Meloplasty - Facelift
What is a Meloplasty?
During a meloplasty, your specialist plastic surgeon will make incisions carefully placed around the hairline and ears to access the underlying facial muscles and tissues. By lifting and tightening them, wrinkles can be smoothed out, excess skin can be removed and facial contour can be redefined. Several variations of meloplasty are available.Â
At Unveil Plastic Surgery we understand that each patient is different, so we tailor treatments to individual requirements whilst focused on safety.
Types of Meloplasty
Short-scar Meloplasty (Mini Facelift)
The short scar meloplasty focuses on minimising scarring by using smaller incisions. This procedure is suitable for individuals who have mild to moderate signs of ageing and want a subtle change in their appearance.Â
Short scar meloplasty can be performed under either local or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s preference. A short scar meloplasty procedure takes approximately three hours to complete.
Different approaches to the SMAS tissue layer
Advanced meloplasty techniques such as SMAS Lift and Deep Plane Meloplasty involve dissection of the supportive tissue layer under the skin and fat layers on the face. This layer, known as SMAS, plays a critical role in facial ageing. By lifting and reshaping different facial tissue layers, these techniques offer a more long-lasting solution. Limited and extended SMAS and high SMAS techniques differ in their extent of dissection and how the tissue is tightened and secured. They help smooth the skin texture, reshape underlying tissues, and eliminate excess tissue.
An SMAS lift, extended SMAS and high SMAS meloplasty is most commonly performed under general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s preference. An SMAS lift, extended SMAS and high SMAS meloplasty procedure takes approximately five hours to complete.
Deep Plane Meloplasty (Deep Plane Facelift)
The deep plane meloplasty (facelift) is a plastic surgery technique that targets the underlying tissue layers of the face, specifically the deeper layers, to combat the visible signs of ageing. There is plenty of medical evidence and meloplasty experts attesting to the deep plane meloplasty effectiveness in producing longer-lasting results, and that has been the experience of Dr Teixeira over the years.
One of the key advantages of the deep plane facelift is its ability to lift the deeper tissue layers of the face without pulling the skin too tight, minimising the signs of surgery. Furthermore, the deep plane technique allows for customisation of the direction of lift tailored to the individual needs and goals of each patient. For instance, a vertical meloplasty for the cheek lift, or a more oblique direction for more effective lower jowl lift.
Deep plane meloplasty is most commonly performed under general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s preference. A deep plane meloplasty procedure takes approximately six hours to complete.
Risks and Complications
With any surgery there are potential risks involved.Â
Some possible risks of meloplasty include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
- Prolonged pain
- Poor wound healing
- Skin necrosis (skin loss)
- Hair loss or altered hairline
- Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation
- Nerve injury
- Asymmetry
- Distortion of facial features
- Elongated earlobes (pixie ears)
- Facial tightness
- Unsatisfactory results requiring revision surgery
General anaesthesia also carries a certain level of risk such as allergic reaction and breathing difficulties, although these risks are quite rare. In addition, general side effects like allergic reactions, swelling, bruising, slow healing, tissue necrosis (especially in smokers) and fluid accumulation may occur.
It’s important to follow all pre and post-operative care instructions provided by your specialist plastic surgeon to reduce the likelihood of complications.
Surgery and Recovery
Understanding the recovery process and what to expect after your meloplasty is crucial for a successful outcome. Dr Teixeira will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to guide you through the recovery period, ensuring your comfort and safety.Â
Recovery Tips:
- Manage Swelling and Discomfort: After the surgery, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Keeping the head elevated, applying cold compresses, and taking prescribed pain medications as directed by Dr Teixeira can help alleviate these symptoms.
- Protect Your Face: To protect your face during the recovery period, avoid activities that could strain it. Avoid sun exposure by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and avoiding direct sunlight as much as possible.Â
- Rest and Avoid Strain: Give your face time to heal by avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
- Sleep on Your Back: To prevent any undue pressure on your face, sleep on your back with your head elevated. This helps reduce swelling and avoids accidental trauma to the surgical area.
- Follow a Gentle Skincare Routine: Use mild, non-irritating skin care products as recommended by Dr Teixeira to keep the skin clean and hydrated without causing irritation.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for healing. Focus on a diet rich in vitamins and proteins to support your recovery.
- Avoid Extreme Facial Movements: Minimise activities that require excessive facial movements, such as chewing hard foods, laughing excessively, vigorous facial expressions and head turning.
Most patients can return to their normal activities within one to two weeks after the surgery. However, it is crucial to attend all follow-up appointments with Dr Teixeira to ensure that your recovery is progressing as expected.
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