Facelift · Rhytidectomy
Facelift: Compare practices from our network
A facelift tightens and repositions the skin and underlying tissue of the face and neck. It refreshes structure rather than changing who you look like.
Our network
Facelift providers from Adoreal's partner network.
London · United Kingdom
iQonic Aesthetics
Facelift offered alongside eyelid, brow and ear surgery within a multi-surgeon team.
London · United Kingdom
iQonic Aesthetics
Facelift offered alongside eyelid, brow and ear surgery within a multi-surgeon team.
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How to choose a facelift surgeon
Board certification is the starting point. The details below are worth weighing carefully when you're choosing the surgeon who's right for your goals.
Here's what to look for before you decide:
A good facelift surgeon works below the skin, not just on it.
Lasting results come from repositioning the deeper SMAS layer, not from pulling skin tight. A surgeon worth trusting explains which layer they work on and why. If the plan is skin-only, ask how they avoid the tight, flattened look that follows.
They should tell you which lift you actually need.
SMAS, deep plane, mini, and non-surgical options solve different degrees of aging. A surgeon who performs facial surgery as a core part of their practice will say plainly if a mini lift will not deliver what you want, or if you are too early for surgery altogether.
The neck is part of the conversation.
Face and neck age together, and treating one without the other is a common source of disappointment. A surgeon who assesses your jawline and neck unprompted, and explains whether a neck lift should be combined, is planning for harmony rather than a single area.
The best surgeons are specific about scars and recovery.
Incisions run along the hairline, around the ears, and into the lower scalp. Ask exactly where yours will sit, how they will be hidden, and what two to three weeks of downtime realistically looks like, including bruising and swelling.
Transparency about your plan and expectations is non-negotiable.
Your surgeon should be comfortable documenting the technique planned, whether a neck lift or other treatments are included, expected scar placement, and what recovery support looks like week by week, and sharing that with you in writing.
Before your consultation, prepare this question
“What will I look like in ten years with this technique, and how do you avoid an overtightened result?”
A surgeon who answers directly, rather than deflecting, is one who puts your outcome above the booking.
Find a Facelift ProviderAbout the treatment
About facelift
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, tightens and smooths the face by lifting and repositioning skin and underlying tissue. It reduces sagging, softens deep folds, and restores definition to the jawline and neck.
What is a facelift?
A facelift addresses the visible signs of aging in the face and neck. The treatment involves removing excess skin, tightening the underlying tissues, and repositioning the skin for a refreshed, naturally youthful look.
It does not stop the aging process, and it does not change your features. The aim is for you to look like a rested version of yourself, not like someone else.
Types of facelift
Different techniques suit different degrees of aging. Your surgeon will recommend the one that matches your anatomy:
- SMAS lift. Targets the layer of tissue deep under the skin, significantly improving the cheeks and jowls. Suited to the mid to lower face.
- Deep plane lift. Works beneath the SMAS layer, allowing comprehensive repositioning of facial and neck tissue. Suited to significant sagging and deep-set wrinkles.
- Mini lift. Less invasive, targeting mild to moderate aging in the lower face and neck, with shorter recovery and fewer risks.
- Liquid lift. A non-surgical option using injectables to add volume and smooth wrinkles, suited to early signs of aging with minimal downtime.
Combining a neck lift
A facelift is often combined with a neck lift to enhance both definition and balance. Addressing both areas at once creates a smooth transition between the face and neck, giving a more harmonious result than treating either alone.
The treatment, step by step
Consultation. Your surgeon assesses facial structure, skin quality, and signs of aging, then tailors a treatment plan to your features and goals.
Preparations. You may need to adjust medications, take lab tests, and follow guidance on eating, drinking, and smoking to reduce risk and support recovery.
Surgery. Performed under general anesthesia or sedation. Discreet incisions along the hairline at the temples, around the ears, and into the lower scalp allow precise repositioning of skin and tightening of the SMAS layer, keeping scars well hidden.
Closing. Excess skin is removed and incisions closed with sutures or skin adhesives to promote healing and minimize scarring. Surgery typically takes several hours.
Recovery and aftercare
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal after surgery. Your surgeon will provide pain relief along with clear aftercare instructions, and schedule follow-ups to check healing and remove sutures.
- Rest with your head elevated and use cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Avoid strenuous activity and direct sun exposure in early recovery
- Expect to return to normal routines within two to three weeks
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Initial improvements appear as swelling and bruising subside, with final results developing over several months. Effects typically last between five and fifteen years.
Potential risks and side effects
Facelift surgery is generally safe and effective, but like any treatment it carries risks:
- Swelling and bruising, common and temporary, diminishing as healing advances.
- Scarring, minimized by incision placement and typically fading over time.
- Hair loss around the incision sites, usually temporary.
- Changes in skin sensation, with numbness or tingling improving over weeks to months.
- Loss of skin, rare, resulting from poor blood supply to the skin flaps; smokers are at significantly higher risk.
- Facial nerve injury, a rare complication that could cause temporary or permanent muscle weakness.
When to seek medical attention
- Unusual swelling, pain, or discharge from the incision sites
- Significant bleeding or signs of infection
- Breathing difficulty or chest pain
- Any sudden or concerning change in your overall health
Contact your surgeon's practice directly, or seek emergency care, if you experience any of the above.
Common questions
Facelift questions, answered.
If your question isn't here, ask us directly. A real person answers, and we won't push you toward anything.
Talk to us →How long does a facelift last?
Typically between five and fifteen years. A mini facelift offers a more subtle lift and usually lasts around five to seven years. Surgery does not stop aging, but it can set the clock back significantly.
Will I look like a different person?
A well-planned facelift repositions tissue rather than pulling skin tight, so the aim is a rested version of your own face. Ask your surgeon how they avoid an overtightened result.
What is the difference between SMAS and deep plane?
A SMAS lift repositions the tissue layer beneath the skin and suits the mid to lower face. A deep plane lift works beneath that layer, allowing more comprehensive repositioning, and suits significant sagging.
Should I have a neck lift at the same time?
Often, yes. Face and neck age together, and combining the two creates a smoother transition along the jawline. Your surgeon should assess your neck as part of planning.
Where will the scars be?
Along the hairline at the temples, around the ears, and into the lower scalp, placed to stay hidden. They fade over time, and your surgeon will guide you on scar care.
How long is the downtime?
Most patients return to normal routines within two to three weeks. Swelling and bruising are heaviest in the first week, and final results develop over several months.
Is there a non-surgical alternative?
Injectables, ultrasound therapy, and fractional lasers can soften early aging with little downtime. They do not remove excess skin, so they are not a substitute where laxity is significant.
What age should I consider a facelift?
There is no fixed age. It depends on skin laxity, volume loss, and your goals. A good surgeon will tell you if you would be better served by waiting or by a less invasive option.
What are the main risks?
Swelling and bruising, scarring, temporary hair loss around incisions, changes in skin sensation, and rarely skin loss or facial nerve injury. Smoking significantly increases several of these risks.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Facelifts are frequently combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer. Combining treatments affects anesthesia time and recovery, so discuss the trade-offs at consultation.
Related treatments
More on facelift.
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How much does a facelift cost?
This broad range reflects the tailored approach to each patient's needs, the surgeon's expertise, the complexity of the treatment, and the level of aftercare.
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How long does it take to recover from a facelift?
The healing phase usually lasts a few weeks, though each journey differs based on the body's response, the treatment's scope, and aftercare.
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How long does a facelift last?
Mini facelifts, offering a more subtle lift, typically have a shorter lifespan of around 5 to 7 years but suit those seeking less invasive improvements.