Today, it’s increasingly common for men to undergo plastic surgery and procedures performed at the level of the face to correct skin ptosis are quite popular. In this blog, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan will explore what you can expect from the facelift for men, as well as the consultation and recovery process.
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Overview of the Facelift Procedure
A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to improve skin laxity in the face and neck. The procedure involves tightening and repositioning the underlying facial muscles, removing excess skin, and redraping the remaining skin for a smoother appearance.
For men, the facelift procedure is tailored to address specific concerns while maintaining a masculine appearance. The goal is to achieve natural-looking results that highlight your features without making it obvious that you’ve had surgery.
While the basic principles and techniques of a facelift are similar for both men and women, there are some key differences to consider when performing a facelift for men. These differences are primarily related to the unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals of male patients.
Is a Facelift for Men Different from a Facelift for Women?
Here are some factors that differentiate a facelift for men from a facelift for women:
Facial hair: Men often have facial hair, such as beards or sideburns, which can affect incision placement and the overall approach to the procedure. The surgeon must take care to preserve natural hair patterns and avoid disrupting the hairline.
Skin thickness and texture: Men typically have thicker, more vascular skin than women. This can affect the way the skin is repositioned and redraped during the facelift procedure. The surgeon must take care to ensure a natural-looking result that avoids an overly tight or “pulled” appearance.
Muscle mass: Men often have more developed facial muscles, particularly in the neck and jawline area. The surgeon must account for this increased muscle mass when tightening and repositioning the underlying tissues to achieve a more defined, masculine contour.
Aesthetic goals: While both men and women seek a change in their appearance, the specific aesthetic goals may differ. Men often desire a more subtle, natural-looking result that maintains their masculine features, whereas women may seek a more visible alteration.
Recovery and downtime: Due to the differences in skin thickness and vascularity, men may experience more swelling and bruising after a facelift compared to women. This can result in a slightly longer recovery period and more noticeable downtime.
Is a Facelift Right for You?
If you’re confronted with skin laxity, deep wrinkles, jowls, or a loss of definition in your face and neck, a facelift may be a suitable option. Good candidates for a facelift are men who:
Are in good overall health
Have realistic expectations
Do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking before and after surgery
Have good skin elasticity
It’s important to have an open and honest discussion with Dr Kernohan about your concerns, goals, and expectations. Together, you can determine if a facelift is the right choice for you.
What Should You Expect During the Initial Consultation with a Surgeon?
Here’s what you can expect during a typical facelift for men consultation:
Medical history review: Your surgeon will ask about your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, medications, and previous surgeries. Be honest and upfront about your health to ensure your safety and your desired outcome.
Physical examination: Your surgeon will examine your facial anatomy, assessing skin quality, elasticity, and the extent of sagging or wrinkles. They may take measurements and photographs for reference and to help plan your procedure.
Discussion of concerns and goals: You’ll have the opportunity to express your concerns about your appearance and what you hope to achieve with a facelift. Be specific about the areas that bother you and the changes you’d like to see.
Explanation of the procedure: Your surgeon will explain the facelift procedure in detail, including the type of facelift that may be best suited for you, the incision locations, and the expected recovery process. They may use diagrams or before-and-after photos to illustrate the procedure and potential results.
Risks and complications: The surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications associated with a facelift, as well as steps you can take to mitigate these risks.
Questions and concerns: You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have about the procedure. A reputable surgeon will take the time to address your questions thoroughly and ensure you feel comfortable and informed.
Treatment plan and cost: If you and your surgeon determine that a facelift is right for you, they will develop a personalised treatment plan and provide you with an estimate of the costs involved.
Remember, the initial consultation is a chance for you to gather information and get to know your surgeon.
Preparing for Your Facelift
Before your facelift, Dr Kernohan will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. This may include:
Avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding risk
Quitting smoking at least several weeks before surgery
Arranging for someone to drive you home and assist you during the initial recovery period
Taking time off work and other activities to allow for proper healing
Dr Kernohan will also discuss the type of anaesthesia that will be used and any potential risks or complications associated with the procedure.
Download Dr Kernohan’s Face and Neck Lift Surgery Guide
Guide Facelift Surgery
Facelift for Men Procedure
Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and can take several hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. Dr Kernohan will make incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin to access the underlying facial muscles and tissues.
He will then tighten and reposition the muscles, remove excess skin, and redrape the remaining skin for a smoother appearance. The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape, and a bandage is applied to minimise swelling and support the tissues during healing.
