The Full Facelift Procedure

Facelift surgery, medically known as facelift rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery designed to address sagging skin, excess skin, and deep facial folds to create a more youthful appearance. Below, we detail the entire process step by step, the different types of facelifts, recovery timelines, pros and cons, and considerations to help you decide if facelift surgery is right for you.

Step by Step Process of a Full Facelift

Before the Procedure

1. Consultation:
   You will meet with your plastic surgeon to discuss concerns, examine your facial skin, bone structure, and facial muscles, and determine realistic expectations. Your medical condition, previous surgeries, and medications are reviewed to ensure you are fit for surgery.
2. Preparation:
   You may be asked to stop smoking, adjust medications, and arrange for someone to drive you home post-surgery. Blood tests and health checks are performed beforehand.

During the Procedure

1. Anaesthesia:
   Administered under general anaesthesia or local anaesthetic with sedation depending on your surgical plan.
2. Incision:
   Incision sites vary based on the facelift technique. For a full facelift, incisions often begin at the temples in the hairline, continue around the ear, and end in the lower scalp. For a neck lift, an additional neck lift incision under the chin may be used to address loose neck skin and excess fat.
3. Tissue Repositioning:
   The surgeon lifts and repositions the underlying facial muscles and SMAS layer, removes excess skin, and may adjust facial fat for natural contours.
4. Closing Incisions:
   Incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches or sutures, aiming to reduce scarring and maintain natural hairlines.
5. Duration:
   Face lift surgery typically takes 2–4 hours but can be longer if combined with other procedures such as fat grafting, brow lift, or eyelid surgery.

After the Procedure

1. Recovery Room:
   You will be monitored as you wake from anaesthesia. Some patients go home the same day; others may require a hospital overnight stay depending on their procedure and general health.
2. Initial Recovery:
   • Swelling and bruising: Common in the first two weeks, peaking at 48–72 hours.
   • Severe pain: Rare, but discomfort is managed with prescribed pain relief.
   • Feeling tight: The skin and deeper tissues may feel tight initially as swelling subsides.
   • Follow up care: You will return for dressing changes, wound checks, and stitch removal if non-dissolvable sutures were used.
3. Final Results:
   Visible after swelling resolves, usually by three months, with scars continuing to fade for up to a year.

Different Types of Facelift

Facelift Type

Description

Full Facelift

Comprehensive lift addressing the face and neck for dramatic results.

Mini Facelift

Targets mild sagging skin, uses a limited incision, and is a minimally invasive procedure with shorter recovery.

SMAS Facelift

Tightens the superficial musculoaponeurotic system for midface rejuvenation.

Deep Plane Facelift

Releases deeper tissues and facial ligaments for natural, longer-lasting results.

Mid Facelift

Lifts cheeks and nasolabial folds without addressing the jawline or neck.

MACS Facelift

Minimal access cranial suspension facelift using a shorter incision, suitable for mild to moderate facial ageing.

Recovery Times for Different Facelifts

Facelift Type

Typical Recovery Time

Full Facelift

3–4 weeks for social recovery; full result at 4–6 months.

Mini Facelift

1–2 weeks for social recovery.

SMAS Facelift

2–3 weeks for swelling to subside.

Deep Plane Facelift

2–4 weeks for initial recovery; final result by 4–6 months.

Mid Facelift

1–2 weeks.

MACS Facelift

1–2 weeks.

Pros and Cons of Facelifts

Pros

• Removes excess skin and tightens sagging skin
• Defines jaw line and reduces jowls
• Long-lasting results compared to non-surgical options
• Restores a more youthful appearance

Cons

• Requires surgical procedure under anaesthesia
• Possible risks such as nerve injury, infection, or permanent hair loss at incision sites
• Recovery can take weeks, with swelling and bruising
• Results vary based on facial structure, skin quality, and ageing process

Are Facelifts Safe?

Facelift surgery is generally safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications, including:

• Infection
• Hematoma
• Nerve injury causing temporary or permanent weakness
• Scarring
• Hair loss around incision sites

A thorough consultation will assess your risks based on health, skin quality, and desired outcomes.

Why May I Need a Facelift?

You might consider facelift surgery if you experience:

• Significant sagging skin or jowls
• Loose skin under the chin or along the neck
• Deep wrinkles or facial folds not improved by dermal fillers or other treatments
• Facial ageing accelerated by drastic weight loss or sun damage
• Desire for facial rejuvenation with longer-lasting, more dramatic results than minimally invasive procedures can provide

Have Queries?

Facelift surgery remains a popular choice for those seeking a natural, more youthful appearance with long-lasting results. From a full facelift to a mini facelift or deep plane facelift, each technique offers unique benefits depending on your facial anatomy and goals. Mr Aftab Ahmed is an experienced facial plastic surgeon who can guide you through your facelift options, discuss the most suitable surgical technique for you, and help you set realistic expectations. If you’re considering face and neck rejuvenation, book a consultation with Mr Ahmed to explore the right approach for your needs.