Information about the procedure
Restoring a clear jawline by lifting the deep tissues and removing excess skin.
On this page
What it involves
A facelift lifts the sagging tissues of the mid and lower face and restores a clear jawline. The modern technique addresses not only the skin but, above all, the layer beneath it — the SMAS, which carries most of the tension.
The difference is significant. Pulling only the skin gives an artificial, overly tight look, and the result does not last. Working on the deep layer allows the skin to lie flat without tension, so the result looks natural.
A facelift does not address skin quality, pigmentation or fine lines. It puts the tissues back in place. Skin quality is treated with other methods, which are often combined with it.
Types and approaches
Full facelift with SMAS
Addresses the mid and lower face and the neck. The incision runs in front of and behind the ear and into the hairline. Gives the most lasting result when changes are marked.
Mini-lift
A more limited procedure for younger patients with moderate laxity. A shorter scar and faster recovery, but a shorter-lasting result.
Facelift with platysmaplasty
When neck changes are pronounced, treatment of the platysma through a small incision under the chin is added to the facial procedure.
Combined with fat grafting (lipofilling)
A lift puts the tissues back in place but does not restore lost volume. Adding your own fat to the cheeks and temples makes the result considerably more natural.
Who it is suitable for
Suitable for
- Sagging of the midface and loss of a clear jawline
- Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Loose skin on the neck
- A blurred jawline contour
- Good overall health
- Realistic expectations of a natural rather than a radically changed result
Not suitable, or postponed, in cases of
- Current smoking — one of the most serious risk factors for skin loss with this operation
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Blood clotting disorders
- Expecting surgery to improve skin quality and texture
- Unstable weight
- An unrealistic wish to look 20 years younger
Preparation
- A detailed consultation with analysis of the face at rest and in motion
- Blood pressure control before surgery — this is particularly important for preventing haematoma
- Stopping smoking at least four weeks before and after surgery
- Stopping blood thinners and supplements, as agreed with your doctor
- Pre-operative tests and a consultation with a cardiologist or an anaesthetist
- Help at home arranged for the first few days
How it is performed
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia or deep sedation with local anaesthesia and usually takes four to six hours.
The incisions follow natural lines — in front of the ear, around the ear, behind the ear and within the hairline — where they stay well hidden.
The skin is lifted off, the SMAS layer is elevated and secured in the correct direction, and the excess skin is removed without tension. The direction of the lift is what determines whether the result looks natural or overly tight.
Drains and a soft dressing are applied. The hospital stay is usually one night.
Recovery
- The first 48 hoursSwelling and bruising are at their peak. Sleep with your head elevated and use cold compresses. Blood pressure control is a priority, because a sudden rise is the main cause of a haematoma.
- The first weekThe drains and dressing are removed within the first few days. Stitches are usually removed in stages between day 7 and day 12. The swelling starts to subside.
- 2–4 weeksMost patients look presentable after 3 weeks — women with the help of make-up. Numbness in front of and behind the ear is normal and lasts for months.
- 1–3 monthsThe tissues soften and the swelling subsides. The result starts to look natural.
- 6–12 monthsThe final result, with mature scars. Assessing the result before 6 months is premature.
Pain and discomfort
Most patients are surprised at how little a facelift hurts. It feels tight, heavy and numb rather than acutely painful. Discomfort is usually controlled with standard painkillers. Severe pain on one side with rapidly increasing swelling during the first few hours is a sign of haematoma and requires you to contact us immediately.
Risks and complications
Every intervention carries risks. Listing them does not mean they are expected to occur — it allows you to make an informed decision.
- Haematoma — the most common serious complication; requires urgent evacuation
- Temporary facial nerve weakness with an asymmetric smile — usually resolves
- Permanent damage to a branch of the facial nerve — rare
- Skin loss in front of and behind the ear — considerably more common in smokers
- Distortion of the ear shape if the skin is pulled incorrectly
- Widened or visible scars
- Persistent numbness in the cheek and ear
- Asymmetry
- Hair loss around the incisions in the hair-bearing scalp
Results and longevity
The result of a well-performed facelift usually lasts 8–12 years. The face continues to age, but from a better starting point.
Patients do not look like a different person, but like themselves a few years earlier. If the result looks like a change of identity, the operation was too aggressive.
Combining the lift with volume restoration is what most often makes the difference between a good result and a very good one.