Recovery and Aftercare
After your facelift, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by Dr Kernohan. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimise the risk of complications.
Most men can return to work and other non-strenuous activities within 2-3 weeks after surgery. However, it’s essential to avoid strenuous activities and direct sun exposure for several weeks to allow your body to heal fully.
As the swelling subsides, you’ll begin to see the results of your facelift. It’s important to keep in mind that the full results may not be apparent for several months as your face continues to heal and settle.
Maintaining Your Results after Facelift for Men
To maintain the results of your facelift, it’s essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle and protect your skin from sun damage. This includes:
Eating a balanced diet
Staying hydrated
Exercising regularly
Avoiding smoking
Using sunscreen daily and minimising sun exposure
Following a consistent skincare routine
Your plastic surgeon may also recommend non-surgical treatments, such as dermal fillers or neuromodulator injections, to maintain your results over time.
What Are the Common Risks Associated with a Facelift for Men?
While facelifts are generally safe, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the procedure. Some common risks of facelifts for men include:
Bleeding and haematoma: Excessive bleeding or the formation of a haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) can occur after surgery. This may require additional treatment or surgical drainage.
Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Dr Kernohan will provide instructions on how to lower this risk and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
Scarring: Facelift incisions are strategically placed to reduce visible scarring, but some scarring is inevitable. In rare cases, abnormal scarring, such as hypertrophic or keloid scars, may occur.
Nerve injury: Temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or weakness in the face may occur due to nerve damage during the procedure. In most cases, these symptoms resolve on their own within a few weeks to months.
Skin necrosis: In rare cases, the skin may not receive adequate blood supply after surgery, leading to skin death (necrosis). This may require additional treatment or revision surgery. See more on Complications in Facelift Surgery and How to Address Them.
Unsatisfactory results: There is a risk of dissatisfaction with the outcome. This may be due to unrealistic expectations, asymmetry, or changes in facial appearance over time.
Anaesthesia complications: As with any surgery involving general anaesthesia, there are risks associated with the anaesthesia itself, such as adverse reactions or complications. These will be discussed with your anaesthetist.
To mitigate these risks, it’s important to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, follow pre- and post-operative instructions carefully, and maintain open communication with your surgeon about any concerns or questions you may have.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon for Facelift for Men
When considering a facelift, it’s essential to choose a plastic surgeon who regularly performs facial plastic surgery procedures for men. Look for a surgeon who:
Is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
Has extensive experience performing facelifts on male patients
Takes the time to listen to your concerns and goals
Provides realistic expectations and honest advice
Has a portfolio of before-and-after photos of male facelift patients
Makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities
FAQs about Facelift for Men
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, a facelift is often combined with other procedures. Common complementary procedures include blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow lift, neck lift, and facial fat transfer or dermal fillers.
How long does a facelift for men last?
The results of a facelift for men are long-lasting but not permanent. On average, the results of a facelift can last for 7-10 years or more. However, the longevity of the results depends on factors such as your age, skin quality, lifestyle habits, and the natural ageing process. Touch-up procedures or non-surgical treatments may be used to maintain your results over time.
Will a facelift address wrinkles and fine lines?
While a facelift is effective in addressing sagging skin and deep wrinkles, it may not fully correct fine lines, especially those caused by sun damage or facial movements. For these concerns, your surgeon may recommend complementary treatments such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or injectables like muscle relaxing injections or dermal fillers.
Can I undergo a facelift if I have a beard or facial hair?
Yes, men with beards or facial hair can still undergo a facelift. Dr Kernohan will carefully plan the incisions to minimise disruption to your facial hair pattern and ensure a natural-looking result. In some cases, you may need to shave a portion of your facial hair prior to surgery, but Dr Kernohan will discuss this with you during the consultation and planning process.
How much time off work will I need after a facelift?
The amount of time off work needed after a facelift varies depending on the extent of your procedure and the nature of your job. Most men plan to take at least 2-3 weeks off work to allow for initial healing and the reduction of visible swelling and bruising. If your job is physically demanding or requires frequent public interaction, you may need additional time off. Dr Kernohan will provide personalised guidance on when it is safe to return to work based on your individual case.
Further Reading about Facelift Surgery with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan
Dr Michael Kernohan MBBS, MSc, BDS, MRCS, FDSRCS, FRCS(Plast), FRACS (Plast
Dr Michael Kernohan is a highly experienced Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon, fully qualified in both Australia and the UK. He has had extensive training, holding qualifications in both dentistry and medicine. His training path has taken him around the world acquiring skills from some of the world’s best surgeons.