Familiarising yourself with what a procedure entails is advisable before committing to any type of cosmetic plastic surgery. Facial plastic surgery is considered safer and more effective than it has ever been, but there will always be potential risks and side effects to take into account.

As the UK’s most popular facial cosmetic procedure, facelift surgery is performed by reputable surgeons up and down the country. But what exactly does a facelift entail, and is it the right choice for you?

What is a Facelift For?

Facelift surgery is performed to tighten and smoothen the skin on the face, often targeting loose and sagging skin around the jowls and neck.

Popular among men and women alike, a precision facelift has the potential to reduce or even eliminate countless common signs of aging.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

Costs vary significantly from one procedure to the next, given how every patient (and subsequently every facelift) is fundamentally unique.

Depending on your requirements and the surgeon you work with, a facelift can cost anything from £3,000 for a minor lift to more than £10,000 for a more intensive procedure.

Aftercare costs and those associated with post-op consultations should also be discussed with your surgeon, prior to going ahead.

What Does Facelift Surgery Involve?

Most types of facelift surgery are performed under general anaesthetic, though some minor procedures may be carried out using a combination of sedation and local anaesthesia.

Some of the most commonly performed facelift procedures are:

• Deep Plane Facelift

• Extended high SMAS Facelift

• Midface Lift

• Mini Facelift

• Platysmaplasty And Neck Lift

Each type of facelift is different, though will be based around the same primary principles of facelift surgery. A typical facelift will usually involve the following:

• Incisions are made at the temples above the hairline, which extend down the front of the ear and curve back under the earlobe.

• Surplus facial skin and (in some instances) excess facial fat and/or subdermal tissues are removed or redistributed.

• The remaining skin is pulled upwards and backwards for a smooth and even appearance, before being stitched securely yet discreetly in place.

• Bandages and dressings are applied for protection, along with appropriate topicals and treatments to minimise swelling and bruising.

It is possible for a facelift to be completed from start to finish in just 2 to 3 hours, though an overnight stay at the clinic is normally necessary.

What is a Designer Facelift?

Pioneered by Samuel Mattine, his exclusive ‘designer facelift’ can additionally restore the youthful volume to the cheeks and mid-face by repositioning the malar fat pads and addressing the prominent nasolabial folds.

This advanced procedure is capable of taking the effectiveness of traditional facelift surgery to an entirely new a level, achieving comprehensive yet natural-looking results with unbeatable longevity for male and female patients alike.

How Long is the Recovery Period After a Facelift?

Allowing for a period of downtime is essential when planning for facelift surgery. The typical recovery time for a facelift is 2 to 4 weeks, though it can take up to 6 months for the full effects of the surgery to be visible.

Your surgeon will advise you as to any activities that should be avoided post-surgery and for how long – examples of which may include using saunas, exercising strenuously, taking hot showers and so on.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of a Facelift?

No cosmetic procedure is 100% risk-free, however if the surgery is performed by an appropriately trained and skilled surgeon, the incidence of complications will be extremely low. It is important to discuss the potential risks with your surgeon before committing to a facelift.

In terms of side effects, common examples include the following:

• Facial weakness and numbness

• Redness and bruising around the cheeks

• Scars that will eventually subside and look almost invisible

• Soreness and sensitivity

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the side effects or your experience after surgery, it is important to consult with your surgeon for advice at the earliest possible juncture.

Craig Upton 

Craig Upton supports UK businesses by increasing sales growth using various revenue streams online. Creating strategic partnerships and keen focus to detail, Craig equips websites with the right tools to increase traffic. Craig is also the CEO of iCONQUER, a UK based company and has been working in the digital marketing arena for over a decade. A trusted SEO consultant and trainer, Craig has worked with British brands such as FT.com, DJKit, UK Property Finance, Serimax and also supported UK doctors, solicitors, builders, jewellers, to mention a few, gain more exposure online. Craig has gained a wealth of knowledge within the digital marketing space and is committed to creating new opportunities working with UK companies.