Facelift

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A facelift is a cosmetic procedure that tightens and smooths the face by lifting and pulling back its skin through surgery.

The surgery reduces sagging skin, smooths deep folds, and tightens facial contours. The aim is to restore a refreshed and naturally youthful look.

Facelift reduces signs of ageing

A facelift is also known as rhytidectomy and addresses the visible signs of ageing in the face and neck areas. The procedure involves removing excess skin, tightening underlying tissues and repositioning skin on the face and neck.

Different treatment methods

SMAS lift

The SMAS facelift targets the layer of tissue deep under the skin. The appearance of the cheeks and jowls is significantly improved by repositioning and tightening the SMAS layer.

Suitable for: mid to lower sections of the face.

Deep plane lift

The deep plane facelift goes even further, targeting the facial structure beneath the SMAS layer. This allows for a comprehensive repositioning of facial and neck tissues.

Suitable for: significant facial sagging and deep-set wrinkles.

Mini lift

A mini facelift targets mild to moderate signs of ageing, primarily in the lower face and neck. It is less invasive than a full facelift, with a generally shorter recovery time and fewer associated risks.

Suitable for: if you are beginning to notice the effects of ageing but are not yet in need of a full facial lift.

Liquid lift

A liquid facelift is a non-surgical procedure that uses injectables to achieve a lifting effect, adding volume, smoothing out wrinkles and restoring facial contours.

Suitable for: those seeking minimal downtime and temporary, subtle enhancements on early signs of ageing without surgery.

Combining neck
& face lift

To achieve a more harmonious, youthful appearance, a facelift is often combined with a neck lift to enhance both definition and balance in the face and neck.

Addressing both areas at the same time creates a smooth transition between the face and neck, resulting in a balanced and natural look.

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The procedure

Regardless of the type of facelift treatment you choose, the procedure follows a similar process. Here’s what you can expect from start to finish.

01.

Consultation

01.

Consultation

During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your facial structure, skin quality and signs of ageing. You will discuss your goals, go through the procedure, and have the chance to ask any questions. The treatment plan will be tailored to suit your individual features and desired results.

02.

Preparations

02.

Preparations

Before surgery, you may need to adjust medications, take lab tests and adhere to certain guidelines on eating, drinking, and smoking. By doing so, you will help reduce risks and support a smooth recovery. Your surgeon will provide you with more detailed instructions to ensure you're well-prepared.

03.

Surgical
procedure

03.

Surgical
procedure

Facelift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia or sedation. The surgeon makes discreet incisions along the hairline at the temples, continuing around the ears and into the lower scalp. This allows for precise repositioning of the skin and tightening of the underlying SMAS layer while keeping scars well hidden. Excess skin is removed to create a refreshed, more youthful look.

Once the necessary adjustments are made, the incisions are carefully closed with sutures or skin adhesives to promote healing and minimise scarring. Depending on the extent of the procedure, surgery typically takes several hours.

04.

Non-surgical
procedure

04.

Non-surgical
procedure

Non-surgical facelift treatments provide a less invasive way to lift, tone, and define facial contours with minimal recovery time. There are several options available.

Dermal fillers and botulinum toxin (sometimes referred to as Botox), which fill in wrinkles, restore lost volume and relax facial muscles for a more youthful look.
Ultrasound therapy instead uses micro-focused ultrasound waves to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin, gradually lifting and tightening the facial tissues.
Fractional lasers promote skin resurfacing by stimulating collagen production, improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

05.

Recovery and
aftercare

05.

Recovery and
aftercare

At home, resting with your head elevated and using cold compresses can help reduce swelling. Strenuous activities and direct sun exposure should be avoided during the early recovery period–within two to three weeks, most patients can return to their normal routines.

After surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising and discomfort. Your surgeon will provide pain relief together with clear aftercare instructions, and you will be scheduled for follow-up appointments to check on your healing progress, remove sutures, and discuss any further needs.

06.

Results

06.

Results

The effects of a facelift typically last between 5 and 15 years. The surgery won’t stop the natural ageing process, although it can rejuvenate your appearance significantly and make you look years younger.

A facelift helps create smoother, firmer facial skin, a more defined jawline and reduced sagging and deep creases. The initial improvements become visible as swelling and bruising subside, but it can take several months for the final results to fully develop.

Potential risks
and side-effects

Facelift surgery is generally safe and effective, but like any procedure, it carries certain risks and potential side effects.

• Swelling and bruising
Common and temporary. Swelling and bruising will diminish as the healing process advances.
• Scarring
Incisions are strategically placed to minimise visibility and scarring typically fades over time.
• Hair loss
Temporary hair loss around the incision sites is possible but usually resolves on its own.
• Changes in skin sensation
Numbness or tingling is common but gradually improves over weeks to months.
• Loss of skin
Rare, resulting from poor blood supply to the skin flaps; smokers are at a significantly higher risk.
• Facial nerve injury
A rare complication that could lead to temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness.

When to seek
medical attention

Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms.

• Unusual swelling, pain or discharge from the incision sites
• Significant bleeding or signs of infection
• Breathing difficulty or chest pain
• Any sudden or concerning changes in your overall health

With Adoreal, you have direct access to your surgeon for any questions or concerns.

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