Facial Rejuvenation

As we age, there are three important factors which influence the manner in which ageing occurs.

The first major effect is that of sun exposure. In New Zealand and the southern hemisphere more ultraviolet radiation is present and conditions are a lot harsher than other parts of the world. Minimising the amount of sun exposure especially in one’s early years diminishes the chances of photo ageing, sun damage and the risk of skin cancers.

Gravity is the second major effect and this leads to tissues becoming ptotic which means tissues begin to sag over time. Unless we choose to live on the moon, the effects of this inescapable! On the head and neck, this causes the descent of the forehead, eyebrows, nasal tip, cheeks, jowls and sagging tissue under the neck (the "turkey gobbler") which changes the youthful, oval face into a rectangular face.

The third major effect is the loss of subcutaneous tissue namely bone, muscle and fat. This leads to a more gaunt look and contributes to wrinkle formation. In facial rejuvenation therefore, it is best to address all three factors where necessary.

The anaesthetic for surgery

Generally speaking, facial plastic surgery is becoming less invasive and more minimalist. Many facial plastic surgeries are amenable to local anaesthetic only and in fact the only surgery I do not undertake under local anaesthetic is a rhinoplasty. The infrastructure required for local anaesthetic procedures is significantly less than required for a general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation and accordingly considerably less expensive. The most important determinant of which type of anaesthetic is used is based on the clients’ tolerance and wishes.

• Blepharoplasty
• Forehead lift
• Direct forehead lift
• The minimal access cranial suspension lift
• VIEW IMAGE GALLERY
  
• The submental lipectomy