If you’re considering having a facelift, you’ll no doubt have many questions! We have lots of information on the facelift pages of our website.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr James Murphy also contributes to the Real Self website, answering questions on all areas of cosmetic surgery, including facelifts. Here, we profile some of the most common questions we are asked.
How long after a facelift can I colour my hair?
I advise people to wait for 6 weeks after surgery, provided the wounds are healing normally. Most hairdressers are able to avoid the area anyway and limit the chance of causing a problem, but they will want the OK from the surgeon before going ahead. There are some types of scars, particularly in the temple, that can take a little longer to settle down.
What type of facelift is best for a 56-year-old woman?
I would advise you not to focus on the technique as much as the surgeon. I’ve worked with many surgeons around the world and they all have their own variation on sound surgical principles. What really matters is the ability and experience of the surgeon – a good surgeon will get you a good result.
Why do celebrity facelifts look so bad?
This is a question I get asked a lot! I do point out that you are only noticing the bad results and that many celebrities have had surgery that goes unnoticed. The type of results you are talking about usually occur after poorly performed surgery in patients who continue to push for more and more change, leading to multiple procedures. Whilst these celebrities may have sizeable disposable income and can afford ‘the best’, most of the mistakes made in plastic surgery occur before entering the operating room. Celebrity status and significant wealth are no guarantees of sound judgement.
How to avoid bruising after facelift
There are a number of factors that influence the risk of bruising and haematoma following facelift. These include the type of procedure, a patient’s medical history, anticoagulant drugs, smoking and the experience and expertise of the surgeon. Having said all that, there is one thing a patient can do to minimise the risk and that is to rest with his/her head elevated and not to try and mobilise too early. Patients are often very nervous before this type of surgery and can sometimes feel quite over-excited and relieved afterwards, which leads them to be far too active in the first few days. The best advice I can give is for the patient to listen carefully and obey post-operative instructions to the letter. This is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your chances of a smooth recovery.
How can I avoid getting a ‘pulled up’ look from a facelift?
The simple answer to this question is to choose your surgeon carefully. Your surgeon must be experienced in all types of facial rejuvenation surgery and must have gone through a detailed history and examination before suggesting any particular line of treatment. Different faces are suited to different facial rejuvenation techniques and there is no one answer to all problems. Make sure you have checked out your surgeon’s qualifications, have discussed your treatment on multiple occasions and feel relaxed and confident in your surgeon’s presence.
I’m approaching 60, what is the best age for a facelift?
This is not an easy question to answer as people age at different rates and at different times of their lives but, generally speaking, 60 is quite late to be considering your first facelift. It could be argued that the later you leave it, the more dramatic the result is but, with that, comes a degree of artificiality to the result. The best results are achieved when patients are relatively young and before the generative signs of ageing have really kicked in.
If you are considering facelift surgery, download our Guide to Facelifts or book an initial consultation with Manchester Plastic Surgery.
At this consultation, your surgeon will be able to understand the results you’d like to achieve and assess your physiology. We will give you all the information you need to make a decision about whether surgery is right for you.
And it’s an opportunity for you to ask questions about any aspect of your treatment, so you can go forward with confidence.
