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MarkerCosmetic Facial Surgery & Treatments

 

 Which treatment is suitable for me?

 Face lift (Macs-lift or S-lift)

 Upper & Lower Eyelid Correction

 Neck Lift

 Forehead (Brow) Lift

 Facial Treatments

 Preparing for cosmetic surgery

 Recovery

 Possible complications and side effects


Which treatment is suitable for me


Ageing is a process accelerated by exposure to sunlight, tanning beds, smoking, improper use of makeup, and dehydration of the skin leading to:

  • Skin and muscle sagging
  • Loss of elasticity of the skin
  • Thinning of the skin caused by loss of subcutaneous fat

These three aging systems sometimes require several procedures to correct.

Facelift is the most common procedure for collapsed tissue. Deep wrinkles, creases and grooves found on the face and neck can be eliminated with a facelift. There are two types the S Lift (suspension) and the MACS Lift.

Resurfacing is chosen when dealing with shallow wrinkles, brown spots or discolouring, sun damage, damage caused by smoking or acne scars. The laser or a buffeted peal called the Tel-Aviv mask is used in these cases.

Combined treatments

A combination of treatments is often the best solution to provide the optimum results when trying to gain a youthful appearance. After a full facelift, a skin resurfacing procedure is recommended.

Face Lift


A face-lift is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the visible signs of aging in the face leading to an overall younger appearance by returning the skin and the subcutaneous tissues to their original youthful position. The following signs indicate good candidates for a facelift:

  • A deep crease between the base of the nose and the corners of the mouth
  • Jowls along the lower jaw line
  • Deep wrinkles and grooves on the cheeks and / or sagging of the cheek bones
  • Loose skin, wrinkles and vertical folds or excess fat deposits around the neck



MACS-Lift


A new technique, called the MACS-lift, allows the surgeon to reduce the number of incisions involved, resulting in a more youthful appearance of the facial features without having to separate a great amount of skin and subcutaneous tissues. This procedure results in a rapid recovery period with minimum swelling and inconveniences immediately after the surgery.

...

S-Lift


The S-lift also known as the suspension lift is a face-lift that has a more durable and longer lasting effect over the effects of gravity. It lifts the face in a more permanent way, not just tightens the skin and removes the wrinkles. It supports the sagging muscles and thereby provides a durable long lasting youthful appearance.

Both types of lift have their place and it is up to the individual to decide which lift they would choose.

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Upper & Lower Eyelid Correction

Eyelid Surgery


Both the upper and lower eyelid can show signs of aging or fatigue sometimes out of proportion to a person's age. Bags under the eyes can even occur in young people.

These characteristics are easily corrected by removing excess skin, fat and/ or muscle tissues from the inside of the eyelid leaving no visible scar.

Upper Eyelid


Weakening of the upper eyelid or a drooping upper eyelid may be corrected by removing the excess tissue. If the eyelid is heavy and swollen, the fat and muscle layers behind the eyelid are also removed. The area of the incision is hidden in the natural fold of the eyelid leaving no visible scar.

Lower Eyelid - Bags under the Eyes


If the skin under the eye is baggy, weakened and needs to be tightened, the excess tissue is removed by making an incision just inside the lower eyelid thus showing hiding any signs of the treatment.



Neck Lift

A neck lift is a combination of procedures used to enhance the appearance of the neck usually carried out in conjunction with other procedures such as a facelift. These procedures will remove excess skin, may include altering neck muscles, and sculpting the area with lipo-sculpture.

The surgeon also can perform neck liposuction, which removes excess fat. In some cases, Botox injections may improve appearance.

The procedure will be carried our under general anaesthesia, take 2-3 hours, and involve a short hospital stay. If the candidate is having other procedures the overall duration will vary.

The surgeon will make a small incision under the chin and possibly in front of and / or behind the ears. These incisions allow access to the neck muscle and any fat in the neck. The neck muscles can then be tightened and any excess fat removed. Any excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed with sutures that will dissolve on their own. The surgeon may place a drain on the neck to collect any fluid that would increase your post operative swelling. This may remain in place for 1 – 2 days.

The surgeon may fit a compression bandage to reduce post-operative swelling. This is usually worn night and day for at least five to seven days and then only at night for a longer period of time.

