If you’re considering a facelift, you may have a load of questions swirling around in your mind. Here, DR WONG CHIN HO from W Aesthetic Plastic Surgery eases your concerns by sharing what to expect in terms of your suitability, recovery time for a facelift and cost for facelift and minor procedures.
What do first-time facelift clients tend to worry about the most?
The most common worry is the recovery time for a facelift. The swelling and bruising are another concern; this can be minimised with modern techniques and meticulous surgery and wound care. In general, most patients can return to work in about three weeks.
Patients also worry about not looking “natural” after cosmetic surgery. However, with the composite facelift, the results are very natural with no tell-tale signs of surgery.
Are there certain markers around whether a client may be a suitable or unsuitable candidate for a facelift?
A patient’s general health is important, and these should be optimal before elective plastic surgery. Smokers generally take longer to heal from incisions, and they are advised to stop smoking before surgery. Patients on blood thinners like aspirin or Plavix should stop these medications (if their health condition allows) at least a week before the surgery.
Could you provide an estimate of the facelift cost aswell and facial fat grafting?
Costs start from $6,000 for full-face fat grafting and up to $24,000 for a composite face and neck lift and facial fat grafting. The procedure may be done in the office for minor procedures or in a day surgery for longer procedures. There’s also a facility fee applicable, which will vary depending on the facility as well as the duration of the cosmetic surgery.
How long is the recovery time for some of your more popular procedures?
For fat grafting, the recovery time is about a week. However, for a composite facelift, it will take about three to four weeks, at a minimum.
Each person is different, of course, but how long does the procedure last on average?
A composite facelift will easily last five to 10 years.
How noticeable is the scarring?
The incisions are discreetly hidden in the hairline and skin creases, and after several months are no longer conspicuous.
Which areas heal better when it comes to scarring?
Incisions on the face generally heal much better than incisions on the body.
Which areas on the face are easier to work on?
The most profound improvement with the composite facelift is in the jowls, jawline and the neck. These are also areas that are the primary concern for many patients presenting for facial rejuvenation.
What ancillary procedures are done together with a facelift?
Modern surgical rejuvenation focuses on delivering natural and lasting effects. The composite facelift is a type of deep-plane procedure that tightens the support layer of the face. This restores the facial tissue that has “sagged” with ageing without giving a tight and unnatural look.
In addition to the tightening, there is significant loss of facial volume. At the time of the composite facelift, facial fat grafting – using your own fat – is performed to selectively restore fullness or volume. This combination of tightening, combined with composite facelift and restoration of facial fullness with fat grafting, delivers the most natural and harmonious facial rejuvenation.
Some patients may also have issues with droopy eyelids, droopy brows and eye bags. These may be addressed with eyelid surgery or brow lifts at the same time as the procedure.
W Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
#06-28/29 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, 38 Irrawaddy Road
6570 2528 | waesthetics.com
This article first appeared in the March 2022 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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