Endoscopic Facelift

Endoscopic facelift, also known as the “scarless facelift”, can be beneficial for certain select individuals who do not have a significant amount of excess skin.

Endoscopic Facelift is the latest in facial plastic surgery. This procedure uses endoscopic techniques to perform not only facial rejuvenation but also facial enhancement. Endoscopic techniques were first developed for use in general surgery, gynaecology, orthopaedic surgery and others. Now the technology and expertise is available for application in plastic and cosmetic surgical procedures.

Endoscopic facelift is a type of surgical technique that prevents the need for long incisions, allows faster healing and generally results in fewer side effects than traditional facelifts. It also allows the surgeon, access to hard-to-reach areas that traditional face-lifting couldn’t reach. These difficult-to-reach areas are in the central third of the face, including frown lines between the brows, the folds adjacent to the nose and the lines around the mouth.

Who is suitable for Facelift?

The best candidates are generally considered to be those individuals whose skin quality is still relatively good and does not have too much excess skin. Most patients are in their late 30’s up to late 50’s.

What to think about at this stage

It is important that, before you see the surgeon, you consider what you are trying to achieve from your surgery.

If you intend losing weight at some time in the future, it is best to do so before your facelift.

Smokers are advised to stop smoking for at least two weeks prior to surgery, in order to help healing and reduce the risk of infection. Smoking reduces the blood supply to the thin skin flaps created by the surgeon.

What is an Endoscope?

An endoscope consists of two basic parts: a tubular probe fitted with a tiny camera and bright light, which is inserted through a small incision; and a viewing screen, which magnifies the transmitted images of the body’s internal structures. During surgery, the surgeon watches the screen while moving the tube of the endoscope through the surgical area.

How is Endoscopic Facelift performed?

• The operation is performed under General Anaesthetic.

• The typical endoscopic facelift will require three or more small incisions, which may be strategically placed in areas where the most correction is required.

• If the muscles and skin of the mid-face need to be smoothed and tightened, incisions may be hidden in the lower eyelid and in the upper gum line. To tighten the loose muscles of the neck, incisions may be concealed beneath the chin and behind the ears. The endoscope may also assist in the positioning of cheek and chin implants.

• Additional procedures may be performed, such as:
  - eye-bag removal
  - liposuction to the neck
  - chin or cheek implants
  - laser skin resurfacing
  - endoscopic brow lift

• The operation may take three or more hours, especially if additional procedures are performed
  Most patients are out-patients.

• If your work is not physical, expect to return to work within one week.

• Expect to be back to normal physical exercise within one to two weeks.

Following the operation

As with all surgery, you must expect to feel bruised and sore, however, because the incisions are smaller with endoscopy, the risk of sensory loss from nerve damage is decreased. Also, bleeding, bruising and swelling may be significantly reduced.

Sutures are removed after one week. You may also be asked to keep your head elevated for a few days to help the swelling reduce.

Risks & Complications

Cosmetic surgery is amongst the very safest of medical procedures. However, all patients must understand and accept that no surgical procedure is absolutely free from risk.

At Consultation, Mr Rezai will discuss these risks with you.

How long will the results of your Endoscopic Facelift last?

As traditional facelift, an endoscopic facelift turns the clock back, but it does not make time stand still. You will always look younger than you otherwise would, but over the years your face will continue to age.