Face Lift

A facelift is a term that covers several different surgical techniques aimed at rejuvenating the face by addressing sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of youthful contours. Involves lifting and repositioning the skin and soft tissues of the face. During the procedure, incisions are made in front of the ear and may extend upward and forward along the hairline. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened and carefully redraped over the newly adjusted underlying structures before being stitched into place. Fat and other tissues may be reshaped, repositioned, or added to enhance facial contours. There is no single “facelift” operation; instead, various approaches target different layers and areas of the face, including:

  • Cutaneous (skin only) facelift

  • SMAS (Subcutaneous Musculo-Aponeurotic System) facelift

  • Deep plane facelift

  • Midface lift

  • Subperiosteal facelift

  • Endoscopic facelift

  • Necklift and platysmaplasty

  • Volumetric facelift including fat grafting

Each technique differs in complexity, invasiveness, and results. Mr Eccles will help you choose the most suitable method tailored to your facial concerns, ageing changes, and personal circumstances.

Facial rejuvenation techniques have advanced significantly to achieve natural, long-lasting results without the “operated” look often seen in the past.

  • Most facelift procedures require an overnight hospital stay.

    The duration of surgery varies depending on the technique, complexity, and whether additional procedures (like fat grafting) are performed.

  • Recovery time depends on the type and extent of the surgery and your general health, normally taking between 2 and 5 hours.

    Allow 2 to 4 weeks before returning to work and social activities to let swelling, bruising, and tenderness subside. Bruising and swelling typically improve significantly within the first 2 weeks but subtle swelling can persist for several months. You may experience tightness or numbness in the face, which generally improves over time.

    Very important to follow instructions carefully regarding wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.

  • All surgical procedures carry some risk. Common considerations include:

    • Bruising, swelling, and discomfort during recovery

    • Feelings of tightness when opening mouth

    • Scarring, usually hidden along natural skin creases or hairline

    • Numbness or altered sensation in the face, often temporary

    • Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin), which may require intervention

    • Infection and poor wound healing (rare)

    • Asymmetry or irregularities in facial contour

    • Unsatisfactory results, which may require revision surgery

    • Fat grafting carries additional risks of partial fat loss or irregularities

    • Prolonged recovery times for more extensive procedures

    Mr Eccles will discuss all risks with you and help you understand what to expect based on your individual needs.

  • The longevity of facelift results depends on the surgical technique and individual ageing patterns. SMAS and deep plane facelifts generally provide longer-lasting and more natural rejuvenation compared to skin-only facelifts.

    Results can last from 7 to 10 years or more, but natural ageing continues and will eventually alter facial appearance again.

    Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and good skincare can help prolong results.

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