Facelift update at the Royal Society of Medicine

I recently spoke at the Royal Society of Medicine on a day devoted to a comprehensive overview of surgical techniques for rejuvenation in the face and neck. The day was organised by Barbara Jemec, president of the plastic surgery section of the Royal Society of Medicine. Speakers included Patrick Tonnard who developed the MACS lift, Roberto Pizzamigli, known for the Silhouette lift, Alain Fogl, Lucian Ion and myself. The day was extremely informative and especially valuable because each of the speakers has carefully documented their work and audited their results.

As one would expect from such leaders in the field, the results shown were quite spectacular and I really don’t think that in terms of final outcome, that there was much difference between the techniques and treatment philosophies described. One thing did strike me though, and that was that more extensive and complicated the surgical techniques resulted in longer the recovery times and higher adverse event rates. Part of my remit for the day was to review pitfalls and complications in the literature and after a comprehensive review the same message evolved. – Minimally invasive facelifts produce results that are just as good as more complicated techniques and the recovery time for these more modern minimal procedures is much less.

These thoughts have very much reflected my own practice in recent years. It is now very uncommon for me to undertake an extended SMAS lift and my most commonly performed lift is the Lateral SMASectomy with quite minimal undermining of the skin. The procedure can often be performed as a day case procedure and in situations where a dramatic lift isn’t needed, sedation rather than general anaesthetic can be used.

The Royal Society of Medicine day on facial rejuvenation was a great success and it was a real pleasure to be involved in an event dedicated to cosmetic surgery that was truly based on surgical science and audit.

Acting with the utmost integrity

From the moment I discussed my procedure with Professor Dunaway I felt very comfortable with what I had decided to have done. My family and I have used his services before and I knew I was in safe hands. Professor Dunaway acted very professionally when he told me that due to swollen sinuses, he couldn't undertake the procedure in December. He did however book me in for another time and this reassured me that he was acting with the utmost integrity. My procedure went well and I was reassured at all times. My swelling lasted longer than I expected, however I just had to be patient and wait for that to subside. I am really delighted with my results and 3 months later feel much better about myself and how I look. I have Professor Dunaway to thank for that.

I would highly recommend Professor Dunaway to my friends

I would highly recommend Professor Dunaway to my friends. He has a genuine & great customer manner, he explains the procedure in clear simple English and makes you feel comfortable to ask questions. I highly recommend him and if I needed another procedure in the future, it would definitely be with Professor Dunaway.

I have every faith and confidence in Professor Dunaway

I booked an appointment with Professor Dunaway quite some years ago as my daughter had a scald accident when she was almost 2 years old. Professor Dunaway took the time to talk through the best options available and advised at that time that I should wait until she was a little older. After a consultation appointment earlier this year, Professor Dunaway explained the operation would be performed in 3 stages, 3 months apart. I found Professor Dunaway very easy to talk to and felt comfortable asking him questions.

Supported me throughout the entire process

Given my past experience with another surgeon, I was a very nervous and anxious patient. Professor Dunaway and his team were very patient with me and supported me throughout the entire process. He was always willing to take my calls even at weekends and often replied directly to my late night emails. I have met with many doctors in the last 20 years and he is the most caring, understanding and kindest doctor I have met, not to mention extremely competent and talented at what he does.