One stitch face lift

As we age, the effects of gravity take their toll on the face and can cause a youthful V-shaped jaw line to turn into more of a U-shape during middle age. Gravity seems to draw the face down in addition to the muscles and facial expressions we use (smiling / frowning) pulling down on the skin.

This form of surgery is ideal for individuals who do not feel like they need of a full face lift, but have noticed changes to their faces (like sagging skin around the jowl area) that they would like to alter.

The 'one stitch face lift' is the latest in facial rejuvenation and can be performed without the need for general anaesthetic. This procedure offers patients the chance to achieve a fresher more youthful, lifted look without having a full face lift.

The 'one stitch' procedure is less invasive than that of a full face lift and can be carried out under local anaesthetic which reduces many of the risks associated with surgery. It has more subtle results than a face lift yet uses a similar technique to achieve a firmer appearance. This procedure only takes approximately forty five minutes to perform and recovery time is fairly swift which means that patients can get back to normal quite rapidly; patients can usually go back to work the very next day.

The surgery procedure

Before surgery

1. Initial consultation to discuss anticipated results
2. Book surgery date

The surgery

1. The surgeon will mark the area with pen (just in front of the ears but near to the hairline)
2. The area is injected with local anaesthetic (this might sting a little)
3. The surgeon will check that the area is numb
4. The incision is made
5. The muscles and tissues are pulled into place
6. The area is stitched into place
7. The looseness on the jaw line tightens

Benefits from this procedure:

• Scars are usually hidden by your hair line and they do not stretch
• A very small incision is made
• You will see results immediately
• Minimal risks
• Return to work next day
• No maximum age limit
• Suitable for patients with diabetes and most heart conditions

After care

After this procedure, patients should wash their hair everyday with a mild shampoo for around 10 days or at least clean the area around the scar with boiled cool water every day. Patients are not required to return to the surgeon for checkups unless they experience any problems as dissolvable stitches are used and will dissolve after 2 - 3 weeks.

Following this surgery, patients can also choose to go for re-tightening procedures in the future if they feel that they would benefit from further lifting to the area.

Another surgical procedure which is based around the same concept as the 'one stitch lift' is the 'feather lift.' The surgeon makes incisions in multiple positions to create a lift in desired areas. However, this procedure is slightly more invasive due to the use of more incisions and would be carried out under general anaesthetic.

Risks

As with all surgical procedures, there are always some risks involved and these can include:

• Infection
• Loss of sensation
• Asymmetry

These risks are rare and regulatory pre-operation checks are carried out in order to reduce and prevent these conditions from materialising. Patients might also be provided with a course of antibiotics as a precautionary measure after surgery.

For more information on this procedure all you have to do is ask our experts your question via the portal on the homepage. You can receive free, tailored advice relating to your individual needs within 60 minutes and there is no obligation.

Cost - £4,500 - £5,000