What Is a Facelift?
With time, skin elasticity decreases, fat compartments shift, and the supportive connective tissues of the face weaken. This results in sagging cheeks, loss of jawline definition, jowl formation, and neck laxity.
Facelift surgery addresses not only the skin but also the underlying SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer. By repositioning and tightening these deeper structures, a natural, balanced, and long-lasting rejuvenation is achieved. The goal is not to alter facial identity but to restore lost structural support.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Facelift surgery may be suitable for patients who have:
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Noticeable sagging of the face and neck
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Loss of jawline definition
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Deep nasolabial folds
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Neck laxity
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Good general health and realistic expectations
Although commonly performed in patients over 40, candidacy depends on biological age and tissue quality rather than chronological age.
How Is Facelift Surgery Performed?
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia in a fully equipped operating room.
Incisions are placed around the ear, extending into the hairline when necessary. The skin is carefully elevated, and the underlying SMAS layer is reshaped and repositioned. Excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed with fine sutures.
If neck laxity is present, a neck lift may be performed simultaneously.
The average operative time ranges between 3 and 5 hours.
Postoperative Recovery
Patients are usually monitored in the hospital overnight.
During the early recovery period, patients may experience:
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Swelling
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Bruising
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Tightness
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Temporary numbness
Swelling and bruising typically improve significantly within 2–3 weeks. Most patients return to social activities within 10–14 days.
Final results continue to refine over several months.
Possible Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, potential risks include:
Bleeding (hematoma)
Infection
Temporary or rarely permanent nerve effects
Asymmetry
Wound healing complications
Prolonged swelling
These risks are minimized when the procedure is performed by an experienced Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon.
