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Procedures

Face and Head

Facelift

Also known as Rhytidectomy · SMAS Facelift · Mini Facelift

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses visible signs of aging in the face and neck by lifting and tightening the underlying facial muscles and removing or redistributing excess skin. It targets concerns such as sagging cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, jowls, and loose skin along the jawline and neck.

5–7 Hours

Duration

General

Anaesthesia

1–2 Nights

Hospital Stay

Am I a Good Candidate?

A facelift may be appropriate for those who:

  • Are in good overall physical health and at a stable weight
  • Are a non-smoker, or willing to cease smoking at least 4–6 weeks prior to surgery
  • Have noticeable sagging or loss of definition along the cheeks, jawline, or neck
  • Have deepening nasolabial folds or jowling that affects facial contour
  • Have skin that retains some degree of elasticity — a good indicator of healing potential
  • Have realistic expectations about the degree of rejuvenation achievable through surgery

What to Expect — The Procedure

Incision PlacementWithin the hairline and around the ears — positioned to be well concealed
TechniqueSMAS layer lifted and repositioned; excess skin removed; incisions closed with fine sutures
Mini FaceliftShorter incisions, limited to lower face and jowl area — faster recovery, more modest correction

The specific technique recommended will depend on the degree of aging, facial anatomy, skin quality, and the patient’s goals. In some cases, complementary procedures such as fat grafting, blepharoplasty, or a brow lift may be recommended to achieve a balanced overall result.

Pre-operative Care

  • Cease smoking at least 4–6 weeks prior to surgery
  • Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) for 2 weeks before surgery
  • Inform your surgeon of all current medications, allergies, and medical conditions
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to remain with you for the first 48–72 hours post-surgery
  • Prepare a quiet, comfortable recovery space with pillows for head elevation
  • Arrange loose, front-opening clothing that does not need to be pulled over the head
  • Discuss any hair colouring or treatments with your surgeon well in advance of surgery

The following are general guidelines only. Your assigned surgeon will provide personalised pre and post-operative instructions during your consultation.

Post-operative Care

  • Keep the head elevated at all times during the initial recovery period, including while sleeping
  • Avoid submerging incisions in water until your surgeon confirms the wounds are fully healed
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for wound checks and progress assessment
  • Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise until cleared by your surgeon
  • Avoid heat exposure or direct sun exposure on scars, and use SPF once wounds have healed
  • Avoid turning the head rapidly or placing tension on the neck during the initial healing period
  • Avoid wearing earrings or anything that places tension on or near the ear area until fully healed

When to Call Your Surgeon

  • High fever (above 38.5°C / 101.3°F)
  • Sudden or rapidly increasing pain around the face not relieved by prescribed medication
  • Excessive bleeding or unusual fluid discharge from the wound or drain sites
  • Sudden significant swelling on one side of the face — may indicate haematoma and requires prompt assessment
  • Numbness or weakness that appears to be spreading or worsening rapidly
  • Signs of allergic reaction — skin rash, severe itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing

Frequently Asked Questions

A well-performed facelift typically provides visible rejuvenation for 7–12 years, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skin quality. Patients generally maintain a more youthful appearance relative to their age.
Yes. A facelift is frequently combined with blepharoplasty, brow lift, fat grafting, or neck lift to achieve a more balanced and comprehensive rejuvenation.
A full facelift addresses the mid-face, lower face, jowls, and neck with more extensive incisions and deeper tissue work. A mini facelift uses shorter incisions and suits earlier signs of aging, with faster recovery but less comprehensive results.

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