The other issue that concerns some people is the site and size of the scar associated with a neck lift. Access to the tissues in the front of the neck can be tricky and cannot be achieved using a ‘keyhole’ scar. However, like all scars, neck lift scars tend to become unnoticeable with time. A patient recently sent us the before and after photographs she had taken herself (the latter four days after surgery) which show well the incision used and the sort of results which can be expected after combined advanced mini face lift and neck lift. Notice that in the before photograph there is a prominent skin crease under the chin before surgery. The neck lift incision is made in this natural crease.

In summary, a neck lift is not suitable or necessary for everyone. For patients with ‘stringy bands’ in their necks, the results of surgery are immediate and very gratifying. We rarely (if ever) perform a neck lift as a sole procedure, although it can be a very effective adjunct to a face lift. Although scarring can at first appear to be dramatic, it becomes virtually unnoticeable with time. Indeed, it is necessary to look upwards under the chin to be able to see neck lift scars at all!

Currently, the situation is unclear. We have received no clarification or information from HMRC to this development. We received unequivocal agreement from the VAT inspector last year that we did not need to charge VAT on face lift surgery.

However this situation develops, be assured that we will do our best to keep our face lift prices as competitive as possible. However, we will obviously need to comply with the law and pass on any additional tax required by current legislation.

The first question most people ask is where face lift scars will be. Typically face lift incisions are made in the hairline of the temple, extend down immediately in front of the ear and then finish behind the ear. The incision is made in the hairline so that hairs will grow back through the face lift scar, making it more difficult to detect.

In order to aid healing , incisions should be kept clean and scab-free immediately after surgery. We will give you some antiseptic ointment to take home with you after your face lift procedure. It is alright to get the incisions wet (i.e. to wash your hair) but prolonged soaking of the incision should be avoided.
It is an old surgical adage that incisions heal from side to side, not end to end. There is little that can be done to increase the rate of initial healing, other than gentle handling and meticulous wound care and the avoidance of smoking. Later on as the scars are resolving, gentle massage with Bio-Oil and use of the Dermaroller may be of benefit.
All scars go through three stages of resolution. First the scar will be red, and then over the next few weeks will become pink and virtually unnoticeable. This evolution is shown in the following series of photographs.

It takes a full year for any scar to fully mature to become white, flat and virtually invisible.
Ver y occasionally scars can become puckered in the initial stages. A face lift is performed in such a way that any puckering is hidden behind the ear. Usually this resolves over three months or so. If necessary, this part of the scar can be revised at a later stage. This is a minor procedure that can be carried out under local anaesthetic and if needed is included in the price of the original face lift surgery.
Disguising the scars in the initial stages is often important to people. Although make up should not be applied to the incision for at least two weeks after a face lift, it is fine to use make up to disguise any associated bruising.

Face Lift Scar – 5 Days

Face Lift Scar – 10 days

Face Lift Scar – 6 Weeks

• Immediately after surgery you will return to your room wearing a tight head bandage with small plastic drainage tubes coming from the wound – you will be encouraged simply to rest sitting up in bed. You will be able to eat and drink and get up to go to the bathroom as you wish. We use sedation rather than general anaesthesia as this has a much better recovery profile.

• The next morning the bandage and drains will be removed – you will be able to shower and wash your hair at this point.

• Typically people leave hospital around lunchtime the day after surgery – we encourage patients to rest and to get back to normal activities progressively over the following ten to fourteen days. You will be given a pack with a light head bandage, pain killers and instructions to take home before you leave.

• Some stitches are removed at five days and the remainder ten days after a face lift – you may have this carried out by your GP if you wish, although we prefer patients to return to us for suture removal if at all possible.

• Over the next two weeks you should avoid strenuous exercise, although gentle exercise such as walking is to be encouraged. You may return to work whenever you wish dependent on the nature of your work. Obviously the more physically demanding your work, the longer you should wait. Almost everybody is fit to return to work two weeks after an advanced mini face lift.

• Any swelling or bruising will usually subside over the next ten to fourteen days – fresh make up can be used to disguise any bruising after the first week or so.

• All soft tissue scars are permanent. However, face lift scars are inconspicuous and will resolve over time. You may expect any scars to be red for a few weeks, remaining pink for a few months and become the same colour as the skin over the following several months.

Some of the advantages and benefits of this procedure include;

Same Day Procedure

With the hectic lives many of us lead, finding the time to have any form of cosmetic treatment and then recovery is often prolonged. As facial rejuvenation procedures continue to rise in popularity, the use of new surgical techniques means that your face lift can be completed on the day that you arrive with a recovery period of between just one to two weeks afterwards.

Longer Lasting Results

A standard mini face lift repositions and tightens sagging skin on the face. The advanced mini face lift takes this a stage further by tightening tissues underneath the skin, giving you a more dramatic and longer lasting result. The technique used is similar to that used for a full face lift but does not require a general anaesthetic.

Minimal Scarring, Bruising and Swelling

The last thing you want after a face lift is to be left with extensive swelling and bruising for a prolonged period of time. The advanced mini face lift technique used by our expert surgeon reduces these common side effects.

Deciding to have a face lift is undoubtedly a huge commitment however the extensive benefits of the latest advanced mini face lifts undertaken by the surgeon here at ‘Me’ can make your decision far easier. To discuss your options, feel free to call a member of our team to arrange a consultation or alternatively fill in our online contact form.