The allure of a youthful visage is timeless, and in Singapore’s vibrant beauty scene, the facelift remains a sought-after procedure for achieving a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.
But with so much information swirling around, it’s natural to have questions: is a facelift right for you? What are the latest techniques?
And most importantly, how can you navigate the landscape of facelift options in Singapore to achieve your desired outcome?
What is a Facelift?
First things first, let’s dispel the myths. A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is not simply a one-size-fits-all solution to ageing.
It’s a surgical procedure addressing the underlying structures of the face, tightening loose muscles and skin, and repositioning tissues for a more lifted and contoured appearance.
While effective, it’s not a magic eraser for wrinkles – addressing fine lines and sun damage often requires complementary procedures like laser treatments or fillers.
Facelifts in Singapore: How It’s Usually Done
Singapore boasts a thriving medical aesthetic scene, with certified surgeons employing cutting-edge techniques and technologies. Here’s a glimpse into the diverse facelift landscape:
- Traditional Facelifts: The gold standard, this approach involves incisions along the hairline and around the ears, allowing for precise lifting and sculpting of facial tissues.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: For a less invasive approach, surgeons may utilise smaller incisions, endoscopic tools, or thread lifts, offering faster recovery times and a more natural look.
- Combination Approaches: Often, facelifts are combined with other procedures like eyelid surgery, brow lifts, or fat grafting for a comprehensive rejuvenation.
Choosing the Right Surgeon: Your Key to Success
Selecting the right surgeon is paramount for a safe and successful facelift experience. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Qualifications and Experience: Look for MOH-accredited plastic surgeons with extensive experience performing facelifts, specifically in Asian facial anatomy.
- Communication and Transparency: Choose a surgeon who listens to your concerns, clearly explains the procedure and potential risks, and respects your aesthetic goals.
- Portfolio and Reviews: Don’t hesitate to ask for before-and-after pictures and references from past patients to gain insights into the surgeon’s work and patient satisfaction.
Facelift Surgeons & Clinics in Singapore
Colin Tham Plastic Surgery
Led by Dr. Colin Tham, who is accredited as a specialist reconstructive and plastic surgeon by the Ministry of Health, Colin Tham Plastic Surgery offers a suite of surgical and minimally invasive treatments to achieve face-lifting results.
A trainer for Silhouette Threadlift, Dr. Tham is also involved in the development of Thermage and Ulthera – both of which are non-invasive lifting procedures, which tells you how he’s recognised internationally in the area of face-lifting results.
Colin Tham Plastic Surgery is dedicated to delivering natural results with minimal downtime, so speak to them to learn more about the procedures that can be done on you safely to achieve your desired results.
Dr. Marco Faria Correa Plastic Surgery
If you’re looking for a surgeon with international patients, Dr. Marco may be the surgeon you’re looking for. Invited to work in Singapore under the “Hunting for Talents” programme, the Brazilian doctor has obtained his full registration with the Singapore Medical Council in 2005.
Dr. Marco is frequently invited to perform surgical demonstrations and train other doctors on his surgical techniques. He has also published many journals related to plastic and cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Marco pays particular attention on his first consultation with his patients – which usually take up to 30 minutes – in order to understand your needs. You are welcomed to bring along a friend or partner so you’ll feel more comfortable.
The Covette Clinic
Step into a haven of refined aesthetics at The Covette Clinic; here, artistry meets precision and each facelift procedure is approached with attentiveness and personalisation.
Beyond the traditional facelift, The Covette Clinic offers a spectrum of options, including minimally invasive approaches, neck lifts, and brow lifts. This holistic approach ensures the procedure addresses your specific concerns, unveiling a rejuvenated yet distinctly you.
At The Covette Clinic, a facelift may sometimes be performed with other procedures for a better overall appearance. For instance, a brow lift or an eyelid surgery can help rejuvenate signs of ageing around the eyes, fat transfer or fillers can help replace lost fatty volume for a more youthful visage, and laser treatments or peels can help improve the overall texture of skin.
Post-Facelift Recovery
A successful facelift journey extends beyond the surgery itself. Here are some tips for optimal recovery and long-lasting results:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions meticulously: Your surgeon will share with you post-surgery care instructions and red flags to look out for. Make sure that you’ve taken down notes on them and follow their instruction closely. Contact the clinic if you find that your recovery isn’t following what your surgeon said to expect.
