Face Lift
Erase signs of aging from the face

Wrinkles, dropping jowls, and slackening of skin are all results of aging and exposure to the sun. Face-lifts are most effective for removing sag from under the chin and wrinkles from the cheeks.

The operation is most successful for healthy individuals with good remaining skin elasticity, though improvements can be made in most people. A face-lift can erase signs of aging from the face creating a tighter, firmer and more youthful look.

Procedure

Usually performed under a local anaesthetic. Incisions start at the temples and run down the hairline, in front of the ear, continuing backwards into the lower scalp. These incisions allow the surgeon access to the skin of the face and neck, which is lifted from the underlying tissue. Fat is removed and muscles and tendons strengthened depending on the patient and the desired result. The skin is resettled over the adjusted fat and muscle and excess skin removed at the incision edges.

Length

The procedure varies depending on the individual and the work that is required: a standard length for the operation is 2 to 3 hours.

Recovery

Facelifts are often extensive operations. Following the procedure there may be considerable discomfort and swelling for a few days, with tubes being left in place to aid drainage from the areas operated upon. Bandages may remain in place for 1 week, during this time the head should be kept elevated, as much as possible, to reduce inflammation and swelling. Stitches are usually removed at the end of the first week. Most swelling and discomfort will have subsided after 2 weeks to a month. Full recovery to normal feeling may take up to 6 months.

Risks

After surgery blood may gather in areas operated upon though these can be drained subsequently. There is a danger of damage to the nerves of the face causing loss of feeling: such damage is usually only temporary. Infection is a risk as it is with all invasive surgery.

Cosmetic Surgery in Greece
A guide to plastic surgery regulations in Greece

Organizations

The Ministry of Health and Social Cohesion decides on overall health policy issues and on the national strategy for health.

The Greek (Pan-hellenic) Medical Association (PHMA) represents the professional interests of phyisicans with Greece. It is currently working to create an online register of qualified members. The PHMA is divided into regional chambers and a doctor must register with the local chamber in which they are to practice.

The Hellenic Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery is the main society for plastic surgeons in Greece and is directly affiliated with the European Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

Education

The length of training including practical experience for a doctor in Greece is 6 years. The title awarded is Ptychion latrikis.

Plastic Surgery is a recognized specialty with a minimun of 6 years additional training as a registrar. This consists of 2 years of General Surgery, 3 years Plastic Surgery, and 2 single semester courses chosen from: Gynecology, Urology, Otorhinolaryngology, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Children Surgery and Thoracic Surgery. Speciailists are issued a "Titlos Iatrikis Eidikotitas" (certificate of medical specialisation) on compeletion of their period as a registrar.

Continuing education is promoted by Greece's hospitals and professional societies and is seen as an essential ethical responsibility.

Complaints

Compliants against public institutions may be addressed to The Greek Ombudsman, an independant authority. Complaints may be addressed to the Greek Medical Association to be judged by its Ethical Committee.

A physician may also be judged by the ethical committee of any professional society to which they belong, though these will only have the power to censure or suspend membership within the scope of the society - not their activities in general practice.

Storage and Access to Medical Records

As a member of the Council of Europe, Greece is governed by the rules of that organization on the protection of personal data. Greece has its own independant Data Protection Authority. Access to data is also regulated by a number of laws, allowing individuals to access data held on them by public institutions.

Doctors have responsibilities to their patients beyond these regulations. They should co-operate with resonable requests for medical records as quickly as possible. There is a responsibility to store patients data safely and to store it for the period of time of its relevance.

Resources

The Ministry of Health and Social Cohesion
17, Aristotelous Street, GR-101 87 Athens, Greece
email: info@mohaw.gr, minister@mohaw.gr
website: http://www.mohaw.gr/
contact: Mr. Dimitris L. Avramopoulos, Minister of Health and Social Solidarity

The Hellenic Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
website: http://www.hespras.gr/
check membership: Here

Pan-hellenic Medical Association
website: http://www.pis.gr/
email: Pisinfo@pis.gr
local chambers: http://www.pis.gr/medassociations
recognised specialties: http://www.pis.gr/press/inter210208eng.html

Data Protection Agency
website: http://www.dpa.gr/ (in Greek)