S-Lift (Face Lift) with Andie Mcleans Clinic

What Is S-Lift | Facelift?

The S-Lift is an ingenious technique of facelift, which rejuvenates and enhances the lower third of your face and upper neck by reversing the changes that have occurred with ageing. The "S" refers to the shape of the incision in front of the ear.

Why Is It Popular and What Are the Benefits?

As we age our skin loses its elasticity, it becomes thinner and the muscles slacken. This causes wrinkles, creases and folds of skin to appear. The corner of the mouth can also droop and the jaw sag creating a "jowly" appearance. Fat can also accumulate on the neck and beneath the chin. Whilst this is part of the natural ageing process, it is accelerated by factors such as weight loss, smoking or exposure to the sun. An S-Lift facelift tightens facial skin and underlying muscles, giving a natural, youthful, "refreshed" look rather than an artificial "wind tunnel" one.

This technique is popular and results in very high levels of patient satisfaction for a number of reasons: it is minimally invasive - incisions and scars are minimal - it is a quicker operation with fewer complications, produces more natural looking results and has a shorter recovery time compared with more aggressive facelift techniques.

The S-Lift lasts as long as a conventional facelift, usually around 10 years.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

The S-Lift is generally performed under heavy or "twilight" sedation, meaning that you can usually return home the same day, though occasionally an overnight stay in hospital is recommended. Special anaesthetic solution is gently injected in front of the ear, both to numb the area and also to assist the surgeon to lift the skin from the underlying tissue.

The S-shaped incision is made following the natural curve of the ear and extended into the temple, so there is no hair loss or scarring in front of the hairline. The skin is lifted and the underlying muscles and tissues are tightened and repositioned. Excess fat is removed, and the opening is closed using fine stitches. The technique avoids damage to nerves and heavy bleeding, and the whole procedure normally lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

What Are the Risks and Likely After-Effects?

Cosmetic surgery, like any other surgery, involves a "trauma" to the human body and there are risks associated with any procedure. Each person's body is different, and your general health, level of fitness, age and genetic profile will all have an effect on the speed of healing and also on the risk of side-effects.

If you smoke, drink alcohol, are overweight and/or take drugs for medical or other reasons, the risk of complication during and after surgery can be greatly increased. Smoking, in particular, is discouraged because it increases the risk both of infection, wound breakdown and thrombosis (blood clots).

After a facelift it is normal for all patients to experience some pain and discomfort, swelling, numbness and bruising. These symptoms can be controlled and reduced by taking regular prescribed medication.

What Will Happen After the Operation?

Post-Op
Your surgeon will see you when you have come round from the anaesthetic to check that all is well, and you will usually be discharged the same day. You'll be given medication and post-operative instructions and will wear a small bandage over the incision site for 1-2 days.

Week 1-2
Most of our S-Lift patients resume normal activities after 4-5 days, and some return to work in this time. It depends on the individual. You will also receive a check-up with our nurse 7-10 days after surgery to remove your stitches. The puffiness and bruising usually clears up in 2 weeks and normal make-up may then be applied.

Weeks 8-10
Your surgeon will see you again, usually 8-10 weeks after the procedure for a full post-operative consultation.

Full Post-Operative
Cover We're confident that you will be delighted with the results. For that reason, we guarantee that we will provide post-operative cover for a full three years after your procedure. It's our way of ensuring that you have peace of mind and confidence in Andie Mcleans Clinic.