What is a facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure that aims at restoring youthful contours to the face and removing deep wrinkles and folds.

The procedure is unparalleled and number one in rejuvenating the face and neck area, addressing loose sagging skin, deep wrinkles and being able to remove excess fat from undesired areas of the face, under the neck and jaw as well.

Facelift techniques have advanced considerably in recent years with patients gaining access to natural, rejuvenated looks without the stereotypical windswept look from days of old.

We are in the era of people wanting undetectable results when it comes to facelifts and physicians are now able to deliver. A skilled surgeon, in the area of facelift procedures, is able incise the skin to gain access to the underlying facial tissues, remove unwanted fat pockets and excess skin, tighten the muscles and soft tissues then redrape the skin over the restored contours in a very natural way.

There are several types of facelifting procedures which we will explore in more detail below with more advanced techniques being developed regularly.

There are also several different techniques of performing the different facelifts procedures which we shall also explore. These include but are not limited to: SMAS lift, deep plane lift and endoscopic facelifts just to name a few.

What is the cost of a facelift procedure?

The cost of a facelift in Australia can vary significantly but in general, the prices are considered quite expensive in comparison to average prices from other countries around the world. The price for a standard facelift will typically range from $12,000AUD to $70,000AUD or even more with a reputable and highly experienced surgeon in Sydney or Melbourne. However, most patients can expect to pay between $20,000AUD and $35,000AUD on average. As mentioned earlier, highly skilled surgeons and those specializing in this specific procedure will always command a higher price. Other factors that will have an impact on the price of your procedure are, the technique used by the surgeon with more involved or advanced techniques driving up the cost as well as the clinic's location.

The average cost of a facelift in the USA is around $11,395USD, also considering the above information as the same advise applies. While the average price may be lower than Australia, some of the most expensive facelift surgeons in the world are in cities like LA and New York and can easily fetch prices upward of $250,000USD. A facelift in Mexico will typically cost less with most surgeons charging between $3,500USD and $7,000USD. In Turkey, the cost of a facelift is usually around $4,528USD to $9,000USD. These prices will all depend on what type of facelift procedure you are getting done and the level of expertise your selected surgeon has as well.

Different types of facelifts and how they're performed

Facelift surgeries can be categorized either into the areas that are being addressed by the procedure and also into what technique is being used to complete the surgery.

Main categories for the areas being addressed

Full face and neck lift

This is the most extensive and comprehensive of all the facelifting procedures It aims to rejuvenate the mid and lower face as well as the neck area. Traditionally, this is done by an incision made in front of the ear, along the back of the jaw to just under the mandible. This long cut gives the surgeon access to the underlying muscle and soft tissues. From here, the surgeon will cut certain muscles to be later repositioned, remove any excess pockets of fat particularly under the jaw and any excess skin. Once this has been done, the surgeon will then redrape the skin over the new contours. Finally, the skin is sewn back together with sutures with care being given to make scarring as minimal as possible. This procedure is almost always performed under general anesthetic because of how involved it is.

Mid face lift

This facelift is usually performed through the temple area and seeks to restore facial contours to the mid face, under eyes and rejuvenate the nasolabial folds. In most cases, the patient is typically put under general anesthesia but in some circumstances only local anesthesia is administered along with light sedation. Incisions are made in the temporal area, usually right behind the hair line and in some instances, through the mouth behind the cheek area as well. The surgeon will sever some of the muscles and pull back the tissues, addressing sagging particularly in the nasolabial folds and then repositioning the tissues, muscles and skin. It is commonly said that best results are achieved when surgeons aim to work in a vertical plane and reposition the skin and underlying tissue in this way to avoid an unnatural result. A mid face lift can be performed with a temporal lift and/or canthoplasty to achieve a more glamorized, exotic look which is highly coveted among younger patients at the moment.

Brow/ temporal lift

This can be done to address aging in the forehead, brows or lateral brows only. More accurately, a brow lift is more of a brow festoon as the objective isn't always to elevate the brows as this can look quite unnatural in many patients. Instead, the underlying muscle and soft tissue should be tightened and re positioned, so that they sit in a more rejuvenated and youthful contour. There are many ways to do this procedure and it will depend greatly on what the desired result is. An incision across the full forehead to access the whole brow and forehead and temple areas can be made, again usually under general aesthetic. This is the easiest way for the surgeon to access the whole upper third of the face for a total rejuvenation to this area.

If the patient is only seeking an elevation to the outer eye corners or a flare to the lateral brow, a temporal incision can be sufficient to pull back the face at this point. This is known as a temporal lift or ponytail lift. Caution must be taken with this procedure by the surgeon to not remove too much skin and cause adverse affects. Some of these can include scarring and hair loss at the incision site or the patient receiving a windswept or unnatural look. Instead, the focus should be more on addressing the underlying tissue and muscle and repositioning these in a way that gives the patient an exotic, youthful glamorous look while still honoring natural contours of their face.

Neck lift

This surgery is limited to rejuvenating the neck area, removing sagging skin and excess pockets of fat. The procedure is done with incisions being made adjacent to the ear and underneath along the jaw. In most cases, a neck lift procedure is carried out under general anesthetic or in some rarer cases local anesthetic with mild sedation for comfort. Excess skin is removed to mitigate sagging. Muscles are tightened during a neck lift procedure, specifically the platysma muscle, a major muscle of the neck. Tissues are then repositioned. The procedure often includes liposuction to under the jaw for enhanced results. The goal is to achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance with a better-defined neckline.