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Forehead Eyebrow Lift


Sometimes the eyebrow is to heavy for the eye. This is not an eyelid problem and is corrected endoscopically with an eyebrow lift technique extending to the cheekbones. The surgeon makes an incision in the scalp and the procedure takes place under the skin, leaving no signs of visible scarring.

Facial Treatments


Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum Toxin A is produced under commercial names such as Dysport® and Botox®. It is a protein, which is locally injected into the tiny facial muscles responsible for the lines of expression.

It will temporarily and with extreme precision paralyse those muscles, causing the lines to lose depth. Botulinum toxin is most effective when used for the thinking lines between the eyebrows, crow's feet at the corner of the eyes and frowning lines on the forehead. It may also reduce the appearance of drooping corners of the mouth or deep creases in the chin.

Botulinum Toxin

Depending on their depth, the wrinkles will disappear or strongly fade after a few weeks.

The desired results of this protein are only temporary; therefore repeat treatments are recommended three times a year.

Each treatment takes about ten minutes and does not leave any visible traces allowing for normal activities to be resumed immediately.

Chemical Peel
Blue peel is a chemical peel with a base of trichloroacetic acid (TCA). After applying an etching substance, a thin layer of skin is then removed allowing for skin resurfacing.

Chemical Peel

It is a very efficient method for pigmented lesions on the face, hands or elsewhere on the body. Treatment does not require sedation and takes place on an outpatient basis. Healing and resurfacing of the skin will be complete in one week.

In the case of wrinkles, few chemical peels are recommended. The Erbium laser and plane laser are also recommended for safe and effective wrinkle removal.

Laser Skin Resurfacing
The Erbium laser is a common method used to treat wrinkles and uneven skin surfaces. In particular, the lines appearing under the eyes and around the mouth are often resistant to other kinds of treatments. By evaporating a layer of skin, a new and smoother skin surface will emerge.

This treatment is performed under a local anaesthetic and healing takes approximately one week.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

The pale pink or light reddening of the skin lasting may last up to three weeks but is easily concealed with makeup. The Erbium laser is quite often used in combination with other treatments such as facelift or eyelid correction.

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Preparing for cosmetic surgery

Smoking makes a huge difference to the quality of the finished surgery, it affects the skin and the recovery, therefore it is very important that the candiate cease smoking altogether, several months before and after surgery. It is of such vital importance to a satisfactory outcome that the surgeon may well refuse surgery if the candidate is a heavy smoker. Nicotine gum and nicotine skin patches can lead to the same healing problems caused by smoking.

The candidate must be in good general health, both physically and mentally.

During the consultation, the surgeon will give instrucions on what medications to avoid prior to surgery. Certain medications, vitamins, and herbal preparations thin the blood and can increase post operative bleeding.

Loose, comfortable clothing should be worn on the day of surgery such as a button-down blouse or shirt that does not have to be pulled over their head.


Recovery
Recovery takes time, and it’s important to not rush the process. The candidate should take time away from work to recover. The candidate should plan a relaxing recovery area which should include:

  • Post-op pain medication
  • A two-week supply of any prescription medications
  • A supply of comfortable, loose clothing (button-down shirts or blouses that do not have to be pulled over the head)
  • Antibacterial ointment for incision sites (to be used only if directed by the surgeon)
  • A telephone within reaching distance
  • TV and a supply of reading material
  • A companion or carer to stay with
  • Eat properly to encorage the healing process

For most treatments the patient can return to work in 10 - 14 days depending on the level of activity involved.

Possible complications and side effects

  • Swelling and bruising that can last for several days.
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • A tightness or tingling and different sensations including burning or pulling.
  • areas of numbness on the skin.

These are all very normal in the first few weeks following surgery and should not be a cause for concern.

Candidates for cosmetic surgery must be realistic with their expectations, surgery may not achieve the perfect results they had in mind. Candiates should remember that it takes time for the body to recover; swellings may not go down for some time. Depending on the procedure, it can be up to a year before final effects are seen.

As with any surgery, patients run the risk of infection. They should keep a watchful eye on their temperature. At the first sign of a fever, contact the surgeon. If there is unusual discharge, such as pus, from the incision site, contact the surgeon immediately.

Although it’s very rare, the candidate can have an allergic reaction to medications given during or after surgery. It is important to disclose any drug allergies to the surgeon during the pre-operative consultation.

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Related Links

Bullet View our Cosmetic Surgery Clinic - Dunebergen Clinic

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Bullet Cosmetic Surgery Prices

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