Your journey begins with a dialogue between you and your surgeon: the pre-operative consultation, which is central to the operation's success. At Kensington Medical, patients interested in surgery undergo several consultations with the surgeon. We are keen for our patients to be fully informed before deciding whether to proceed with surgery. So, we encourage them to see the surgeon more than once and ask as many questions as they wish. Typically, our patients go through two pre-operative consultations.

The first consultation tends to be face-to-face. During it, the surgeon will:

• Listen to your concerns and understand what you would like to achieve;
• Examine you;
• Show you examples of their work in the form of before-and-after photographs;
• Suggest a treatment plan.

Following the first consultation, we will:

• Write to you summarising the surgeon’s recommendations;
• Quote for the treatment plan suggested by the surgeon;
• Send you extensive information about the procedure, the risks involved and the precautions you should take pre- and post-operatively.

A second consultation is often necessary for the following reasons:

• After the first pre-operative consultation, and once you have been through the information sent to you, it is likely that you will have more questions for the surgeon.
• The surgeon often finds it necessary to speak to patients again to ensure they have fully understood the risks of surgery and they know exactly what to expect from surgery.
• It is common that several treatment options are discussed at the first consultation, and another meeting is necessary to decide which is the most appropriate.

The second consultation can also be face-to-face. Alternatively, it can be via a video call.

Following your consultations, our medical team is always available should you have further questions before your surgery.

Once you have decided to go ahead with surgery, we will book your operation in one of our specialist cosmetic surgery hospitals.

Before your operation, you will be sent a health questionnaire. This will be reviewed by your anaesthetist, who may call you to discuss specific aspects of your medical history. In certain cases, you may be required to attend the clinic for blood tests. This will be discussed with you by one of our medical team members before your scheduled appointment date.

We will also issue you with preoperative instructions. In particular:

• You should discontinue smoking for several weeks before your facelift, as smoking can increase the risk of complications during the healing process.
• You should refrain from taking blood-thinning drugs (such as aspirin) for ten days before your procedure.
• You should not eat six hours before surgery; you should not drink two hours before surgery.

You will arrive at least one hour before the time of your procedure. The nursing staff at the hospital will monitor your blood pressure and other relevant essentials. You will then meet your anaesthetist and surgeon for a final markup.

The actual operation involves carefully sculpting and repositioning underlying tissue and fat within the face to create a more youthful contour around the eyes, chin, neckline, and jawline area. The result is smoother skin texture while preserving natural facial expressions throughout different movements. The incisions are then closed using sutures. This will leave small scars hidden along areas such as the hairline or scalp, which can fade over time depending on how well they are cared for.

We typically perform this procedure under general anaesthesia. It lasts 2.5h to 3.5h.

Aftercare following a facelift is essential to ensure we achieve optimal results.

Following your surgery, you will be transferred to the hospital’s recovery room, where the nursing staff will ensure that your recovery is smooth. You should stay there for two to four hours, depending on the surgery. Once the nursing team are happy that you are in a fit state to go home, you will leave the hospital accompanied by a friend or a family member. You should also arrange for someone to stay with you overnight for the first night following your operation. Generally, post-operative pain is minimal, but you will be given pain killers in case you need them.

Once you have been discharged from the hospital, our nursing team will be available 24/7 to ensure your post-operative journey is comfortable and pain-free and to field any questions you may have.

Your surgeon will see you a number of times in the weeks following your operation to monitor the facial skin and scars and to support you:

• The next day, the surgeon will remove the drains and check the wounds and dressings.
• One week post-operatively, there will be another consultation and depending on your healing progress, the surgeon may decide to remove sutures then.
• You will see the surgeon again two weeks post-operatively, at which stage all remaining sutures will be removed and your progress monitored.
• The last post-operative consultation is at six weeks. Generally, you will be discharged from the surgeon's care at that stage.

Bruising and swelling can last up to one month following this surgery.

Our medical team will provide detailed aftercare instructions based on your current health status and treatment received, including when it is appropriate for you to resume normal activities such as exercise, wearing makeup, and strenuous movements. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to avoid complications or risks associated with the procedure.

Protecting your face from sun exposure is especially important, as it can cause scarring, discolouration, and other unwanted side effects. Wear sunscreen when outdoors and use hats or umbrellas if possible. It would be best to avoid strenuous activities involving facial movements, such as exercise and sports, until cleared by our medical team at Kensington Medical.

By following the instructions of our medical team and taking precautions to protect your face, you can ensure that you achieve the best results from facelift surgery. Following a healthy lifestyle with sufficient rest, nutrition, and hydration is essential for healing and maintaining long-term effects. It is strongly recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption before and during the recovery period.