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Want to look younger? A facelift will reduce the signs of ageing in your face and neck. Book an appointment with a specialist online today.
Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private facelift surgery with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what facelift surgery is, what happens during the procedure and what to expect during your recovery.
Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.
You may decide to have facelift surgery if you are not satisfied with your facial appearance and would like to look younger.
As you get older, factors such as gravity, lifestyle choices, stress, and sun exposure can take a toll on your face. The skin and soft tissues of your face may be pulled down and begin to sag, making you look older. This may make you feel self-conscious and unhappy with your appearance.
A facelift will help to reduce the signs of ageing in your face and neck. It is particularly beneficial if you have:
The main benefit of facelift surgery is a younger appearance. This can make you feel more confident and improve your self-esteem.
Some benefits of facelift surgery include:
If you want to achieve a younger appearance but are not yet ready to have a surgical procedure, non-surgical alternatives are available.
Some alternatives to facelift surgery include:
Your consultant will ask you some questions about your general health, medical history, and any medications you are taking. They will also ask you about your reasons for wanting to have a facelift and your expectations from the surgery.
Your consultant will examine your face and neck including your skin, bone structure, fat distribution, and face shape. They may take photographs of your face from different angles. This will help your consultant decide on the best type of facelift for you.
At the end of your appointment, your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you and what results you can expect to achieve.
If a facelift isn't a suitable procedure for you, your consultant will discuss some alternative treatments.
At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is very important as it's where you first meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care. Your first appointment is also where we get to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. Deciding to have a facelift is a big decision and it is important that you are fully informed about what to expect before, during and after the procedure. Please take the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your initial consultation.
Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your facelift. If there's anything you're not sure about, or if you have any questions about how to prepare for your surgery, speak to your consultant or call the hospital for advice. Being well-prepared before your surgery will help to ease any anxiety you may have as well as allow your surgery and recovery to go more smoothly.
Before your facelift surgery, tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have, and any medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements you are taking.
Your consultant may tell you to stop taking some medications such as blood thinners, some herbal supplements, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before your facelift. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after your surgery.
Your consultant may ask you to apply certain products to your skin before your surgery.
You will not be able to eat or drink anything from midnight on the day of your operation.
Ensuring that you are in the best possible health before your surgery reduces the risk of complications and may help to speed up your recovery.
To make sure you are as healthy as possible before your surgery:
For the first few days after your surgery, you will need to rest at home. We recommend that you arrange for someone to stay with you for the first 48 hours after you are discharged from hospital.
To make your recovery easier:
There are several types of facelift surgery including:
The SMAS facelift is a popular type of facelift that lifts and tightens the middle and lower parts of your face. It treats any sagging skin around your cheeks, jowls, and neck, as well as the deep creases at the sides of your mouth.
During an SMAS facelift:
This is a less invasive version of the SMAS facelift where your consultant tightens the SMAS layer with suspension stitches to avoid cutting underneath it. While a SMAS facelift goes behind the ear and also lifts the neck, a MACS facelift lifts the soft tissues of the cheek upwards. This type of procedure may be more suitable for younger patients without a lot of loose skin around the neck. It has a faster recovery time than a SMAS facelift.
A mid-facelift, or cheek lift, tightens the skin around the mid-section of your face from above your mouth to your eye area. It can help smooth saggy cheeks, improve laughter lines, and make your eyes appear less sunken. It doesn't alter the appearance of your jawline or forehead.
This is a type of advanced facelift that targets all areas of your face. During the procedure the skin remains attached to the SMAS layer, allowing the fat pads in the face to be maneuvered to create a more youthful appearance. Any excess skin is then removed.
Your consultant will be able to give you an estimated recovery timeline based on your individual circumstances.
After your facelift surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored closely until the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. You will then be taken to your room.
After your facelift surgery, you may be able to go home later the same day, or you may need to spend one night in hospital. Talk to your consultant about when you can expect to go home after your surgery.
You will not be able to drive yourself home from the hospital after your facelift surgery or for 24 hours following a general anaesthetic. Please make arrangements for someone to come and collect you, or we can organise a taxi if you prefer.
How soon you can go back to work after your facelift depends on your individual recovery and the type of job you do. You can expect to take between two and four weeks off work after facelift surgery.
You will not be able to drive until you can safely control your car and are no longer taking pain medication. This is typically five to ten days after your surgery. Talk to your consultant about when you can drive after your facelift surgery.
Recovery from any type of surgery is a gradual process that is different for everyone. You can help your recovery go more smoothly by following your consultant's postoperative instructions carefully.
Go at your own pace during your recovery and call the hospital if you have any questions or concerns.
It typically takes two to four weeks to fully recover from facelift surgery.
When you wake up after your facelift surgery, you may have a bandage around your face and some small drainage tubes in place to drain any blood and fluid. These will be removed after a few days.
You can expect to have facial swelling and visible bruising for at least two weeks after your facelift surgery. This will gradually subside, but it may take six to nine months before you see the full effects of your procedure.
After the first few days, you can start to resume normal activities such as walking around your house or doing light chores. Avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks after your surgery and get the all-clear from your consultant before starting any exercise routine.
As with all types of surgery, a facelift carries a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery and answer any questions you may have about your procedure. Being as well-informed as possible about your surgery will help put your mind at rest and allow you to make an informed decision, so please ask any questions you may have.
Possible complications of any surgery include:
Possible complications specific to facelift surgery include:
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about facelift surgery, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in July 2024. Next review due July 2027.
Facelift and necklift BAAPS
Facelift Surgery Rhytidectomy American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Best Facelift Surgery Alternatives Après Plastic Surgery
The Minimal Access Cranial Suspension Lift PubMed