Melbourne MACS lift surgery
Initial Consultation
Mini-facelifts begin with an incision which passes around the ear but which forgoes passage around the upper length of the hairline as an incision would during a full facelift procedure. As a result, the mini facelift primarily rejuvenates the mid-face region with some variants of the procedure also refreshing the upper neck area as well. The shorter incision will still provide results and is an option for patients who are seeing a majority of their ageing symptoms in the mid to lower face.
During your initial consultation with Dr Ritz in Melbourne, he will discuss the procedure with you, so you have a full understanding of what is required of you pre-operatively, what happens during the surgery, your post operative care and any risks or complications involved. There are risks associated with any surgery, no matter how big or small, and it is important that you are aware of them and understand them.
The potential risks associated with facelift surgeries include complications from anaesthesia, infection, blood clots, persistent numbness, scarring, weakness due to nerve injury and localised hair loss. While these risks do exist, they also occur infrequently and point to the need for electing surgery with a fully-accredited specialist plastic surgeon who understands the procedure very well.
DURING THE SURGERY
Before going into the operating theatre, you will see Dr Ritz again to go over what will be involved during your surgery. He will then draw pre-operative markings as a guide for the procedure. Since a facelift (rhytidectomy) needs to be performed under general anaesthesia, you will also have a discussion with your anaesthetist.
After making guide marks along the natural skin folds around the ears, Dr Ritz will make his initial incisions and continue to work only within those regions, a practice which ensures minimal scarring, which can be very easily concealed and difficult to detect. After the pre-determined amount of skin has been excised, Dr Ritz will close the incisions, further tightening subcutaneous tissues and ensuring the longest-lasting and most attractive result possible.
RECOVERY
Since the mini facelift uses a smaller incision than a traditional facelift, a mini facelift offers patients a significantly shorter recovery time than a traditional facelift. Dr Ritz will ask you to stay in the hospital for a couple of hours immediately after your procedure for monitoring, but you will soon be able to return home wearing a protective bandage.
Further, while traditional facelifts may require 2-4 full weeks off from your normal social activities, a mini facelift may require only 1-2 weeks of recovery before you can resume your schedule. You will return to the doctor’s office in about four days for a follow-up.
POST OPERATIVE CARE
As with any surgical procedure, afterwards you will experience swelling around the incisions, and some discharge may occur. Once compression bandages are removed after a few days, you will begin to see the results of your surgery. A mini-facelift may give you an overall tighter and more youthful appearance in the cheeks and areas around the nose, mouth, chin and upper neck.
Some tightness around the mouth is normal for a few days post-procedure as well as some facial numbness which will quickly subside. Your happiness, comfort, and satisfaction are important to Dr Ritz. Contact his office at any time with questions or concerns you have about your procedure or recovery. Dr Ritz is available to advise and follow-up with his patients throughout their recovery process.
It is always recommended to have a friend, loved one or driving service escort you home after your procedure, especially if additional pain medication is prescribed to keep you comfortable during your recovery. You will have some limitations to your physical activity for approximately six weeks after your procedure. These primarily include strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting and the gym, for example.
A thorough understanding of his patient’s goals, deep knowledge of all available options and a consultative, patient-centred approach make Dr Ritz not merely a respected plastic surgeon but also a trusted advisor on your surgical journey.
DISCLAIMER
**Individual results will vary based on factors such as genetics, age, diet and exercise. The outcome experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect the outcomes that other people may experience.
All surgery carries risks. These risks include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, scarring, pain, numbness, asymmetry. All surgery requires a recovery period and post operative care. This will be all discussed in further detail during your consultation**
Morris Ritz is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon
AHPRA Registration: MED0001156076