Face lift

A facelift (rhytidectomy) improves visible signs of ageing in the lower face, jawline and neck — repositioning the deeper facial tissues and muscles, redistributing or removing excess fat, and redraping loose skin. It softens the signs of ageing rather than stopping it, and can be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift or fat transfer.

Anaesthetic: General (or local + sedation)
Hospital stay: Day case or overnight
Time off work: 2–3 weeks
Final result: Settles over 6–9 months

A general guide only — your own timeline is confirmed at consultation.

What it involves

Incisions are placed within the hairline and around the natural contours of the ear, sometimes extending behind the ear; if the neck is treated, a small incision may be made beneath the chin. The deeper tissue layer (the SMAS) is lifted and repositioned before the skin is redraped and the excess removed without undue tension. It is usually performed under general anaesthetic, or local anaesthetic with sedation in selected cases.

Who it may suit

May suit patients in good general health with facial or neck sagging — jowls, loose skin beneath the chin, a softened jawline — that concerns them, who do not smoke (or can stop as advised) and have realistic expectations. There is no single 'correct' age; suitability depends on anatomy, skin quality and degree of ageing rather than age alone. A facelift does not reliably improve fine wrinkles, sun damage or skin texture — resurfacing, peels, injectables or skin care suit those better.

Recovery

Swelling, bruising, tightness and numbness around the cheeks, neck and ears are common early on, often most noticeable in the first several days and improving over two to three weeks. Many people return to social activities or non-strenuous work after about two to three weeks. Some residual swelling, firmness or numbness can persist for months, and the tissues take six to nine months — sometimes longer — to settle fully. Scars fade over 12 to 18 months.

This page is a general guide. Every procedure is planned individually — the details, risks and recovery relevant to you are discussed at consultation.

Patient information leaflet Download the full face lift leaflet (PDF)

Common questions

Will I look 'pulled' or unnatural?

A modern facelift repositions and supports the deeper tissue layer (the SMAS) rather than simply tightening skin, which is what keeps the result natural. Preserving your expression and identity is the priority.

How long will the result last?

A facelift gives a long-lasting improvement but does not stop ageing — your face continues to change with time. How long it lasts depends on skin quality, genetics, sun exposure, smoking, weight changes and the technique used, and some recurrence of looseness is expected over the years.