RHYTIDECTOMY (FACE LIFT)

The condition

With aging the skin on the face and neck becomes less hydrated, consequently loses elasticity. This could lead to formation of wrinkles resulting in esthetic and psychological complaints. The goal of the procedure is to restore a condition as close as possible to the original, providing a more youthful and pleasant appearance.

Treatment options

Facelift is done to tighten the loose and flabby skin of the face and neck and to trim excess skin. The patient needs to openly discuss his or her expectations with the surgeon, however one has to keep in mind that the outcome to be expected is improvement of the present condition and not achievement of a perfect condition. Esthetic surgery will improve your appearance and restore your self-esteem.

One day surgery

"One day surgery" means, that patients can leave the outpatient center on their own feet, accompanied by an escort, within 24 hours of surgery (usually after few hours of observation), and continue the healing process in the familiar confines of their own home. "One day surgery" requires strict professional, social, and various other preconditions that are discussed at the stage of the consultation when the need for surgery becomes clear. (i.e. good general health, absence of serious systemic disease, patient must take responsibility for arrangement of transportation and home care, must have phone to contact the clinic or the surgeon if necessary, etc).

Preparation for surgery

The patient is evaluated by the plastic surgeon prior to the procedure. After the exam the surgeon discusses options with the patient that might affect his or her decisions with regard to the surgery. Then we inform the patient whether he or she is a candidate for one day surgery. At this point we also discuss one day surgery as a special treatment option, the lab tests that are necessary, types of surgical anesthesia, possible complications, requirements for home care, phases of healing, possible problems during the healing process, and anything else that is necessary for the patient to determine which treatment option to chose.

The procedure

The procedure is usually done with local or under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia means infiltration of the surgical field with 1% Lidocaine. The procedure requires lengthy, careful preparation therefore patients need to be premedicated with a sedative-analgesic injection prior to procedures with local anesthesia. The incision begins above the hairline at the temple, continues in front of the ear curving back behind the earlobe to the nape where it again continues in the hairy scalp, mostly in areas covered with hair. Therefore after wound healing the scars are covered with hair and are not visible. During the procedure the facial skin is tightened after mobilization of the subcutaneous connective tissue and the excess flabby skin is trimmed. The wounds are closed with cosmetic sutures and a pressure headband is applied.

Possible complications

No surgeon can guarantee complication-free procedures. Complications can occur despite maximum care. Possible early complications: postoperative bleeding, inflammation, if recognized early are treatable. Observation of the patient for 6-16 hours postoperatively enables us to recognize early complications in time. If at home, after leaving the clinic, you notice the slightest sign of complications you should call your surgeon immediately who will provide treatment for the complication. Esthetic complications include trimming of insufficient amount of skin. A special complication of plastic surgery of the face and neck is damage to the nerves during preparation that can lead to temporary motor or sensory dysfunction of the facial skin or muscles. The most severe complication is damage to the facial nerve that results in hemiparesis of the face. Development of hypertrophic scars is very rare in this anatomical area, however if it occurs it can be treated with injections within three months of surgery. The above complications can be avoided with apropriate surgical technique. This procedure like other surgical interventions carries risks, but is very commonly performed in our clinic and our patients always leave satisfied.

Postoperative care

Patients who underwent surgery with local anesthesia are discharged 6-8 hours after the procedure, patents leave 16-18 hours after surgeries under general anesthesia with the help of an escort. During this time the vital functions (blood pressure, urine and stool output) stabilize. The patient must take responsibility for arrangement of home care. We recommend light activity and rest at home. The procedure involves a relatively large surface therefore antibiotics and analgesics are recommended. Swelling and blue-violet discoloration of the surgical area is a normal postoperative phenomenon. Application of icepacks for a few days can diminish these symptoms, the hematomas are slowly resorbed. For swelling of the eyes eye-drops are recommended. The first follow-up is at one week, at this point the pressure dressing is removed. Sutures are removed two to three weeks postoperatively. Wearing of the headband at home for the night is recommended for six more weeks. The desired effects on the face will be obvious only after 6-8 weeks.

Fees

Charge for examination and consultation: 10.000 HUF > Euro
Face lift surgery with local anesthesia: 320.000 - 450.000 HUF > Euro
Whole face and neck surgery with local anesthesia: 650.000 - 760.000 HUF > Euro
General anesthesia: 80.000 HUF > Euro
One overnight stay: 30.000 HUF > Euro

50% of the total cost has to be paid as a deposit before surgery.
These prices are only representative, the final amount will also depend on the severity of the condition.

Appointments: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 8 pm.
Telephone: + (36 1) 266 7766