The popular techniques used in facelift procedures today

SMAS Facelift/ SMASlift: This method is relatively straightforward and involves stitching the deeper layer of the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) to elevate it onto itself. This process provides some lifting of the underlying fat pads while reducing tension on the skin. It is a commonly used approach, but some surgeons opt against it because the SMAS remains partially restricted. Since its underlying attachments are not released, the degree of movement and overall results may be more limited compared to other techniques.

Subcutaneous Facelift: The subcutaneous facelift is one of the earliest techniques for facial rejuvenation. It involves removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining tissue to create a more youthful appearance. The initial incision is typically made along the hairline at the forehead and extends downward near the jawline, though its placement may vary based on individual anatomy. While this method offers a quick recovery, is relatively easy to perform, and carries a low risk, it relies on skin tension for results. Over time, this can lead to noticeable scarring, and the effects may not be as long-lasting, with a higher likelihood of recurrence.

Deep plane Facelift: A deep plane facelift is a refined version of the SMAS technique, designed for patients who need more extensive correction of nasolabial folds. It targets deeper layers beneath the SMAS, repositioning fat, ligaments, and muscles attached to bone. Some surgeons believe this method offers longer-lasting results with a more natural appearance by reducing tension on the skin. However, like the SMAS technique, it carries a higher risk of facial nerve injury due to the depth of the procedure.

MACS/ Mini Facelift: The MACS or mini facelift is a modern technique that uses a small “S” shaped incision, often called an S-Lift, to minimize scarring. The incision is placed at the temporal hairline, strategically positioned within a natural wrinkle to keep it discreet.

An endoscope helps reposition facial tissues using small sutures, creating a refreshed appearance. This approach allows for quicker recovery and aesthetically pleasing results. However, it is a complex surgery with limited supporting data and requires specialized equipment. Since it does not provide access to the neck, it may not be suitable for those seeking more extensive facial rejuvenation.

Endoscopic Facelift: If you’re concerned about scarring or undergoing a more intensive procedure, an endoscopic facelift offers a minimally invasive option. Instead of making large incisions, your plastic surgeon uses tiny cameras to get a precise view of your facial structures while performing the procedure.

This cosmetic surgery helps tighten facial muscles to create a more youthful look. However, if excess skin removal is necessary to achieve your desired results, an endoscopic facelift may not be suitable, as it does not involve removing skin.

How to prepare for a facelift procedure?

Preparing for facelift surgery requires attention to both physical health and logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. It is crucial to quit smoking beforehand, as nicotine constricts blood vessels and can slow the healing process while increasing the risk of complications. Alcohol should also be avoided, as it can thin the blood and raise the chances of excessive bleeding during and after surgery. Managing medications according to your surgeon’s instructions is essential, particularly with blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs, which may interfere with the procedure. Maintaining a balanced diet and proper hydration supports the body’s ability to heal efficiently. Additionally, preparing your home and arranging for assistance during recovery will help create a more comfortable and stress-free healing period.

What are the risks and possible side effects of a facelift procedure?

A facelift, while generally considered safe, can lead to various risks and side effects, ranging from minor ones which will resolve given some time to others deemed more significant. Potential complications include nerve injury, asymmetrical facial features, hair loss around scars, scarring and issues with healing.

Common risks and side effects:

Nerve injury: Damage to the facial nerves can result in numbness, tingling, or temporary paralysis of the facial muscles. This can be temporary, during the healing process but sometimes permanent if too much damage was done to the facial nerves.

Asymmetry: Unevenness in facial features, including the position of the earlobes, can sometimes occur. In most cased this will require secondary surgery to correct.

Scarring: Facelift incisions can leave visible scars, which may be thick or unsightly. In most cases, a skilled surgeon will do their best to minimize scarring in cosmetic surgery but they should still go over ways to mitigate this risk with you.

Hair loss: Some hair loss or a reduction in hair growth around the scars is possible. This is particularly of concern if too much skin was removed and the skin was pulled too tight when being sutured up.

How long does facelift surgery last

A facelift's results are typically long lasting, usually on average between 7 to 10 years. They don't suddenly disappear though, it's more of a gradual process of ageing the way the rest of your face will be simultaneously. Studies have shown that facelifts do have an antiaging effect beyond the surgery itself, meaning that a face that has been lifted and the muscles repositioned will likely age at a slower rate than a face that hasn't had skin removed and muscles repositioned.

Several factors have an effect on the longevity of a facelift result. These include the type of facelift which was performed (whether a full facelift or mini life) with full facelifts usually lasting longer, individual skin quality, age, and lifestyle.

Beyond genetics, a solid skincare regime and regular Botox appointments can help have a positive affect on the longevity of your facelift.

How long is recovery from a facelift

Recovery from a facelift largely depends on how involved the procedure was with full facelifts having the longest time to recover. All things considered, on average a facelift takes about 2 to 4 weeks for most individuals to heal. Some visible signs of recovery like bruising and swelling resolving within a much shorter time frame. It can take up to 6 to 9 months to see the full effect of the facelift. 

Detailed expected recovery for a facelift

Days 1-3: Expect some pain and discomfort during this time. Swelling usually increases through this period and usually peaks on day 3

Weeks 1-2: Swelling and bruising will gradually start to subside. You'll likely be able to return to work and non-strenuous activities toward the end of this time.

Weeks 2-4: Most of the visible signs of healing will have improved by this time and you can start resuming more demanding activities. 

Weeks 4-6: You may still experience some numbness in the face and the full results of the facelift may not be completely visible yet. 

Months 3-6: The majority of the final results will be visible and you can expect the swelling and bruising to have largely resolved. 

Months 6-12: Minor improvements and refinements continue and the full, final results will be achieved.