Facelift Surgery

• Surgery time: 2–5 hours
• Anaesthesia: General or sedation (mini lifts may use local)
• Hospital stay: Usually 1 night
• Recovery: 2–6 weeks
• Results visible: 3–6 months
• Scarring: Hidden in hairline or natural folds
• Results last: Around 7–10 years
• Often combined with: Eyelid surgery, brow lift, fat transfer

Facelift surgery is a highly customisable procedure used to combat signs of facial ageing by lifting sagging tissues, repositioning fat pads, tightening muscles, and removing excess skin. With a deep understanding of facial anatomy and ageing patterns, we carefully design a plan that targets your specific concerns, whether in the cheeks, jawline, neck, or brow area. From subtle mini lifts to comprehensive full facelifts, the focus is always on restoring youthful definition while maintaining your natural appearance. Recovery varies by type, but most patients enjoy long-lasting, confidence-boosting results.

From around the age of 40, the face begins to show signs of ageing. Changes occur across:

• Upper face: forehead lines, drooping brows, temple hollowing
• Midface: descent of cheek fat, under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds
• Lower face and neck: jowls, double chin, skin laxity, and fine lines

These changes result from skin thinning, fat redistribution, and muscle weakening. A facelift targets these elements holistically—lifting, tightening, and restoring lost volume.

Facelifts vary significantly in technique and scope. Common approaches include:

Full (Traditional) Facelift

• Involves incisions around the ear and hairline
• Tightens skin and deeper muscle layers (SMAS)
• May include neck lift and fat repositioning, especially the jowl fat pads which will start lying below the margin of the mandible causing jowling
• May involve going deep into the facial tissue layers, to tighten the muscles in their deep plane
• Best for moderate to advanced ageing

Mini Facelift / MACS Lift

• Smaller incisions, often shorter recovery
• Effective for early signs of ageing
• Less dramatic, shorter-lasting than full facelift - mini facelft = mini result.

Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your anatomy, concerns, and desired downtime.

To optimise facial harmony, facelifts are often combined with:

• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): to reduce hooding or under-eye bags
• Brow lift: for elevated, refreshed brows
• Fat grafting: to restore volume in hollow areas
• Skin resurfacing: to refine fine lines and texture

These additions are discussed during your consultation to ensure a balanced, natural-looking outcome.

First Few Days

• Swelling and bruising are expected
• Drains or compression garments may be used
• Discomfort is usually manageable with medication

1–2 Weeks

• Stitches/clips removed
• Visible swelling starts to subside
• "Socially presentable" timeframe for many mini lifts

3–6 Months

• Final results become visible as tissues settle
• Minor asymmetries or firmness typically resolve

Facelift surgery is safe when performed by a qualified surgeon, but like all surgery, it carries some risks, including:

• Bleeding or infection
• Nerve injury (usually temporary)
• Hairline changes or scarring
• Asymmetry or under/over-correction
• Prolonged swelling or numbness
• Need for revision with time or lifestyle changes

It’s important to understand that while a facelift turns back the clock, it doesn’t stop it ticking. Results are long-lasting but not permanent.