As part of Mr Alex Karidis’ celebrations for 20 years as a surgeon the Karidis clinic hosted a Facial Surgery in Conversation event for guests to ask all their burning questions about facial surgery. Mr Karidis was joined by two of his facelift patients who shared details of their surgical journey plus other special guests. Read on for highlights of the evening…
The evening started on a high with bubbles and canapes at the Karidis clinic at Hospital of St. John & Elizabeth before Karidis PR and Marketing Manager, Lucy Martin, introduced the panel: Surgeon, Mr Alex Karidis, makeup artist Jessica Courtney who underwent facial surgery almost four years ago, and Deborah Vine, who works at the clinic and was just 22 days post facial surgery. Joining the panel later was Norman Wright, psychologist who specialises in advising patients about how to prepare for surgery, emotionally and mentally.
The truth about having a facelift
We were delighted and very grateful to have both Jess and Deborah join us and share details about their surgical experience, epecially Deborah who joined us just 22 days following her surgery with Mr Karidis. Both patients described why they chose to go under the knife, preparations for surgery and the recovery process.
Both had the similar lower face and upper/lower eye surgery (blepharoplasty) and showed off fantastic results. Deborah kindly shared part of her journey within a short seven-day diary book of her recovery that was shown to guests. The honesty and openness of our patients’ responces about having facial surgery gave everyone valuable insight into what it’s really like to have a facelift.Â
Above is one of the visuals showcased on the night of Jessica Courtney’s stunning facelift results.
Mr Alex Karidis
Mr Karidis shared his expertise, insight and the latest techniques in facelift surgery with questions from the floor.
Is it painful to have a facelift?
It’s not exactly painful but more uncomfortable. The first night and morning the bandages are on very tightly so skin is tight and breathing can feel restricted. You need a lot of patience for the healing so see it as a quiet time of rest and recovery. Have fait in your recovery process.’
How long does a facelift result last?Â
‘It’s permanent. You can’t stop the ageing process but you’ll always be one step ahead after a facelift. You’ll always have a head start.’
How long does it take for the swelling to go down?
‘It takes three to four weeks for immediate swelling to subside and five to six months for the full swelling to go.’
What are the latest surgical techniques you use?
‘Surgical techniques move on all the time but scarring is an important aspect where innovations are observed. I always keep the scar behind the ear rather than the hair line so you can wear your hair up or even have short hair and no one will notice.’
‘Fat transfers during facelift surgery can restore loss of volume in the face after respoisitioning skin tissue.’
‘It’s important to choose a surgeon you click with and that you trust.’
Do you do the neck and face at the same time?
‘A face lift and neck lift are part of the same surgery. You cannot lift the neck without addressing the face as the skin and muscles are all interlinked.’
‘What’s important is a natural result. The aim is to make you look better.’
Norman Wright, Psychotherapist
We were also lucky enough to have Norman Wright, psychotherapist from PaPPs Initiative, a pre and post support program for those considering to have elective surgery or invasive aesthetic procedures. He joined us to share with guests the importance of pre and post surgical support.
‘Too many patients are not emotionally and mentally preprared enough for surgery which can have an impact psychologically. This is especially the case if a patient doesn’t have close friends or family to recognise their emotional, relational and psychological wellbeing.’
The PaPPs Initiative also works with surgeons to ensure their patients are prepared, mentally and physically, for the changes they will experience prior to and after surgery.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on the night, both guests, experts and patients and we hope to see you at the next Karidis event. Sign up to Karidis news and you’ll be the first to hear about new events, offers and invites. To view more pictures visit the Karidis Facebook album here.
For more information about facial surgery visit our surgical pages: facelift, lower facelift and neck lift, middle facelift.
Contact the Karidis clinic and one of the team will be able to advise you about an initial consultation with Mr Alex Karidis.
