Considering a facelift? Here's what you should know

As we age, it's natural for our skin to lose its firmness and elasticity, leading to sagging and the appearance of wrinkles. While non-surgical treatments like fillers or Botox can help, they may not be enough to address more significant signs of ageing. For those seeking a more dramatic and long-lasting result, a facelift could be the ideal solution.

A distinguished plastic surgeon explores the key questions you might have about facelifts and provides a clearer understanding of the procedure, recovery, and outcomes.

What Is a facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the visible signs of ageing on the face and neck. Over time, factors like sun exposure, stress, gravity, and the natural ageing process lead to sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of youthful contours. A facelift aims to address these concerns by lifting and tightening the skin, repositioning the underlying tissues, and removing any excess fat or skin that contributes to a tired or aged appearance.

The goal of a facelift is not to create an entirely different face, but rather to restore a refreshed and more youthful version of yourself. It’s a highly customisable procedure, and a skilled surgeon will ensure the results appear natural, without looking "pulled" or artificial.

Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

The best candidates for a facelift are individuals who are experiencing signs of facial ageing but still have good skin elasticity and a strong bone structure. Most patients are in their 40s to 60s, but facelifts can be performed on both younger and older individuals, depending on their aesthetic goals and skin condition.

If you are concerned about sagging skin around your cheeks, jawline, or neck, and non-surgical options such as fillers or Botox have not provided the desired results, you may be a good candidate. However, it’s important to be in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of surgery. A facelift will not stop the ageing process, but it can take years off your appearance and improve your overall confidence.

What does the procedure involve?

A facelift is typically performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation. The procedure generally lasts between two and four hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Incisions are carefully placed around the ears, extending into the hairline, which helps to minimise visible scarring. The surgeon will lift the skin, tighten the underlying tissues, and remove excess fat. Muscles may also be adjusted to create a more youthful contour. After the tissues have been repositioned, the skin is carefully redraped over the face and neck, and any excess skin is trimmed away before the incisions are closed with sutures.

In addition to the traditional facelift, there are other variations like the "mini" facelift, which focuses on more targeted areas like the lower face and neck, and may involve smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time.

How long is recovery after a facelift?

Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but most individuals can expect initial swelling and bruising for the first one to two weeks. You will likely need to take about two weeks off from work and avoid strenuous activities during this time.

Complete recovery, including the resolution of all swelling and the appearance of final results, may take a few months. During the early stages of healing, it is essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely, including caring for the incisions and avoiding direct sun exposure. Most patients can resume their normal activities, including light exercise, after about four to six weeks.

What are the risks of a facelift?

A facelift does carry some risks, as is the case with any surgery. These include bleeding, infection, scarring, and nerve damage, although serious complications are rare. One potential side effect is temporary numbness or tingling in the face, which usually resolves as the nerves heal. In some cases, the scars from the incision sites may be more visible than anticipated, although skilled surgeons typically place these incisions in discreet areas.

During your consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly discuss these risks with you and explain how to minimise them. By choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications and ensure a smoother recovery process.

A facelift can be a transformative procedure for those seeking long-lasting facial rejuvenation, helping you look as young as you feel.