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 Poland
A guide to plastic surgery regulations in Poland

Organizations

The Ministry of Health holds overall responsiblitiy for the management of healthcare within Poland.

Doctors are registered with the Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists. This is an independant body responsible for overseeing the profession in Poland. It is divided into 24 regional chambers with activities co-ordinated by the Supreme Medical Council.

The Polish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons is the main professional body representing plastic surgeons in Poland. Plastic surgeons specialising in head and neck surgery may also be members of The Polish Society of Otorhinolaryngologists, Head and Neck Surgeons.

Education

The basic medical degree takes 6 years. Graduates are awarded the title Lekarz and following this doctors either complete a compulsory 1 year internship or apply for training in one of the basic specialties: internal medicine, emergency medicine or family medicine.

Plastic surgeons hold a Specialist Diploma with the title "Chirurgia plastyczna" representing addtional specialist training of 5 years - This is commonly refered to as the "second-level specialization degree in plastic surgery".

Poland operates a mandatory system of compulsory continuing education with all doctors required to amass 250 continuing education points in a 5 year period. Continuing education points are only valid for accreditited courses and failure to gain the required number of points results in the suspension of the right to practice. Professional organizations such as the Polish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons help organize training and seminars specific to their specialties.

Complaints

A Screener for Professional Liability (SPL) investigates any complaint against a medical professional. Their findings are adjudicated by a regional medical court. Appeals are sent to the supreme medical court. Full details are available on the site of the Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists in the reference section below.

Storage and Access to Medical Records

Polish doctors are bound by both ethical and legal constraints to respect patient confidentiality and ensure the security of their data.

Information must be stored in paper form but may be backed up by electronic means. The Act on Access to Public Information (6th September 2001) mandates an individuals right to access information stored about them and includes sections on access to medical data. As an E.U member Poland has an additional requirement to comply with the E.U's laws on data protection and access.

Resources

Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists
tel: (22) 559-13-00
00-764 Warszawa, ul. Sobieskiego 110
e-mail: ekretariat@hipokrates.org
website: http://www.nil.org.pl
register of doctors: http://www.nil.org.pl/xml/nil/rejlek/hurtd

Complaints
Complaint mechanisms may be found at
http://www.nil.org.pl/xml/nil/wladze/str_sad/odpzawoden