A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a transformative cosmetic operation that improves facial attractiveness and restores youthful curves. If you’re thinking about this operation, you probably have a lot of questions. This blog offers a detailed reference to the most frequently asked concerns about facelifts, covering everything from the surgery to recovery and outcomes.
What is a facelift?
A facelift is a surgical operation designed to reduce indications of ageing in the face and neck. Over time, the natural ageing process, combined with variables such as sun exposure, stress, and gravity, causes sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. A facelift tightens the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in a firmer, smoother, and more youthful appearance.
Who is an ideal candidate for a facelift?
A good candidate for a facelift is someone who
- Has visible indications of ageing, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, or jowling.
- Has realistic expectations for the result of the surgery.
- Does not smoke or is willing to quit smoking before and after surgery to aid in recovery.
Facelifts are extremely customisable and may be modified to address specific issues, making them appropriate for men and women of all ages.
What are the many types of facelifts?
Facelift procedures might differ according to the individual’s demands. Common types include:
- Full Facelift: This procedure treats the full face, including deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and volume loss.
- Mini Facelift: Targets the lower face and jawline, making it excellent for people who have modest signs of ageing.
- Neck Lift: Often performed in conjunction with a facelift to tighten drooping skin in the neck and jawline.
What does the procedure entail?
Facelift surgery usually involves:
- Consultation: During the consultation, consulting doctor assesses your facial shape, skin elasticity, and goals.
- The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia.
- Incisions are intentionally positioned near the hairline and ears to reduce apparent scarring.
- Tightening involves removing excess skin and lifting and repositioning underlying tissues to give the appearance of firmer skin.
- Bandages are placed after sutures is used to seal the incision.
- Depending on the complexity, the operation typically takes 2-3 hours.
What is the length of the recovery period?
Recovery from a facelift varies depending on the individual and the surgery. Here’s the overall timeline:
First week: Swelling and bruising are frequent. Patients should relax and avoid hard activity.
2-3 weeks: Bruising begins to reduce, and most patients feel safe returning to light activity.
4-6 weeks: The majority of oedema has subsided, and the final effects are more obvious.
3-6 months: Complete recuperation, with scars faded and results fully settling in.
Following your surgeon’s aftercare recommendations is critical to a smooth recovery.
How long do facelift results last?
Facelift results are long-term. Even after the treatment, ageing continues, but most patients are satisfied with their results 10 years or more. The duration of the effects can be influenced by factors such as skincare, lifestyle, and heredity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and according to your surgeon’s suggestions will help extend the life of your facelift.
Will there be visible scars?
Facelift incisions are placed deliberately to reduce apparent scars. Most are buried along the hairline, behind the ears, or beneath the chin. Scars usually diminish with time and become less apparent with good maintenance. Your surgeon and aftercare team will propose therapies to improve scar appearance.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, facelifts are frequently paired with complimentary treatments to improve results, such as:
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): A procedure to revitalise the eye region.
Neck Lift: Achieve a smoother, more defined neckline.
Brow Lift: To lift drooping brows.
Your consulting doctor will assist you in developing a personalised treatment plan to get the look you desire.
What is the cost of a facelift?
Facelift prices range from £4,750 to £5,200. There is a fixed price of £4,750 for a mini facelift, and a fixed price of £5,200 for a full facelift. A full facelift combined with a full neck lift is available for a fixed rate of £8,000. A mini facelift combined with a mini neck lift is available for a fixed rate of £7,000.
Is a facelift painful?
Facelift surgery is conducted under local anaesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the process. Post-operative discomfort is usually moderate and can be treated with prescribed pain relievers. Tightness and numbness are common feelings that fade as the body heals.
How do Is select the right surgeon?
Choosing the correct surgeon is critical to getting your desired outcomes. Search for:
- Board certifications and qualifications.
- Experience and experience with facelift surgery.
- Positive reviews and patient feedback.
- Before and after photographs of past patients.
Signature Clinic is known for its experienced surgeons, cutting-edge facilities.
