Facelift
Facelift
Surgical facial rejuvenation
How it works
Facelift surgery is a procedure in which the tissues of the face are resuspended according to vectors that restore the characteristics of a younger face, counteracting the effects of gravity and the excess skin that appears with age.
According to current concepts, a facelift involves working on and reorganising the tissues below the skin level — the SMAS, or superficial musculoaponeurotic system — rather than merely stretching the skin, which can cause unfavourable results such as a “wind-tunnel face” and “pixie ears”.
A complete facelift therefore involves some degree of skin detachment to achieve good results, rather than relying on minimal procedures.
A more natural appearance is obtained when the procedure is performed on relatively young people, starting at 40 years of age, because the transition between before and after is less dramatic while the features of a younger face are maintained for many years.
The classic facelift applies to the midface, from the area below the eyes to the mouth. It may be complemented by other techniques such as a brow lift, blepharoplasty, fat grafting and a neck lift. The procedures must be assessed case by case, without applying a standard formula to every patient.
Videos
Procedures that may be combined
Frequently asked questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the facelift procedure, recovery and results.
What is a facelift?
It is an operation in which facial tissues are resuspended according to vectors intended to restore the characteristics of a younger face and counteract the effects of gravity and age-related excess skin.
What is a facelift used for?
It is used for facial rejuvenation, improving sagging, wrinkles and furrows.
Does a facelift treat only the skin?
No. The procedure works on and reorganises tissues below the skin level, including the SMAS, rather than merely stretching the skin.
What is the SMAS?
The SMAS is the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a tissue plane below the skin that is treated and reorganised during a facelift.
Why is some skin detachment involved?
A complete facelift involves some degree of skin detachment to achieve good results rather than relying on minimal procedures.
From what age may a facelift be performed?
It may be performed in relatively young people, starting at 40 years of age, when indicated after individual assessment.
Which area does a classic facelift treat?
A classic facelift treats the midface, from the area below the eyes to the mouth.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It may be complemented by a brow lift, blepharoplasty, fat grafting and a neck lift, according to the assessment of each case.
How long does the procedure take?
It takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Which type of anaesthesia is used?
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
Where are the scars located?
The scars are concealed around the ear, sideburns and scalp, becoming unnoticeable after a few months.
Is a hospital stay required?
A hospital stay of 1 to 2 days is usually required.
When is returning to work usually possible?
Returning to work is usually possible after 8 to 10 days, although there is some swelling during the first week.
When can the final result be assessed?
The final result can only be assessed accurately after 3 to 4 months.
What are the risks and how long does the result last?
The most frequent risks include haematoma, numbness, muscle weakness or facial paresis, infection, persistent swelling, dry eyes, poor wound healing and a change in the hairline. The face is described as being rejuvenated by around 10 years compared with the starting point, generally maintaining the same difference lifelong.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