- Prioritise rest and relaxation during the recovery period: Like any surgical procedure, you’ll need to take time to recover from it. Plan your surgery during a time when you know you don’t have anything important to do so you can focus completely on resting and recuperating.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle for sustained skin health: While a facelift can offer a dramatic result to your skin, giving you a more youthful appearance, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a solid skincare routine can help you sustain the results for a longer time.
- Seek regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon: Attend all your follow-up appointments with your surgeon to make sure that you’re healing well and the results are what you were expecting. But if you notice any infection or side effects, contact your clinic as soon as possible.
Facelift Cost in Singapore
Facelift costs in Singapore vary depending on several factors, but you can expect to pay anywhere from S$6,000 to S$40,000.
There are several factors that can influence the cost and here are some of the most common ones:
- Type of facelift: Traditional surgical facelifts are generally more expensive than minimally invasive options like thread lifts or non-surgical treatments like laser rejuvenation.
- Surgeon’s experience and reputation: More experienced and renowned surgeons typically charge higher fees. But note that the higher fees don’t necessarily mean you’ll be guaranteed better results; it is dependent on the skills of the surgeon and how the surgery went.
- Clinic location and facilities: Clinics in prime locations with high-end facilities may charge more than clinics in less central areas.
- Complexity of the procedure: The extent of work involved in your specific facelift will also affect the cost. Your surgeon will usually discuss with you prior to the surgery how much work is required.
Here’s a rough estimate of facelift costs in Singapore:
- Minimally invasive facelifts: S$6,000 to S$15,000
- Traditional facelifts: S$15,000 to S$30,000
- Deep plane facelifts: S$30,000 to S$40,000
It’s important to remember that these are just estimates, and the actual cost of your facelift may be higher or lower. To get a more accurate estimate, it’s best to consult with a certified facelift plastic surgeon in Singapore.
How to Save on Facelift Costs in Singapore
Facelifts can require a huge monetary commitment and here are some ways you can try to save on facelift costs:
- Shop around: Get quotes from several different surgeons before making a decision.
- Consider minimally invasive options: Options are often less expensive than traditional facelifts.
- Negotiate the price: Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price with your surgeon. They may be able to offer a discount out of goodwill.
However, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t compromise quality for cost. Often, safe procedures with optimal results require higher costs.
Alternatives to Surgical Facelifts
When it comes to facial rejuvenation, a facelift isn’t the only option! Thankfully, non-surgical alternatives are becoming increasingly popular and offer effective ways to refresh your appearance without going under the knife.
Here are some popular non-surgical facelift options to consider:
Injectables
- Botulinum toxin: More commonly known as “botox”, this relaxes wrinkles and lines caused by muscle movement, particularly effective for forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
- Dermal fillers: Add volume to plump up sunken areas like cheeks, lips, and temples, smoothing wrinkles and enhancing facial contours.
- Neuromodulators: Similar to Botox, fillers like Jeuveau and Dysport relax muscles to lessen wrinkles and lines.
Energy-based Treatments
- Radiofrequency (RF): Emits energy waves that heat deeper skin layers, stimulating collagen production for firmer, tighter skin.
- Ultrasound (US): Procedures like high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and Ultherapy targets specific skin layers with concentrated energy, firming and lifting tissues.
- Lasers: Ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin, stimulating collagen growth and reducing wrinkles and sun damage. Non-ablative lasers gently heat deeper layers to tighten skin and improve texture.
Other Options
- Thread lifts: Polydioxanone (PDO) threads inserted into the skin provide a lifting effect, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture.
- Chemical peels: Exfoliate the top layer of skin, removing dead cells and revealing brighter, smoother skin.
- Microneedling: Tiny needles create controlled punctures in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production for firmer, smoother skin.
Choosing the Right Option
The best non-surgical facelift option for you will depend on your individual concerns, budget, and desired results.
It’s crucial to consult an MOH-accredited dermatologist or plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and receive personalised recommendations. They can assess your skin, explain the pros and cons of each treatment, and create a customised plan to achieve your desired rejuvenation.
Remember: Non-surgical facelifts are minimally invasive but not miracle cures. While they can effectively improve your appearance, they don’t offer the same dramatic results as a surgical facelift.
Also, be realistic about your expectations and focus on enhancing your self-confidence rather than chasing drastic transformations.