How Do Facelifts Work? A Consultant Explains

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Suitability for facelift surgery and individual outcomes can only be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, is a major surgical procedure that some people choose to undergo. But how do facelifts work? And what should you know about the facelift procedure?

What is a facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to address certain visible signs of ageing in the face and neck. As we age, the skin and underlying tissues naturally change. As part of this, skin may lose elasticity, facial contours can shift, and areas of sagging may develop.

A facelift aims to reposition and support underlying tissues while removing excess skin where appropriate. As a result, it’s important that every procedure is tailored to the individual, and the specific approach will depend on factors such as facial anatomy, skin quality and personal goals.

In the UK, facelift surgery should only be carried out by an appropriately qualified surgeon who is registered and licensed to practise with the General Medical Council. A consultation with such a surgeon is needed to determine whether the procedure may be appropriate for you.

How Is the procedure performed?

Facelift surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic, although anaesthetic options may vary depending on the procedure and individual circumstances.

The surgeon typically makes carefully planned incisions around the hairline and ears. The exact location and length of these incisions depend on the type of facelift being performed.

Through these incisions, the surgeon can access the underlying tissues of the face. Rather than simply pulling the skin tighter, modern facelift techniques often involve repositioning deeper facial structures. Excess skin may then be removed before the incisions are closed.

What happens to the underlying tissues?

One of the key aspects of facelift surgery is the treatment of the deeper layers beneath the skin. Over time, these tissues can gradually descend due to ageing and changes in skin elasticity. During surgery, the surgeon may reposition and support these structures as part of the surgical technique used. The exact technique varies depending on the individual’s needs and the surgeon’s approach. This is one reason why a personalised consultation is so important.

How long does the procedure take?

The length of a facelift varies depending on the complexity of the surgery and the techniques used. In many cases, the procedure takes several hours to complete. Additional procedures carried out at the same time will also increase the overall surgical time.

Your surgeon will provide more specific information during your consultation.

What happens after surgery?

Following the procedure, patients are monitored as they recover from the anaesthetic. Dressings may be applied, and some swelling, bruising and discomfort are common during the initial recovery period.

Recovery experiences vary between individuals, but patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activity while healing takes place.

Follow-up appointments are usually arranged so that the surgical team can monitor progress and provide guidance throughout recovery.

Are the results permanent?

A facelift can produce long-lasting changes, but it does not stop the natural ageing process. The face will continue to age over time, and changes will continue to occur. As such, the longevity of results varies between individuals and can be influenced by factors such as age, genetics, lifestyle and skin quality.

It is important to have realistic expectations and understand that outcomes differ from person to person.

Risks and considerations

Facelift surgery is a major surgical procedure and, like all surgery, carries potential risks and complications. These should be discussed fully with your surgeon before making any decision about treatment. Potential risks include:

Scarring
Infection
Bleeding
Delayed healing
Changes in sensation

Less common but more serious complications may also occur. Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks relevant to your circumstances during consultation. It’s important to have a full consultation before making any decisions, and you should have plenty of time to fully consider your choices before moving ahead with anything.

All surgical procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. If you are considering facelift surgery, a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is the best way to understand your options, discuss your goals and receive personalised advice.

Cosmetic surgery is a significant decision. It is important to ensure you have sufficient information about the procedure, its risks, benefits and limitations before deciding whether treatment is right for you.