Short Scar Facelift

Short Scar Facelift in Thailnad, also known as Mini Face Lift, is a kind of facelift surgery that lift that repositions the skin and soft tissues of the face that have been affected by the aging process using a modified incision technique. The most pressing difference between a short-scar lift and other, "traditional" facelift techniques is that the short-scar lift features a significantly reduced scar burden, with the risk of hair loss greatly minimized. The scarring along the crease behind the ear and along the hairline at the back is largely, if not completely eliminated as well. However, while the short scar facelift provides access to the skin and soft tissues, the underlying technique of lifting the face will still not be addressed as deeper tissue issues may not be reached with this approach.

With short scar facelift, the incision is limited to the crease in front of the ear and into the temporal hair area but does not extend behind the ear or onto the neck. Because of this, access to the neck and under chin area can be limited thus, the short scar face lift, or mini face lift, is best for younger patients without significant neck or lower facial skin laxity, but want a tighter, more defined lower face. This technique is also a good option for patients who have had a full face lift years previously and need only a minor "touch up."

WHAT HAPPENS DURING CONSULTATION?

During your visit to our center, you should provide our staff with a general medical history, together with details of any previous facial surgeries you’ve had, be it in your home country, or in Thailand. 

During your personal consultation with our surgeon, our surgeon will lift your facial skin, and with this, Prof. Kunachak will be able to assess what technique will be best for you and what could be expected post operatively. It is highly advisable that you bring with you a photo of how you wish to look like such as your younger photo so our surgeon will be able to explain if the result you want can be achieved with the procedure we will plan for you. 

WHO ARE THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR SHORT SCAR FACELIFTS?

Short-scar facelift in Thailand is most applicable for patients whose main concern is the correction of mid-facial aging. People who get this procedure done usally want to achieve a renewed sense of self-confidence that comes with turning back the clock 7-10 years.

Like traditional facelift, the short-scar technique is designed to lift the cheek, reduce the jowls, shorten the lower eyelid and soften the nasolabial folds. By restoring a more sinuous facial contour, the tired, "gaunt" look of age is greatly improved as the more square aged face is re-shaped back to the more triangular shape that characterizes youth.

It is important for patients to understand however that the short-scar lift technique is more limited in its ability to provide correction of loose and sagging skin and soft tissue in the neck in comparison to traditional facelift in Thailand.

HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?

Short scar facelift has shorter scars and is considered minimally invasive, especially compared to traditional face lifting. The incisions will be made just inside your hairline, and are about 1/3 of the length of traditional facelifts. At times, our surgeon performs liposuction to remove fat from the neck as well. This will have to be discussed and ageed upon by you and our surgeon prior to surgery.

Our surgeon will then pull the skin up until it's tight and in place then remove any excess.

It's important to note that smaller incisions along the hairline mean significantly shorter surgery times of 2-3 hours versus the 4-6 hours of surgery for traditional facelift in Thailand. This may be viewed as a less risky in terms of surgical time, especially for high risk patients.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR THIS PROCEDURE?

For short scar facelift in Thailand, our surgeon prefers to use General Anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep and you will have an anesthesiologist watching over you while or surgeon, Prof. Somyos Kunachak, performs your surgery along with his team. You will be roused from your anesthesia-induced sleep after the procedure then you will be moved to our recovery room for proper post-operative monitoring once you are stable.

Some discomfort such as nausea and vomiting can be felt and is normal post-surgery due to the effect of the anesthesia. Feeling of coldness and shivering is also possible for the first 30-60mins immediately after surgery so our staff will make sure you will be wrapped on a warming blanket. Your vital signes will be closely monitored while you are in the recovery room and during your first few hours in your own private room. Confusion and dizziness may also occur after surgery but these are normal effects of anesthesia and will get better in just a few hours.

HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE?

Since facial rejuvenation surgery such as short scar facelift should be individualized for each patient, our surgeon will first evaluate your face, including your skin, and with your assistance, make recommendations and plans as to the specific technique that will most likely help you achieve your desired outcome. A detailed history of medical conditions that could affect your surgery should be fully disclosed during the consultation so our team can prepare for your surgery to minimize possible complications.

A set of guidelines willl be given to you prior to your surgery. These guidelines will include a list of medications you should stop taking prior to surgery. For medications that are prescribed by your personal physician for maintenance, you will have to consult your doctors first before stopping. 

For those with Chronic Medical condition such as hypertension, diabetes, or others.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROCEDURE?

A well known complication of facelift is damage to the nerves of the face. This is tru for all types of facelift, be it mini lift or the traditional approach. The most common type of injury is to the sensory or feeling nerves which leads to temporary numbness which is common in the ear and cheek skin in the first few weeks after surgery. More permanent numbness is usually due to damage to the greater auricular nerve. This nerve supplies feeling to the lower part of the ear and if damaged, can cause permanent numbness and discomfort on the area, fortunately, recovery can be expected in most cases.

