging, these changes are often not wanted, but this process is unavoidable. From 30 years of age onwards the skin starts to become slightly redundant, especially in the upper eyelids. Wrinkles then begin to appear around the eyes. From 40 years onwards wrinkles begin to appear on the forehead and between the eyebrows and grooves from the nose to the mouth begin to appear. From 50 years onwards wrinkles begin to become prominent on the neck, the jaw line begins to lose its definition, sometimes leading to a double chin and the tip of the nose falls.
THIS IS WHY WE THEN CONSIDER FACIAL AND NECK REJUVENATION.
SURGERY IS ONE OF THE MORE AFFECTIVE FORMS OF REJUVENATION, with different options like brow-lifting, facial-lifting and cervical lifting (lifting of the neck). Sometimes it can be associated with eyelid surgery and or nose surgery.
INDICATIONS:
This surgery will benefit you have:
FOREHEAD:
- Wrinkles and ptosis (sagging).
- Deep horizontal wrinkles.
- Vertical wrinkles, between the eyebrows.
- Fallen eyebrows.
EYELIDS:
- Redundancy of the eyelid skin.
- Excess fatty tissue (bags).
- Wrinkles around the eyes.
- Ptosis of the lacrimal gland.
- Loss of elasticity of the lower eyelid.
We recommend you visit the chapter “ Surgery of the eyelid” found on this webpage.
LIPS:
- Vertical wrinkles that form around the lips.
- Increase in the distance between the nose and upper lip.
- Loss of the natural contour of the lip.
- Creases that start from the corners of the mouth and extend vertically down to the chin.
We recommend that you visit the chapter on “Lips” also found on this webpage.
THE FACE:
- Sagging or falling cheeks.
- Grooves between the nose and lips.
- Loss of the jaw line.
- Wrinkles.
NECK:
- Double chin.
- The appearance of the platysmal bands.
- Redundant skin.
- Increased angle between the neck and chin.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
We will not operate if we believe that your objective is not realistic. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE ON PEOPLE WITH EXAGERATED OR FANTASY EXPECTATIONS.
I recommend you read the chapter ”Psychological Aspects of Plastic Surgery” of this website.
- If you have poor health, above all cardiovascular and mental disorders we cannot operate.
- Those patients who smoke should stop completely at least one month before the operation because this operation may produce the loss of tissues.
- Patients who are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
- Patients who worry too much about small defects that in reality are very minute.
- Patients who will not accept the final scaring. ALL OF THESE OPERATIONS LEAVE SOME SCARING AND THE QUALITY OF THESE SCARS DEPENDS ON MANY UNKNOWN FACTORS.
SURGICAL OBJECTIVES:
- The rejuvenation of the forehead, face and neck.
- This surgery is aimed at making you appear to be 10 years younger.
PLANNING THE SURGERY:
BEFORE THE OPERATION
First you must undergo a complete medical examination. Then we will be able to give you in writing, the modifications that are suitable for you. We always do a photo session as a fundamental part of evaluating your case.
WITHOUT PHOTOS WE DO NOT OPERATE. IT IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU REMEMBER THAT ALL THE INFORMATION YOU RECEIVE IN WRITING, SHOW AN ESTIMATION OF THE FINAL RESULT.
Between you, the patient and me the Plastic Surgeon, we should agree on the results that we are able to achieve. We ask for blood tests regularly.
ANESTHESIA:
- Local plus sedation.
PROCEDURES:
The procedures depend on the problem that needs to be solved.
FOREHEAD:
- Surgery with or without Endoscopy.
- The incisions are hidden behind the hairline.
- Removal of the muscles that produce wrinkles.
- Lifting of the eyebrow to the desired position.
- Removal of excess skin.
FACE:
- Incisions around the ears.
- Treatment of the muscle layer.
- Removal of excess skin.
NECK:
- Removal of fat with Liposuction.
- Treatment of the muscle layer.
- Removal of excess skin.
RECOVERY:
- The patient is outgoing.
- Dressings are removed between 24 and 48 hours after surgery.
- The first bandages must be kept in place for the first 24 hours.
- The first 3 days must be spent in a lying position with ice bags being applied to reduce the swelling.
- Antibiotics must be taken every 8 hours for 5 days.
- Aspirin must not be taken for at least 2 weeks before and after the operation.
- The stitches can be removed 1 week later.
DO NOT WORRY IF IN THE FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS YOU HAVE:
- Swelling and bruising, which is often more noticeable from the second day of recovery.
- Some discomfort, above all behind the ears.
- Between the 2nd and 7th day you can begin showering and combing or brushing your hair very carefully. You can use a blow-dryer with warm air. Dyes can only be used 1 month afterwards.
- If there are no complications you should be able to return to your everyday activities after 2 to 3 weeks.
- After approximately 1 to 2 months, the swelling should have disappeared.
- Sensibility can be completely recovered in around 6 to 8 months after the operation.
- Scarring is hidden behind the hairline and behind the ears. Scars in front of the ear become very hard to notice. BUT THERE ALWAYS EXISTS UNFORSEEN AND INDIVIDUAL VARIATIONS.
- Avoid the sun for the first 3 months. Make up can be used.
- If you have any doubts or worries, consult your doctor or surgeon as soon as possible.
- It is common to suffer from some depression in the early stages, but it is temporary, PATIENCE IS FUNDAMENTAL.
- After 3 months you will be able to obtain an approximation of the end result, even though the scaring process has around 9 more months.
FINAL RESULTS:
Generally the final results match the planned results.
You will look younger. If you are 50 years old, you will appear to be 40. If you are 60 you will appear to be 50 years old. Generally the surgery will make you appear to be 10 years younger. There is no perfect age to undergo Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, however better results can be achieved from 40 years of age and onwards.
Logically the process of aging continues and the final results also depend on the genetics and the lifestyle of the patient. Patients that have the operation will have a better look than before.
POSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:
- Hematoma.
- Infection.
- Minor degrees of skin loss.
- Scarring.
- Nerve injury.
- ALL OF THE MENTIONED COMPLICATIONS ARE UNCOMMON.
Unpredicted complications will be corrected at a later date.
