Our FAQs

The majority of face and neck lifts performed in our centre are ‘deep plane’. Patients often tell us they have tried to research these procedures but get confused with the terms used. To help you understand, we hope you find the below useful.

The ‘SMAS’ is a term used all over social media and plastic surgery websites. It’s an acronym for a layer under the facial skin that merges with a thin muscle directly under the skin in the neck. This whole layer is like a bed sheet, snugly covering all the major nerves and muscles of the face and neck that lie deeper.

There are many connections between this sheet and the skin directly on top of it. So we surgeons find that re-tightening this layer gives us a long lasting effect on the overlying skin and underlying ligaments.

Deep plane lifts do not simply use stitches to tighten this layer. The deep plane technique involves lifting up this SMAS ‘sheet’ and releasing it, in order to pull it tight again – taking the skin with it. 

In our experience this procedure gives us the best longevity without compromising a natural facial and neck appearance. We do not like results that obviously show a face that was operated on!

The scars are typically in an anchor shape, around the areolar, and down to the inframammary crease and then along the crease to varying lengths (which are still typically hidden). Most patients are dressing free between 2-3 weeks and the dressings are shower proof so you can self care as normal in the shower.

Occasionally the point at which all the scars meet under the breast the wound can separate slightly which needs dressings for a few more days. When the breast is moulded back in to a round shape small areas of your fat under the skin can become firm as it heals – this generally settles over a few months are rarely is visible with the naked eye. One side heals quicker and softens quicker than the other. Occasionally the nipples can be numb for a period, but rarely forever.

We generally advise 8 weeks in a sports bra and then the swelling will have sufficiently settled to allow you to get measured for a proper bra.

Exercise

Around 5000-1000 steps per day will improve your hear and lung function and prepare you for anaesthetic and the demands of recovery

Diet

Do not calorie count and lose weight in the run up to surgery – your body will NOT have the building blocks to heal otherwise.

• 60-80g of protein per day in the weeks running up to surgery will equip you with better healing potential
• Arnica tablets in the week before and during your recovery can reduce swelling and bruising to expedite recovery
• Stop supplements like cod liver oil and St John’s wort that can enhance bleeding

Lifestyle

• Be free from nicotine vapes and cigarettes for 2 weeks prior to surgery
• Avoid heavy alcohol intake in the week prior to surgery
• Any new medicine must be discussed with your surgeon

For daycase facial and breast surgery the general risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis is very low and a tailored approach taking into account your medicines, personal and family history of any clot episodes will be carefully evaluated.

In general we do not recommend long haul (over 4 hours continuous flying) 2 weeks prior to surgery and for 4 weeks after surgery. If you are having abdominal (tummy), thigh, or combination surgery over 5 hours of anaesthetic, we will advise a larger time gap before and after surgery.

It is critical you highlight any planned travel involving sitting for a long period of time (air, train, car) to your surgeon.

Following your enquiry we will arrange a consultation for you. If you are from overseas we can do this via video in the first instance. The face to face consult is crucial so we can examine you and ensure you could be a candidate for what you are requesting.

• We will examine you with a chaperone present
• We will take photos for your records
• We will make suggestions (which may be no treatment we have will be beneficial)
  • Non surgical treatment
  • Surgical treatment
• We can discuss costs involved
• We will discuss the process of surgery and recovery and what to expect at these stages of your journey
• You will have a dedicated member of staff guide you along the way

As with any surgical procedure, breast implant removal surgery carries some risks, although complications are uncommon.

These may include:

• Delayed wound healing – in rare cases, the area where incisions meet may separate slightly and require additional dressings
• Firmness in breast tissue – small areas beneath the skin may feel firm during healing, typically softening over time
• Temporary nipple numbness – sensation changes can occur but usually improve as recovery progresses.

Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks with you during your consultation to ensure you feel fully informed and reassured.