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Face Lift Fact Sheet

The objective

A face lift - or rhytidectomy - is surgery that tightens the skin, muscles and tissues on the face to restore the effects of the natural ageing process through reducing fine lines and wrinkles, in order to give a more 'youthful' appearance.

The procedure

The operation can be carried out under a general anaesthetic and can take up to two hours.

There are several techniques used in this surgery, and sometimes only a partial face lift will be required. For a full face lift, the surgeon will make a surgical cut right around the hairline, past the front of the ear and sometimes under the chin. The skin is then separated from the underlying muscles of the face, removing excess skin and fat and tightening the muscles. The incision sites will be stitched and drains - tubes used to remove blood or other fluids from a wound to help healing - may be inserted.

Surgeons may use endoscopic or ‘keyhole’ techniques, making tiny cuts in the skin and allowing them to work beneath it with the help of a surgical camera.

The outcome

Following surgery, the area will be covered in a dressing and the face will be swollen for a number of days. There may be some numbness or pain, replaced by itching which can take up to six months to stop as the nerves heal.

If there drainage tubes are in place, these can be removed after 1-2 days. You may need to sleep in an elevated position for around two days. Any remaining stitches can be removed after 10 days.

You will usually be able to leave the hospital after 1-2 days. You will be required to take around 1-2 weeks off work and strenuous activity must be avoided for 2-4 weeks.

After the swelling has eased, the face should appear firmer, less lined, and more ‘youthful’ in appearance. The effects are not permanent but should last for around 7-10 years, depending on the elasticity of the skin.

The risks

All general anaesthesias carry associated risks, but complications particular to face lifts include infection, problems with wound healing, and fluid build up under the skin (seroma), as well as haematoma (blood clot under the skin).

There is a risk of permanent scarring in the facial area. As the hairline recedes with age scars may become visible, and those in front of the ear may be noticeable.

There may be temporary hair loss around the incision site where the hair follicles have been cut, though normal growth usually returns within a few weeks or months. Serious permanent hair loss is rare but can occur and may need further surgery to repair the damage.

Occasionally, permanent nerve damage will cause numbness and muscle weakness in the face, causing droopiness.

You may not be happy with the results.

The costs

In the UK, expect to pay from around £4,000 - £9,000. Abroad, expect to pay from around £1,650 (mini facelift in Belgium) to around £5,000 (full facelift in Italy).

The availability

Facelift surgery is widely available at private cosmetic surgery clinics within the UK and abroad.

The popularity

The facelift is a very popular surgery amongst older women and men aged 40+ who want to look younger. The procedure is normally performed to reduce the effects of ageing and to give a more youthful appearance. People whose skin may have aged prematurely through sun damage or smoking often opt for this type surgery as well.

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