Facelift
A facelift can reposition sagging facial and neck tissues and refine contours. The surgical approach is tailored to the individual anatomy and extent of change.
Understanding facial ageing
Over time, changes occur in the skin, underlying tissues and muscles of the face and neck. Elasticity decreases, facial volume shifts and certain tissues may sag. These changes can affect the cheeks, jawline and neck contour.
Mild changes may be addressed with non-surgical procedures. When tissue descent is more advanced, a surgical facelift may be considered. Not every wrinkle is caused by sagging tissue, and a facelift is not the right solution for every type of line.
A facelift planned around your needs
No two facelifts are identical. Depending on the examination, the cheeks, jawline and neck may be the main focus, while the forehead, temples and eye area are assessed as part of the overall facial balance.
A facelift does not necessarily improve fine lines around the mouth or excess eyelid skin. Other treatments may be considered when medically and aesthetically appropriate, but not all facial areas need to be treated at the same time.
What can a facelift achieve?
By repositioning descended tissues and adjusting the overlying skin, surgery can improve the definition of facial and neck contours. The aim is a natural-looking result that preserves individual expressions and recognisable facial features.
Surgery does not stop ageing or guarantee a wrinkle-free face. The duration of the visible result depends on tissue quality, the initial condition and the continuing ageing process.
Anaesthesia and clinic stay
The type of anaesthesia and the need for an overnight stay depend on the extent and technique of the facelift and the patient's individual medical circumstances. The surgical and anaesthesia teams discuss the planned approach before the procedure.
An individual assessment is more reliable than assuming that every facelift follows the same timetable.
Preparing for surgery
Before surgery, the clinical team reviews medical conditions, current medication, allergies and lifestyle factors that may affect anaesthesia, bleeding or wound healing. Smoking and nicotine use are especially important because they can affect blood supply to the skin.
Any changes to regular medication, as well as arrangements for help and rest after surgery, should be agreed with the treating team in advance.
How facelift surgery is performed
Incisions are planned around the ear and, where necessary, into the hair-bearing areas so that resulting scars can be as discreet as possible. Hair generally does not need to be shaved.
Depending on the selected technique, the skin and deeper soft tissues are mobilised, repositioned and secured. The skin is then adjusted and closed with as little tension as possible. A light head dressing and, in some cases, drains may be used.
The first weeks after a facelift
Tightness, swelling, bruising and temporary changes in skin sensation can occur after surgery. The most pronounced swelling often develops in the first one to two days and gradually subsides over the following weeks.
The contours may continue to settle for considerably longer. The point at which the result can be assessed depends on the extent of surgery and the individual healing response.
Risks and potential complications
Possible complications include bruising, bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing and more visible scars. Changes in sensation can persist for some time; temporary hair loss along an incision or impaired blood supply to the skin can also occur.
Injury to facial nerves is uncommon but is a specific risk of facelift surgery. A haematoma or other complication may require further treatment. Nicotine use may increase the risk of wound-healing problems. These risks are discussed in the individual consultation.
Aftercare and recovery
Dressings and any drains are removed according to the postoperative findings, as are stitches where non-dissolving sutures have been used. The clinic's existing guidance recommends allowing about a week of rest after the operation.
Make-up, sun exposure and sport should be resumed gradually and only as healing permits. Fresh scars should be protected from intense sunlight, with ongoing sun protection during scar maturation.
Frequently asked questions
Is every facelift performed in the same way?
No. The technique is selected according to the areas that need treatment, such as the cheeks, jawline or neck. The forehead and temples may also be part of the assessment. Individual planning is essential.
Can a facelift also remove fine lines or excess eyelid skin?
A facelift primarily addresses tissue descent and altered facial or neck contours. Fine lines, particularly around the mouth, and excess eyelid skin may require other treatments.
How long will swelling remain visible?
Swelling and bruising are expected during early recovery. Swelling is often strongest during the first one to two days and then subsides over the following weeks. Recovery varies with the extent of surgery.
How much time should I allow for recovery?
The clinic's existing guidance describes roughly five to seven days of initial rest. Light make-up may often be used again after about eight days if healing is satisfactory; your treating team will advise you.
When can I return to sport after a facelift?
Sport may generally be resumed after approximately four weeks, depending on the operation and recovery. Avoid intense direct sun exposure during early healing and follow the individual medical advice provided.
Personal consultation
Individual suitability, expected outcomes, recovery and risks can be discussed with your specialist.
Request a consultation