EXCELLENT Based on 259 reviews Susan Wardlle2025-04-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic clinic, the best surgeons, I had Dr Sherif and team, they took really great care of me during my procedures, I had a full neck lift in May 2024 and have been back for upper blepharoplasty in August the results are astonishing! It's taken years off me and I feel so much more confident, I'll be 60 next year! great after care as well, Dr Sherif gives a bespoke service, he really listens and his attention to detail is fantastic! I would recommend Signature Clinic, 5 stars for 5 star treatment. I've since been back for lower blepharoplasty and had the amazing Dr Sherif again! I'm so happy with my results. The prices are affordable as my procedures were under local anaesthetic, no hospital fees or anesthetist, you even have the option of 0% finance. I can't advocate signature clinic enough ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nelly Smith2025-03-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Update: 8 months healed. So pleased I had the upper bleph surgery. Highly recommend this clinic. Joanne Louise2025-03-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I will definitely be recommending Signature Clinic for Blepharoplasty surgery. So far, a week post operative I have had no concerns and supportive aftercare. Gill Belbin2025-03-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I first thought of having upper blepharoplasty in June 2022. Fortunately my friend decided to book it for herself in the November without my knowledge so she became my guinea pig! The surgery transformed her eyes so I knew I wanted it too. She had her surgery at Signature Clinic in London but I did lots of research and contacted several other clinics and plastic surgeons for my research. I even had a video consultation with surgeon nearby but I kept going back and looking at Signature. I booked a video consultation with them and they went through everything I needed to know. Now I was sure and booked Dr Ahmed. He has a fantastic reputation so I was confident he was the right choice for me. On the day of the surgery, August 2023, he came and spoke to me to answer any of my questions and shortly after I was shown into the operating theatre. It was a friendly but professional atmosphere and I felt at ease. During the procedure I was monitored for oxygen levels and blood pressure readings. The injections were totally painless for me and the surgery was over in less than half an hour. I was given a care kit which included a mask to put in the fridge to use to cool my eyes. I also had a large bottle of witch hazel and gauze pads and antibiotic cream to use for 7 days. I was driven home by my husband as you cannot drive for a week. I bruised badly but anticipated that as I always bruise as the slightest knock. I slept upright in a recliner chair for 7 days as this helps minimise the swelling. Within 2 weeks I could see how much of a difference the surgery had made to my old hooded eyes. No longer did I feel I had blinkers on! Signature rang me regularly to see how I was progressing and I sent them photos so they will monitor my progress for the first 6 months. The care on the day of the surgery was excellent as was the aftercare. I would recommend Signature clinic to my friends and family. As you can see from my photos, it is an amazing transformation. The first one is prior to surgery, the second is a mere 8 weeks later and the third is to show how the scar is almost invisible at 8 weeks. I’m 69 and love my new eyes. Update - reached my 70th birthday and am so pleased I had it done!! Perfume Bottle2025-02-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Extremely Happy with my upper eye liid procedure...i was treated impeccably from the staff at this clinic. They made me feel relaxed and were so reassuring, my nerves just disappeared!!! My surgeon took great care of me and and did a superb job on my upper eyes....Four months on and im still being contacted by the aftercare team..( which makes me feel reassured that they are there for you!!! I would Highly recommend this clinic to anyone that has any doubts about surgery. Me, myself will 100% be using ut again after such a great experience!!! I can't recommend them high enough!!!! All of the staff were so nice and just made the whole experience reallly great for me!!! My eyes were hooded now i look ten years younger. 😀 Thank you to the surgeon and all of the staff there 😃 Donna O'Connor2024-12-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Sherif Elamari and his team were amazing! He took lots of time to explain everything to me the morning of the procedure. The medical team were lovely throughout and the aftercare was great, I could call anytime I had a query. And my facelift looks great! The first 2 weeks were rough and you have to be able to wait out a period of looking strange. For such a reasonable price, i really wasn't expecting much, but 6 weeks later, I look great and nobody would be able to tell I've had it done. It looks so natural and I think i look about 10 years younger and am getting lots of compliments. I'm very happy with the results. It was worth every penny! I'm very grateful. Thank you very much to the surgeon and everyone at Signature clinic!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
What are the benefits of a facelift?
Youthful Appearance: Reduces wrinkles and restores face features.
Boosted Confidence: Following the surgery, many patients report feeling more confident.
Customisable outcomes: Tailored to individual requirements and objectives.
Long-lasting Effects: Offers years of rejuvenation.
A facelift is a highly effective approach to improve your appearance and confidence. Understanding the technique and collaborating with a professional surgeon will help you get natural-looking, long-lasting results. If you’re considering a facelift, the Signature Clinic team is here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to start?
Schedule your consultation today to begin the process of achieving a more youthful appearance.