About the procedure
A facelift repositions the midface, jawline and neck tissues that descend with age. In the deep plane technique the skin is not pulled tight; the SMAS layer and retaining ligaments, which are the source of sagging, are released and moved upward. The result is a rested face rather than a 'pulled' look.
Incisions are hidden in the hairline and the folds of the ear. If needed, a neck lift, eyelid surgery or fat transfer is planned in the same session.
At the examination, three areas of the face are assessed separately: volume loss in the midface, laxity along the jawline, and excess skin and muscle in the neck. Depending on the degree of sagging, a deep plane, high-SMAS, or short-scar mini facelift is chosen; which one is appropriate is determined by tissue quality, not age. At the end of the operation the skin is laid back in place without tension, which prevents the scar in front of the ear from widening and the earlobe from being pulled down.
- ✓Jawline, midface and neck in a single operation
- ✓A low-tension incision hidden in front of the ear
- ✓Volume loss addressed with fat transfer in the same session
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓People, generally 45 and older, who notice sagging in the cheeks, a broken jawline, and loosening under the chin.
- ✓Patients who have not achieved adequate results from fillers and thread lifts, or who have reached the limit of those methods.
- ✓Those whose skin elasticity is partly preserved, whose weight is stable, and whose general health is suitable for surgery.
- ✓People with excess facial skin after significant weight loss.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —Those who continue to smoke; the risk of circulation problems and wound breakdown in the skin flap in front of and behind the ear rises markedly.
- —Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure or on blood thinners whose medication cannot be adjusted; the risk of postoperative hematoma is higher.
- —Those planning significant weight loss in the near future; surgery should be done after reaching the target weight.
- —Younger patients with early-stage sagging; in this group, fat injection or non-surgical options are considered first.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Initial consultation
The degree of sagging and neck involvement are assessed from photographs taken from several angles; procedures to be combined are discussed.
- 02
Examination and preparation
Skin thickness, the anatomy in front of the ear, and the hairline are examined; blood tests, a cardiac assessment, and medication adjustments are completed.
- 03
Surgery
Under general anesthesia, the SMAS layer is released and re-suspended through incisions along the hairline and around the ear; neck work and fat injection are added in the same session if needed.
- 04
Hospital and first day
You stay one night under observation; a thin drain and a light compressive dressing around the head are used to prevent fluid buildup.
- 05
Check-ups
The drain and dressing are removed at the first check-up; sutures in front of the ear come out on days 5–7, and those within the hair on days 10–14.
- 06
Return and follow-up
Fitness to fly is assessed around day 10; written instructions for scar care and sun protection are given, and remote follow-up continues with photographs.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
There is tightness in the face, swelling, and a feeling of pressure from the dressing; pain is usually mild to moderate.
Days 3–5
Swelling and bruising peak; once the dressing is off the face may look asymmetric, which is due to uneven swelling.
Week 1
Sutures in front of the ear are removed; bruising begins to turn yellow, and light activity at home resumes.
Weeks 2–3
Remaining bruises can be covered with makeup; most patients return to social settings and desk work.
Month 1
Stiffness and numbness in the face decrease; exercise other than heavy sports is gradually resumed.
Month 3
Residual swelling resolves and scars begin to fade; an appearance close to the final contours emerges at this stage and continues to refine for up to a year.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Facelift are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- Blood collecting under the skin (hematoma) in the first 24 hours is the most common early complication and is drained if necessary; this is why blood pressure control matters.
- Temporary weakness in branches of the facial nerve; permanent damage is rare but can cause asymmetry in lip or forehead movement.
- Numbness around the ear and cheek that can last for months; sensation largely returns.
- Delayed skin healing behind the ear, temporary hair thinning along the hairline, and scars that remain more visible than expected.
- Aging continues over time; in some patients a secondary tightening may come up years later.