With multiple accreditations, awards and decades of experience, Associate Professor Mark Gianoutsos believes the key to a successful face and neck lift is a natural and balanced result.
“The overdone face lift is instantly recognisable and entirely undesirable. The best procedure or combination of procedures to suit a patient’s needs and wishes needs to be individually determined by careful examination and assessment,” says A/ Prof. Mark Gianoutsos.
A face and neck lift rejuvenation surgery should give you a “refreshed” look, rather than an “operated” look. “It is very unusual for others to pick that you have had it done although they realise that something is different, often commenting that you look well or rested. It sounds a little cliched, but it is true,” he says.
A Variety of Approaches and Terminologies to the ‘Face Lift’
A face lift, or meloplasty, is a procedure that can be performed in a variety of ways and is often done in combination with a neck lift, or other facial procedures, such as blepharoplasty (eyelid), browlift, genioplasty (the chin) or rhinoplasty (the nose).
There are a variety of terminologies relating to face lift procedures. However, they broadly fall into two categories. The more traditional approach involves an incision from the temple, in front of the ear but behind the tragus, behind the ear and into the hairline. While the incision is longer, the ability to give a natural and smooth contour is enhanced. The short incision approach avoids scars extending behind the ear and into the hairline. This is generally better for younger patients and it is a variation of a MACS lift, an abbreviation for Minimal Access Cranial Suspension-lift.
To learn more about the facelift, you might want to check out the informative videos A/Prof Gianoutsos created to explain it to his patients. We’ve put one of them below to get you started.
SMAS – Addressing the Deeper Layer for Long Lasting Results
To the trained anatomical eye, the skin is only one element of a face lift. The deeper layer of tissue, the SMAS (Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System) is the vital underlying structure. It is this foundation which, by repositioning and re-suspending, provides the platform upon which a successful face lift procedure is based. In some circumstances it is appropriate to elevate and reposition tissues at a deeper plane. It is also key to understand the anatomy of the ligamentous system of the face, these are the anatomical “sinews” which help suspend the soft tissues and divide the various facial fat compartments.
Addressing the Neck Area
For many, the neck area can be one of the first signs of ageing, with a loss of definition between the jawline and the neck. Loose skin adds to this, giving the unfortunately named “turkey-neck” appearance. This is an area many would like to see improved and is the trigger for consideration of surgery.
The underlying bony jaw structure and the neck itself also make some patients more prone to early ageing in the area. Rejuvenation of the neck requires a careful assessment of all these elements to ensure it is addressed in the best manner for the individual patient.
The result of a neck lift can be hugely beneficial aesthetically as it will redefine the jawline area, while also providing definition to the chin and the overall neck area. The difference is visible immediately postoperatively and it usually takes a further 3 to 4 weeks for swelling to settle.
Combined Face and Neck Procedures for a Pleasing Holistic Outcome
Face and neck left are most commonly performed together as it gives the best, overall outcome that is natural looking, rejuvenating and attractive. By combining the procedures, the results can be holistically attractive, often exceeding expectations. The key is to make it look you haven’t had an operation.
A/Prof Gianoutsos gives us an update on the Covid situation from a surgeon’s point of view. To learn more you can also visit his website.
NOTE**
These photographs of before and after results are examples only, and do not constitute an implied or any other kind of certainty for the result of surgery or a non-surgical procedure. All surgery carries risks, you should seek a professional opinion before proceeding.