The Ultimate Guide to Facelift Surgery: Turn Back the Clock with Confidence

A facelift, medically known as a rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the face by reducing visible signs of aging. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, wrinkles deepen, and sagging occurs due to gravity and volume loss. A facelift helps address these concerns, restoring a youthful, refreshed appearance.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about facelift surgery, including different techniques, the recovery process, potential risks, and expected results.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin, repositions underlying tissues, and removes excess fat to achieve a smoother, firmer look. It primarily targets the lower two-thirds of the face, including the jawline, cheeks, and neck. While a facelift can dramatically improve facial contours, it does not stop the aging process—it simply resets the clock.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Ideal candidates for a facelift:

• Are in their 40s to 70s, though age is not the only factor.
• Have moderate to severe sagging in the lower face and neck.
• Have good skin elasticity, which helps achieve natural-looking results.
• Are in good overall health and do not smoke (smoking can affect healing).
• Have realistic expectations about the outcome.

If you have fine lines or mild sagging, non-surgical options like Botox, fillers, or laser treatments may be more appropriate. However, for significant sagging and deep folds, a facelift provides more dramatic and long-lasting results.

Types of Facelifts

There are several facelift techniques, each tailored to different levels of aging and patient needs.

1. Traditional Facelift (Full Facelift)

This comprehensive procedure addresses sagging skin, deep folds, and jowls. The surgeon makes incisions around the ears, along the hairline, and sometimes under the chin. Muscles and tissues are repositioned, excess skin is removed, and the skin is redraped. This technique provides the most dramatic and long-lasting results, often lasting 10–15 years.

2. Mini Facelift

A less invasive option, the mini facelift targets mild to moderate sagging, especially around the jowls and cheeks. It requires smaller incisions (usually around the ears), leading to shorter recovery times. This is ideal for younger patients or those seeking subtle enhancements. Results typically last 5–10 years.

3. SMAS Facelift (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Facelift)

This technique focuses on tightening the underlying muscle layer (SMAS) rather than just pulling the skin. It provides more natural-looking and longer-lasting results compared to skin-only lifts. The SMAS facelift is a common choice for patients with moderate to severe facial sagging.

4. Deep Plane Facelift

A more advanced technique that lifts deeper facial structures, including muscles and fat pads. It provides a natural lift without a pulled or overdone appearance. This method is ideal for severe sagging and deep folds, offering results that last up to 15 years.

5. Neck Lift (Often Combined with a Facelift)

A facelift typically includes some degree of neck lifting, but a dedicated neck lift focuses on sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle banding in the neck. This is an essential component for achieving a harmonious and youthful appearance.

The Facelift Procedure: What to Expect

A facelift is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

1. Pre-Surgery Preparation

• Medical evaluation: Your surgeon will assess your health and facial structure.
• Lifestyle changes: Patients are advised to stop smoking, avoid blood-thinning medications, and maintain a healthy diet.
• Setting expectations: Discuss the desired results and understand potential risks.

2. Surgical Procedure

• Incisions are made along the hairline and around the ears (depending on the facelift type).
• Tissues are repositioned to create a lifted and youthful appearance.
• Excess skin is removed, and the incisions are carefully closed.

The entire procedure takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on the technique used.

Recovery and Aftercare

The recovery process varies, but most patients need at least two weeks before resuming normal activities.

Week 1:

• Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are most intense during the first 3–5 days.
• Pain medication and cold compresses help manage discomfort.
• Keeping the head elevated reduces swelling.

Week 2:

• Swelling starts to subside.
• Stitches are removed (if not dissolvable).
• Patients may begin light activities but should avoid strenuous exercises.

Week 3–4:

• Most swelling and bruising disappear.
• Makeup can be used to cover residual discoloration.
• Patients feel more comfortable in social settings.

After 6 Weeks:

• Full results become visible.
• Patients can resume all normal activities, including workouts.

Risks and Potential Complications

Although facelifts are generally safe, they do carry some risks:

• Infection: Rare but possible, requiring antibiotics.
• Scarring: Typically minimal and hidden along natural creases.
• Hematoma (blood collection under the skin): May require drainage.
• Nerve injury: Temporary numbness or weakness in facial muscles (usually resolves).
• Unsatisfactory results: Some patients may need revisions.

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon reduces these risks and ensures the best outcome.

Facelift Results: What to Expect

How Long Do Results Last?

• A traditional facelift lasts 10–15 years.
• A mini facelift lasts 5–10 years.
• Lifestyle factors, such as sun exposure, smoking, and skincare, affect longevity.

Will I Look Natural?

A well-performed facelift should not make you look “pulled” or unnatural. The goal is to restore youthful contours while maintaining facial harmony.

Can Facelifts Be Combined with Other Procedures?

Yes! Many patients combine facelifts with:

• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): To rejuvenate the eyes.
• Brow lift: To elevate the forehead.
• Fat grafting: To restore lost volume.
• Laser treatments or chemical peels: To improve skin texture.

Non-Surgical Alternatives

For those not ready for surgery, non-invasive options include:

• Dermal fillers (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane): Add volume to the face.
• Botox: Reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
• Ultherapy or RF treatments: Use ultrasound or radiofrequency to tighten skin.

However, these treatments cannot achieve the same long-lasting results as a facelift.

If you are considering a facelift, choosing an experienced and reputable clinic is crucial. London Private Hospital offers facelifts with advanced techniques performed by some of the best cosmetic surgeons in London. Our clinic also specializes in blepharoplasty, breast augmentation, chin liposuction, and lipedema surgery, ensuring comprehensive facial and body contouring solutions.

Looking for guidance on facelift surgery? Reach out to us and book a free consultation.