As a person ages, the appearance and shape of the face change due to natural aging processes. The skin becomes less elastic and looser. Fat deposits diminish in certain areas of the face and accumulate in others. These natural aging changes can affect a person’s overall appearance and self-confidence.
Age-Related Changes and Their Correction with a Facelift
- Sagging cheeks
- Drooping skin and fat along the jawline
- Deepening of the nasolabial folds (from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth)
- Loose skin and excess fat in the neck area
What is a Facelift and What Does It Correct?
A facelift is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the face and neck by reducing wrinkles, lifting sagging skin, and restoring volume to areas that have lost their youthful contours. Most facelift procedures focus on the jawline, the contours of the face, and the areas around the eyes. After a successful facelift, a person appears refreshed, luminous, and approximately 10–15 years younger.
Types of Facelifts
Full Facelift
A full facelift aims to restore the natural elasticity of the skin and reduce wrinkles. During the procedure:
- An incision is made from the area in front of the ear to behind the ear, possibly extending into the hairline or along the sideburn area.
- The skin is separated from the SMAS (Superficial MusculoAponeurotic System) layer, a dense structure of muscles and connective tissue.
- The SMAS layer is tightened and suspended at fixed points of the face to provide greater support and long-lasting results for the lift.
- Excess skin is removed, and the skin is repositioned with utmost precision. The sutures are placed so that they are not visible.
Short Scar Facelift | Mini Facelift Through a Small Incision
Unlike the full facelift, the short scar facelift focuses on refreshing the face via a more discreet incision:
- The incision is made only in front of the ear, bypassing the area behind the ear.
- The lifting focuses primarily on the jawline area and to a lesser extent on the neck.
MACS Lift | Minimal Access Cranial Suspension Lift
The MACS lift is a variant of the mini facelift, with the main difference being the suspension technique:
- The SMAS layer is suspended with sutures to fixed points of the skull, providing greater stability and longer-lasting results for the lift.
Ideal Candidates for a Facelift
Ideal candidates for a facelift are those presenting noticeable signs of aging and wishing to refresh their appearance. These may include:
- Skin laxity in the face and neck area due to natural aging, sun exposure, smoking, or other factors
- Desire for a more youthful and revitalized appearance
- Good general health. The doctor will assess the patient to rule out medical conditions that could affect the surgery
- Patients must be psychologically prepared for the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results and limitations of a facelift
Consultation Session
The consultation prior to a facelift is critical for ensuring the patient is a suitable candidate, fully understands the procedure, recovery, and potential risks. The plastic surgeon will have an in-depth discussion with the patient, which may cover:
- Medical History: Including chronic illnesses, medications, allergies, and prior surgeries
- Examination and Evaluation: Assessing the skin, its elasticity, and areas of concern
- Explanation of the Procedure: Detailed review of the technique, incisions, and their placement
- Expected Results and Recovery Time: Discussing anticipated outcomes and recovery period
- Potential Risks and Complications: Clear explanation of the associated risks so the patient can make an informed decision
- Alternative Options: The surgeon may also present other alternatives beyond a facelift
Objective
The goal of this consultation process is to ensure the patient has a comprehensive understanding of the procedure, its possible outcomes and risks, and is able to make an informed decision. It also helps build trust between patient and surgeon and set realistic expectations for the surgery.
Preoperative Preparation
Prior to surgery, certain medical evaluations must be performed. In the absence of specific medical concerns, routine preoperative tests typically include:
- Complete Blood Count
- Biochemical Tests
- Coagulation Testing
- Electrocardiogram and Cardiology Evaluation
- Chest X-ray
It is highly recommended for patients to quit smoking at least 2 weeks prior to the procedure and for the early recovery period. Additionally, patients may be asked to discontinue any anticoagulant medications or vitamin supplements at least two weeks prior, in consultation with their doctor.
The Surgery – Facelift
In most cases, general anesthesia is used, and the surgery lasts between 3 and 4.5 hours. The specific technique selected will be based on patient needs and preoperative consultation. After the surgery, the patient will remain in the clinic for 24 hours, with the face bandaged for protection and support during the early recovery period.
Postoperative Care
Immediately after the procedure, the patient will remain in the clinic for monitoring. The face will be wrapped in special dressings designed to protect the area and aid in recovery. Medical staff will closely observe vital signs and recovery status. Swelling and bruising are normal and are to be expected. Patients may also experience some discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. The patient will be instructed on how to properly care for the surgical site and maintain hygiene to prevent infection. An elastic compression garment may be required for a few days to aid tissue adherence and reduce swelling. After approximately 6–8 days, the patient can return to daily activities as swelling and bruising diminish.
Incisions are placed in discreet areas, such as behind the ear, making them easily concealable with a suitable hairstyle or makeup until fully healed. As time passes, and with the application of a special cream recommended by the plastic surgeon, scars become nearly invisible. The results of a facelift generally last between 8–10 years.
Complications
Complications following a facelift are rare, and when they occur, they can usually be treated effectively. These may include:
- Hematoma Formation
- Infection
- Noticeable Scarring
- Facial Nerve Injury
- Localized Skin Necrosis
Additional Procedures That Can Be Combined with a Facelift–Necklift
A facelift can be combined with both non-invasive and invasive treatments for enhanced results. Non-invasive treatments that can be combined include:
- Peeling
- PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
- Fractional Laser
Additional surgical treatments that can be combined with a facelift include:
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
- PAL Liposuction of the Neck
- Fat Grafting
Contact us to learn more about the methods we use, our most innovative techniques, and to book an appointment for an initial consultation about your concerns!
References
- Fang AH, et al. A Systematic Review of Rhytidectomy Complications and Interventions (2000–2024). Annals of Plastic Surgery, June 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40459450/
- JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery comparison of SMAS vs deep technique:
Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of Superficial and Deep Facelift Techniques, Annals of Plastic Surgery, 2025. https://journals.lww.com/annalsplasticsurgery/abstract/9900/comparing_the_safety_and_efficacy_of_superficial.853.aspx - Meretsky CR, et al. A Systematic Review and Comparative Analysis of Reconstructive Rhytidectomy: Advantages, Disadvantages and Patient Outcomes, 2024. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384708485_A_Systematic_Review_and_Comparative_Analysis_of_Reconstructive_Rhytidectomy_Advantages_Disadvantages_and_Patient_Outcomes
