What is facelift surgery?
Due to the aging process, facial shape and volume will change. We lose fullness in the cheeks and prominent lines can develop. Typically, the jawline loses definition resulting in jowl formation. A facelift procedure, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to tighten the facial skin and underlying tissues to create a more taut, smooth and overall youthful complexion.
Dr. Asim Bashir is a Vancouver-based plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 20 years of surgical experience, including specialist fellowship training in facial cosmetic surgery at The London Clinic on Harley Street.
He performs facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) for patients in Vancouver and across British Columbia, with a focus on natural-looking results that restore facial structure rather than simply tighten skin.
Surgery Time
3 - 4 Hours
Overnights
1 Night
Time Off
2 Weeks
Full Recovery
6 - 8 Weeks
Reasons for facelift surgery
- Facial aging
- Improve facial form
- Reduce excess skin
- Improve self esteem
As we age our skin and facial tissues lose elasticity, resulting in changes in facial shape and loss of definition around the jawline. We cannot stop the aging process, but we can combat it through cosmetic treatments.
Our Guarantee
When it comes to choosing a cosmetic surgery procedure it can be difficult to understand whether a certain treatment is the right decision for you and your needs.
As a fully accredited plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over a decade’s experience in the field of cosmetic surgery, Mr Bashir will offer expert advice and employ safe and bespoke techniques to achieve the best possible surgical outcome. Ultimately, we aim to help you achieve your goals and regain your confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When choosing a cosmetic procedure, it is important to research the treatment and ensure the treatment is done by a professional and is medically qualified. Please read the most frequently asked questions many patients have when choosing a procedure.
Facelift surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic but in some cases can be done under local anaesthetic with sedation. Following surgery, you may be required to stay in hospital. During the first few days, you will experience swelling, bruising and mild discomfort.
Typically, most of the swelling and bruising resolves around the 2-week stage. A compression garment will be applied for 1-2 weeks also, and this will aid with the healing process. Sleeping in a more upright position may help reduce swelling. Simple analgesics/ painkillers are usually all that is necessary to alleviate mild symptoms of pain.
During recovery, it is best to avoid any strenuous activity, including heavy lifting, intense exercise, sauna use and massage. This may be the case for up to 6 weeks.
Full recovery can take up to 6-9 months to see the full results. The first 4-6 are vital to recovery as you will be experiencing a lot of tenderness and swelling should be starting to subside.
It is advised to take time off work during the first two weeks and to have someone help you with activities. After the first 6 weeks you should still be weary of your recovery however, you may begin to return to light exercise and activities.
Complications are rare following facelift surgery. However, all cosmetic surgical procedures carry risks, and you will be fully informed during your initial consultation and after surgery on what you should be looking out for and what to avoid. Some important complications to look out for are:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding or collections of blood (known as a haematoma)
If you are experiencing any side effects, you should always seek help.
Incisions from facelift surgery are very carefully positioned within the hairline and natural skin creases in order to make them inconspicuous. Every attempt is made to help them heal with the minimal amount of scarring. However, scar formation differs in every individual and is dependent on several factors including genetics.
Dr. Bashir will counsel you thoroughly on what to expect.
A facelift cannot stop the aging process but will alter the trajectory of it by bringing back some of the youthfulness to your facial appearance. The longevity of this change is dependent on multiple factors. The technique used is only one such factor.
Dr. Bashir will explain your treatment options in full.
All surgical procedures carry some risks. When facelift surgery is performed in an appropriate facility by a plastic surgeon with the necessary expertise, it is completely safe. When considering facelift surgery, you should ask as many questions as necessary to put your mind at ease and indeed help you decide if surgery is the right thing for you.