The Facelift Procedure
As we age, our skin elasticity and facial volume are depleted, and we begin to notice the various signs of facial ageing. Hollows appear at the temples and the mid-face flattens, causing the cheeks to appear less rounded and prominent and lines to deepen between the nose and mouth. The jawline begins to sag and lose definition, with jowls often forming. A comprehensive procedure to address these various issues may be required.
Surgery Time
3 – 4 hours
Anaesthetic
General
Hospital Stay
Overnight
Time Off Work
2 weeks
Full Recovery
6 – 8 weeks
During a facelift, the skin and soft tissues of the cheek, lower face and often the neck, are tightened and lifted. Typically, the layer of muscle underneath the skin, known as the SMAS layer, is also lifted to restore a more youthful face shape. The cheeks appear lifted and more rounded and the jawline appears more defined.
The exact technique that Mr Juling Ong will employ will depend on your individual requirements and what you’re hoping to achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the potential risks of a facelift?
Complications are rare after a facelift, but they can include post-operative bleeding or infection. Other potential complications are loss of sensitivity which is usually temporary, asymmetry or visible scarring. These will all be discussed with you in depth during your consultation with Mr Ong before you make the decision to proceed with surgery.
What is a facelift and what does it correct?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions the skin, underlying soft tissue, and SMAS (the fibromuscular layer beneath the skin) of the face and neck. It addresses jowling, deep nasolabial folds, loss of jawline definition, and sagging neck skin. It does not address the upper face or forehead — those areas are treated separately with a brow lift or blepharoplasty.
Am I a good candidate for a facelift?
Good candidates are typically in their 40s to 70s, in good general health, and have realistic expectations. Skin that retains some elasticity generally responds better, though the procedure can benefit a wide range of patients. Smokers are advised to stop smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery to reduce the risk of complications. Mr Juling Ong will assess your suitability at the consultation.
What is the difference between a standard facelift and a deep plane facelift?
A standard facelift tightens the SMAS layer and repositions the overlying skin. A deep plane facelift releases and repositions the deeper facial tissues, including the facial fat compartments, at a sub-SMAS level. The deep plane approach can produce more comprehensive and longer-lasting results, particularly in the midface and nasolabial region, because it addresses the structural foundation of facial ageing rather than the skin alone.
How long do facelift results last?
Results typically last seven to ten years, though this varies between patients depending on skin quality, lifestyle, sun exposure, and genetics. A facelift does not stop the ageing process, but it repositions the clock. Many patients find that even after the initial result matures, they continue to look younger than they would have without surgery.
What are the risks of a facelift?
All surgery carries risk. Specific risks of facelift include haematoma (the most common complication), temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation, scarring, asymmetry and, rarely, facial nerve injury. Infection and wound healing problems are uncommon in non-smokers who are otherwise healthy. Mr Juling Ong will discuss all risks in detail at your consultation.
Can I have a facelift if I smoke?
Mr Juling Ong does not recommend that smokers undergo facelift surgery. Nicotine compromises the oxygenated blood supply that is necessary for optimal healing. Smoking greatly increases the risk of skin necrosis and poor scar healing. He recommends that patients stop smoking for at least a month or so before their procedure and during the healing process to minimise these risks.
Where are the scars after a facelift?
Incisions are carefully placed within the natural contours of the ear – in front of and behind the ear, and within the hairline – to make scars as inconspicuous as possible. Scar appearance improves significantly over six to twelve months.
What is the recovery like after a facelift?
What is the recovery like after a facelift?
Most patients take two weeks off work. Bruising and swelling peak in the first week and subside substantially by the end of week two. Strenuous activity should be avoided for six weeks. Final results, as swelling fully resolves, may take three to six months to appreciate. Most patients feel comfortable socialising at two to three weeks, with make-up to cover residual bruising.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Facelifts are most commonly combined with a neck lift to address neck folds and loss of definition. Liposuction or fat grafting can also be used to redistribute fat. A chin implant may be used to combat bone reabsorption associated with ageing and to help create a more defined jawline. For some patients, a blepharoplasty to either the upper and/or lower lids is required. Combining procedures allows a comprehensive rejuvenation in a single recovery period and is common practice.
Can a facelift be repeated?
As a facelift does not stop the ageing process, there may be further loss of skin elasticity or facial volume later in life. A facelift is one of several options which can be performed to achieve further facial rejuvenation, and Mr Juling Ong will be able to advise on which would be most suitable for you.
During your consultation, Mr Juling Ong will explain all potential risks and discuss your treatment options in full. Please call us on 020 7927 6528 or email us at info@julingong.com to arrange an appointment.
