Specialised Travel - Cosmetic Surgery
Tel: +356 2329 1000 | George Borg Olivier Street, Sliema, Malta. SLM 1807
Website: www.stjameshospital.com
Email: healthtourism@stjameshospital.com

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A FACELIFT?
As we age, the muscles of the face get weaker and the skin becomes less elastic, hence wrinkles develop. The extent to which this occurs varies considerably between individuals and may be influenced by inherited factors and external influences such as sun exposure, smoking and weight loss.

A face lift is a surgical procedure which can tighten the skin of the face and hence reduce wrinkles, folds and some fine lines. The effects can last for up to ten years. A separate surgery involving eye lifts (Blepharoplasty) or brow lifts may be needed to tackle forehead wrinkles or droopy eyes.
Problems with the saggy eyelids will also not be solved by a facelift and separate eyelid surgery may be needed. These procedures may be done simultaneously.

WHAT DOES THE OPERATION INVOLVE?
The operation involves a general anaesthetic which means that the patients will be asleep during the procedure. In rare cases it can be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation. Most patients will need to stay in hospital overnight. There are several different techniques that could be used but
in general the surgery involves a scar that runs in the hairline of the forehead, down in front of the ears and continues underneath the earlobe and in to the hairline behind the ears.
Extra scars along the chin may or may not be required. Since different techniques may be used it is important to discuss the exact position stitches and scars with your Surgeon, during the consultation.

Using these incisions the surgeon can then peel the skin away from the muscles of the face. The skin is then be pulled tight, stitched in place, and the excess skin is trimmed away and discarded.

If you decide on surgery you will be required to undergo health checks and photos will be taken to show the appearance of your face before surgery. You will be asked to sign a consent form giving permission for the operation. This requires that you are aware of the risks and complications involved with the procedure. You will have bandages around your face and head which may or may not be removed before you go to the hotel. There may also be some small tubes connected to a bag or small bottles to collect any oozing or bleeding which will also be removed before discharge from hospital.

You will need some simple painkillers to ease discomfort. You should expect your face to be bruised and to feel swollen and tight. This can take several weeks to subside. It may be painful to eat at first. You will be given specific advice before you leave hospital but in general you should avoid vigorous activity and bending down for a few days. It is advisable to sleep with several pillows to keep your head higher than the rest of your body.

You will not be able to wash your face for a few days. Stitches will be removed after 5 to 7 days.

WHEN CAN NORMAL ACTIVITIES BE RESUMED?
You can start wearing make-up after about 4 days. You can return to work when you choose but due to the bruising and swelling, most people chose to have a couple of weeks off until things have settled down. You should avoid the sun for 6 weeks and after that always apply sunscreen. Patients are usually fit to fly within 7-9 days post-op (exceptions are subject to the Surgeon's discretion).

ABOUT SAINT JAMES HOSPITAL
Many foreigners are choosing to travel to Malta to receive medical and surgical treatment. Malta combines a high level of medical expertise coupled with an ideal climate, best suited to enhance convalescence. Malta is no stranger to Medical Tourism, having a strong record in the field of medicine and a long tradition of care, also referred to in history as 'The hospital of the Mediterranean.'

We are your key interface from first enquiry to your return home and beyond. Our customer care team liaises with you during your extended convalescence back in your home country to provide support, advice and to gather your feedback on our service. Our Hospital is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by fully qualified doctors and nurses who are multilingual, being fluent in English, Maltese & Italian. The services offered are comprehensive, ranging from simple blood tests to diagnostic scans, from cosmetic surgery to dental services, from hair removal by laser to complex cardiac surgery.

The Hospital hosts ten modern and high-tech operating theatres which are equipped with advanced anaesthesia equipment. Our doctors are trained and qualified in the EU and the USA and have specialised and worked in leading hospitals and Universities in England, Scotland, Ireland, USA and other countries. We also provide for post operation physiotherapy.
All private rooms are situated within comfortable and spacious wards, supervised day and night by an exceptional team of doctors and nurses. The rooms are single-bedded with an en-suite bathroom/shower, colour cable TV, telephone, air-conditioning, and a nurse call system keeping you in immediate contact with the nursing staff. Tea/coffee facilities are also available in every room. Wireless internet network for laptop computers is available in the hospitals. Overnight facilities for relative/carer are provided. Relative/Carer can also opt to sleep with the patient in the same room.

Many satisfied patients have commented on the luxurious and warm environment found in the hospital which, quoting them, 'makes you feel like you are staying in a hotel with special care and medical assistance.' The service and quality of our accommodation is in fact five star quality, forming an excellent synergy with the professional medical and nursing staff who run our wards.

Our customer care representatives will be your first point of contact with us. They handle all patients from arrival to departure, and will be in touch with you before and during your stay, providing you with support and peace of mind. We offer some of the best value for money you'll find anywhere for cosmetic surgery abroad, with no compromise on quality, service, care and convenience. We also offer various combinations and packages at favorable rates.