A full facelift can turn back the clock on ageing, offering a rejuvenated appearance that many people in London and beyond crave.
According to a BAAPS Face & Neck Lift surgery increased in popularity to 6th place in 2023 (Source). This rise in the popularity of facelift surgery in London comes through social media. With celebrities flaunting their timeless beauty through social media posts, people are compelled towards facelift surgery to achieve ageless beauty.
Let’s dive into the details and discover what really goes on behind the scenes of a full facelift surgery in London.
The Initial Consultation: Setting Expectations
Setting realistic expectations is a vital step before opting for the surgery. This includes setting up a consultation with a surgeon, who will help get realistic expectations post-surgery. Surgeons typically explain the entire process, from the incision points to the recovery timeline.
Pain and discomfort are part of any surgery, and facelifts are no exception from this. This candid discussion helps patients mentally prepare for what lies ahead. Dr. De Silva a pioneer in facelift surgery in London, provides the best consultation to patients with his years of experience.
Pre-Operative Preparations: Getting Ready
In London facelift surgery preparation is key for a smooth and quick recovery. Patients are usually advised to stop smoking & drinking, avoid certain medications, and follow specific dietary guidelines. Pre-op instructions may seem overwhelming initially, but they make sense in the context of minimising risks and enhancing recovery.
This often includes a full list of everything they must have arranged from the skin preparation to arranging for post-operative care, and all that goes in between. This aspect prepares the body enough well for the surgery and post-surgery phase.
The Surgery: A Closer Look
Facelift and neck lift surgery surgery in London generally involves hiding incisions around the natural curves on each person’s hairline and ears, lifting and fashioning the underlying muscles and tissues, and removing excess skin. Key for natural scars is no tension on the scar and looking at natural creases, ear lobe shapes and hair position meticulously.
This whole procedure can take anywhere from three to six hours, depending on how extensive the work is that needs to be done. Although patients are anaesthetised during the actual surgery, the tough times and real challenges surface when this anaesthesia starts to wear off.
Post-Operative Pain: The Reality
On waking up after the surgery, patients generally feel tightness and pressure on the face. It is not usually so painful but it can be rather uncomfortable initially. The part of post-operative care that includes pain management is key. Surgeons prescribe painkillers to alleviate the pain post-facelift surgery in London.
Swelling and bruising are common and can take weeks to subside. Keeping the head elevated and applying cold compresses can help alleviate some of the pain and swelling.
Dr De Silva likes to use a high-tech cooling mask that continually cools his patients face and neck area overnight, this minimised need for analgesia and reduces swelling. The following meaning the cooling mask is removed and even at this point you will see an improvement in your neck and jaw line. There are no bandages or compression in his patients from this point, as neck bandages have not been show to scientifically improve healing or recovery.
Recovery: The Path to Healing
Recovery after getting a facelift surgery in London is something that happens with time. The initial days are the most challenging ones in terms of swelling and bruising. However, most patients resume normal day-to-day activities within two weeks at most, although rigorous activities should be avoided for a minimum of six weeks at least. The first three days the swelling is at its most then it reduces
Following the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions meticulously is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and achieve the best results.
Pain Management Techniques: Easing the Discomfort
Manageing pain after a facelift involves a combination of medications, lifestyle adjustments, and self-care practices. Painkillers are usually prescribed for the initial days post-surgery.
Other effective ways to minimise discomfort and swelling include sleeping with an elevated head, staying hydrated, and a healthy diet. Over-the-counter pain medications may be taken as required. As soon as the surgeon clears you to massage your face, it can help reduce discomfort and improve circulation.
Psychological Impact: Coping with the Emotional Rollercoaster
Undergoing facelift surgery is not just a physical journey; it’s an emotional one too. It’s common to experience a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety and even doubt.
Support during this period is key, Dr De Silva believes that if you are generally more anxious then it is best to visit your clinic regularly in the first week for support and to aid healing. Dr De Silva has some patients stay for 1-2weeks in the same building in apartments which means they can visit the clinic daily and have oxygen and treatments to enhance recovery.
You will find that regular follow-ups with your surgeon and keeping contact with some friends and family who care for you are what can be a source from which to gain support. However many patients what this period of time to be relatively private. Healing is as much about mental resilience as it is about physical recovery.
You can also try visiting recovery centres, and socialise with other patients who have undergone facelift surgery in London, you can find others who can understand your emotions completely.
Support during the recovery is so important, as initially you will not look quite like yourself, swelling is how the body heals and it all comes down.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The journey to a rejuvenated appearance through a full facelift is undoubtedly challenging. It involves pain, patience, and a lot of self-care. But for many, the results are worth the temporary discomfort.
A well-executed facelift can boost confidence and provide a renewed sense of self. If you’re considering facelift surgery in London, particularly on Harley Street, ensure you are well-informed and prepared for the entire process, from consultation to recovery.
The pain factor in a full facelift is a reality, but with proper preparation, pain management, and emotional support, the journey can lead to a rewarding transformation.
Discover the Magic of Dr. Julian De Silva’s Signature Facial Rejuvenation Techniques
Are you looking for a facelift surgery in London? Your search ends at Dr Julian De Silva’s clinic at Harley Street.
Dr. Silva stands out as London’s premier expert in face and neck procedures, specialising exclusively in facial rejuvenation. Renowned for his natural-looking results, Dr. De Silva employs signature techniques such as his natural blepharoplasty and the vertical deep plane facelift (Vertical Face Restore 7).
In addition to providing facelift surgery in London, he seamlessly integrates other facial treatments to achieve youthful rejuvenation.
Facial cosmetic surgery is both an art and a science, where millimetre measurements can make a significant difference. Dr. De Silva often combines facelift and neck lift procedures with other treatments, including blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, chin implants, fat transfer, laser resurfacing, and regenerative medicine, ensuring faster recovery and longer-lasting results.
Utilising cutting-edge technology and regenerative medicine, Dr. De Silva ensures swift recoveries with advanced techniques like oxygen and LED therapy. As a pioneer in revision facelift surgery, he is dedicated to minimising risks, achieving a remarkable reduction in post-neck lift hematoma risk to less than 2%.
Beyond his best practices of facelift surgery at Harley Street, Dr. De Silva is an esteemed educator and researcher, recognized internationally for his contributions to facial surgery. His techniques have earned him the gold medal for research from Imperial College, with over 30 peer-reviewed publications showcasing his expertise.
Trust Dr. De Silva for natural, safe, and exceptional facelift surgery at 23 Harley Street in London.
