Changes in the face and neck are a normal part of ageing. Over time, the skin becomes less elastic, soft tissues gradually descend, and the jawline can lose definition. Many people notice jowls, deeper folds around the nose and mouth, and a less distinct transition between the chin and neck. A facelift is designed to address these concerns in a way that aims to look refreshed and natural, rather than changing who you are.

What a facelift is designed to do

A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of ageing in the lower face and often the upper neck. It typically involves repositioning deeper facial tissues and removing excess skin to restore a firmer, more youthful contour.

A facelift can help to:

• Reduce jowls and sagging along the jawline
• Improve the definition between the jaw and neck
• Soften deeper creases and folds in the mid to lower face
• Create a more rested, fresher appearance

A facelift does not stop the ageing process, and it does not usually treat fine surface wrinkles, sun damage, or skin texture on its own. Lines around the mouth, forehead wrinkles, and under-eye bags may require other treatments if they are a priority.

Who may be suitable, and when it may not be the best option

A facelift may be suitable for women and men who are bothered by sagging in the lower face and neck and want a longer-lasting improvement than non-surgical treatments can typically provide. Many patients consider surgery from their 40s onwards, with a large proportion seeking treatment in their 50s and 60s, but suitability depends more on anatomy and health than on age alone.

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have jowls, loose skin, or a less defined jawline
• Your skin still has enough elasticity to adapt well after repositioning
• Your weight is relatively stable
• You are in good general health and can safely undergo surgery
• You have realistic expectations and understand what the procedure can and cannot change

A facelift may be less suitable or may require careful planning if:

• You smoke or use nicotine products, as these significantly increase the risk of poor wound healing and skin complications
• You have uncontrolled medical conditions that increase surgical or anaesthetic risk
• You are expecting the procedure to remove all wrinkles or dramatically change your facial features
• You have significant weight fluctuations, as this can affect longer-term results

If the main concern is skin quality, fine lines, or early ageing changes, non-surgical options or smaller procedures may be more appropriate. This is discussed during consultation.

Assessment and planning at our clinic

A facelift is highly individual. At your consultation, our specialist will assess:

• Your facial structure and proportions
• Skin quality and elasticity
• The degree and pattern of tissue descent (for example, jowls versus neck laxity)
• Any asymmetry that exists naturally
• Your medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and sun exposure

You will have time to talk through what bothers you most and what kind of result you are aiming for. Planning also includes discussing whether complementary procedures could improve balance and overall harmony, such as eyelid surgery, neck-focused techniques, fat transfer, or non-surgical skin treatments. The goal is a coherent plan that matches your anatomy and priorities.

Preparing for surgery

Good preparation helps reduce complications and supports a smoother recovery.

Common preparation steps include:

• Reviewing all medications and supplements, especially those that can increase bleeding risk
• Avoiding aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory medicines if advised by your surgeon
• Stopping nicotine well in advance of surgery and during early healing, as nicotine reduces blood flow and increases the risk of wound problems
• Planning time away from work and social commitments
• Arranging support at home for the first few days

You will receive personalised instructions, including what to do on the day of surgery and how to care for your incisions afterwards.

How the procedure is generally carried out

A facelift is performed in a controlled surgical setting. The procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthesia, although the exact approach depends on the surgical plan.

Incisions are typically placed around the ears and may extend into the hairline. Their length and position vary depending on how much lifting is needed and whether the neck is being addressed.

During surgery:

• Deeper supportive tissues (often referred to as the SMAS layer) are repositioned to restore contour and reduce tension on the skin
• Excess skin is removed
• If needed, fat in the neck area may be reduced or reshaped to improve definition
• Incisions are closed carefully to support discreet scarring

The operation commonly takes a few hours, depending on the extent of surgery and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time.

Recovery, healing, and what to expect

It is normal to have swelling, bruising, tightness, and temporary numbness after a facelift. Discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed pain relief.

In the early recovery period:

• A dressing may be applied, and drains may be used in some cases to reduce fluid build-up
• Swelling and bruising are often most noticeable in the first 1 to 2 weeks
• Many patients feel ready to return to desk-based work and everyday activities after around 2 weeks, although this varies

Over the following weeks:

• Tightness gradually eases
• Bruising fades
• Numbness or altered sensation improves, though it can take several months to fully settle
• Scars continue to mature and typically become less noticeable over time

Sun protection is important during healing. Fresh scars and areas of bruising or pigmentation change are more vulnerable to long-lasting colour changes if exposed to UV light.

Results and how long they may last

A facelift aims to create a natural-looking improvement in facial and neck contour. Results become clearer as swelling resolves, often over several weeks, with continued refinement over a few months.

The outcome is long-lasting, but it is not permanent. Ageing continues, and factors such as smoking, significant weight changes, and sun exposure can affect how the result holds over time. A facelift generally refreshes the face without changing your underlying identity.

Risks, limitations, and important considerations

All surgery carries risks. Your surgeon will explain these in detail and discuss how they apply to you.

Potential risks and complications can include:

• Bleeding (haematoma) and infection
• Delayed wound healing, particularly in smokers or people with reduced blood supply to the skin
• Noticeable scarring or widened scars
• Skin irregularities or areas of poor skin healing
• Temporary numbness or altered sensation, which can take months to improve
• Nerve injury affecting facial movement, which is uncommon but can be temporary or, rarely, long-lasting
• Asymmetry, as perfect symmetry is not always achievable and natural differences may remain
• Hairline changes or localised hair loss near incision sites
• Risks related to anaesthesia

A facelift also has limitations. It does not reliably remove fine wrinkles, does not improve skin quality on its own, and may not address concerns in the forehead or around the eyes unless additional treatments are included.

Your consultation journey and ongoing support

Choosing facial surgery is a personal decision, and our role is to guide you with clear information and careful clinical judgement. From the first consultation through surgery and follow-up, you are supported by one coordinated medical team.

Your care typically includes:

• A detailed consultation and facial assessment
• A personalised surgical plan with a clear discussion of expected outcomes
• Pre-operative guidance to reduce risk and support healing
• Structured follow-up appointments to monitor recovery
• Advice on scar care, sun protection, and when to resume work, exercise, and social activities

If you are considering a facelift, the most helpful next step is a consultation where your concerns can be assessed in person and a realistic, tailored plan can be discussed.