When a short-scar lift is performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon in Thailand, complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, while our surgeon will give extra effort to minimize risks and possible complications for and procedure you choose to undergo in our center, individuals vary greatly in anatomy, healing ability and their body's reactions to surgery and anesthesia. Other complications that may occur in relation to Short Scar Facelift include hematoma (a collection of blood beneath the skin), infection, poor wound healing, and/or reactions to anesthesia and other medications. Other rare complications can occur as well and it’s important to discuss these during your personal consultation with our surgeon.

Complications after short scar facelift are rare but should infection occur it is usually readily treated with antibiotics. in our center, prophylactic antibiotic is given to all patients post-surgery. If a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) occurs, a revisit to our center may be necessary for correction or draining of the hematoma. If dealt with promptly this does not affect the long term results. This is one of the reasons why we highly encourage that you stay in Bangkok for a certain period of time after your facelift in Thailand. 

Occasionally, delayed wound healing may occur mainly in diabetic patients or patients who smoke. Smoking habits should thus be discussed with the surgeon prior to surgery.

You can reduce your risks by closely following the advice of your surgeon concerning your pre- and post-operative care. 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SURGERY AND HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD FOR SHORT SCAR FACELIFT IN THAILAND?

Recovery period, including bruising and swelling, is shorter for short-scar lift compared to more traditional facelift. However, even if you can return to work within two weeks after your short scar facelift, it is important to remember that you won't be able to drive yourself home from surgery and you won't be able to drive for about a week after the procedure.

Bandages are removed the morning after the surgery and your hair will be washed and then you can be discharged from our center. We highly recommend staying in our Affiliate Hotel, Aphrodite Inn especially if you are travelling alonme, so our nurses and staffs can regularly check on you.

Over the following days, you can gently wash your hair with a mild shampoo, obviously exercising care and strictly avoiding the suture area. Also be reminded that dyeing the hair is stictly discouraged for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery as the chemical on dyeing agents are a lot stronger than ordinary shampoo, and may cause irrtitation of the scalp and the suture area.

It is important not to stoop or carry out vigorous activities for the first five days after the surgery otherwise postoperative bleeding can occur. 

Any discomfort can be controlled by taking a mild analgesic such as Paracetamol which will be prescribed by our surgeon before you get discharged from our care. Please note that Aspirin must not be taken during this period.

Sutures are usually removed seven days postoperatively. It is advisable not to apply any strong chemicals (bleach, ammonia etc) for at least four weeks following Short Scar Facelift in Thailand.

Scars are usually very faint after the procedure. However, a period of thickening and reddening of the scars can be expected to last for a few months before returning to more natural skin color and texture. We sincerely ask for your patience regarding this matter because healing takes time and there is only so much we can do but recommend you to rest well and follow all our doctor’s instructions. Take note to avoid sun exposure on the incision sites as it may cause darkening of the incision site. 

Bruising, swelling and numbness are temporary following a facelift and are mostly resolved after two weeks. Prolonged swelling and numbness are quite rare but it can happen. Should bruising and swelling be accompanied by pain, redness, or fever, please inform us immediately so we can give you proper advice.

WHAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED AFTER SURGERY?

Since you will have incisions near your hairline, it is highly recommended that you avoid hair dyes or any hair treatment for up 4 to 6 weeks because there are chemicals that may seep into the incision sites which may cause unpleasant effect on the healing area.

Smoking should also be avoided after the surgery as it delays healing and jeopardizes good scar formation. Alcohol consumption is also discouraged.

Don’t forget to ask your surgeon about any cream or ointment that you wish to apply to your incision sites before using them as some may cause scarring problems especially if you have sensitive skin.

WHAT CAN OUR CLINIC OFFER in Bangkok?

Our clinic takes pride in providing our patients warm welcome whenever they visit. This is evidenced by a number of our clients staying with us for years and some even decades. Aside from world class surgeons and medical tea, our clinic also offers a whole package of accommodation from our nearby hotel, Aphrodite Inn, which sits adjacent to our facility with a connecting door on the 2^nd floor for patient privacy. The 2^nd floor of Aprodite Inn was also converted to suit the needs of our patients, pre and post-operatively. Each room is equipped with mechanical beds, with hotel quality mattresses, and oxygen outlet for patients who just had surgery. Medical equipments and emergency apparatuses are also within reach from the rooms so there will be no need to worry about recovery.

Prof. Somyos Kunachak and the rest of our team also pays visit to all patients staying in the nearby hotel every day. Patients who are staying with a companion also enjoy the privilege of sharing the room with them as part of their surgical package.

 

We also make arrangements for tours and transportation depending on the client need.