Facelift
A facelift is a plastic surgery procedure in which the deeper tissue layers of the face and neck are lifted and tightened, excess skin is removed and facial contours are improved. The aim of the operation is to reduce signs of ageing in the face and neck and restore a more youthful, firmer and more balanced appearance.
Facelift
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce signs of ageing in the face and neck. The operation helps improve the facial oval, jawline and the contours of the cheeks and neck by reducing tissue sagging and excess skin.
The procedure involves lifting and tightening the deeper tissue layers of the face and neck and removing excess skin. As a result, the face may appear more youthful, firmer and fresher while maintaining a natural facial expression.
What is a facelift?
A facelift is a plastic surgery procedure that corrects the deeper tissues of the face and neck rather than only tightening the surface of the skin.
This approach helps achieve a longer-lasting and more natural result by improving tissue position and facial contours.
The aim of the operation is to reduce signs of ageing in the face and neck, including sagging skin and tissues, loss of firmness in the cheeks, reduced definition of the jawline and loose skin on the neck.
The procedure is planned individually, taking into account the patient’s facial anatomy, skin quality, the severity of ageing-related changes and the desired result.
What can be improved with a facelift?
A facelift may help in cases of:
sagging of the facial oval;
reduced jawline definition;
sagging cheek tissues;
excess skin in the face and neck;
loose neck skin;
more pronounced signs of ageing in the lower face;
a tired or heavy facial appearance;
reduced firmness of the facial tissues;
a desire to restore more youthful facial contours.
Who is facelift surgery suitable for?
A facelift is suitable for patients who wish to reduce more pronounced signs of ageing in the face and neck that can no longer be sufficiently improved with non-invasive procedures alone.
It may be appropriate when visible tissue sagging, excess skin or loss of facial definition is present.
Suitability for surgery is determined by a plastic surgeon during a consultation. The doctor assesses skin elasticity, the degree of tissue sagging, facial and neck anatomy, general health and the patient’s expectations.
When is a consultation with a plastic surgeon recommended?
A consultation is recommended when a patient wishes to improve the contours of the face and neck, reduce sagging skin or restore a firmer and more youthful appearance.
During the consultation, the surgeon explains whether the most suitable option is a facelift, neck lift, eyelid correction, lipofilling or a combined approach.
An individual consultation is essential because signs of facial ageing vary from patient to patient.
How is facelift surgery performed?
During facelift surgery, the surgeon lifts and secures the deeper tissue layers of the face and neck, adjusts the position of the skin and removes excess skin.
The placement of the incisions is planned individually. They are usually positioned along natural skin creases, the hairline and around the ears to make the scars as discreet as possible.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes approximately two and a half to three hours.
The exact duration may vary depending on the extent of surgery, the patient’s anatomy and whether the facelift is combined with other procedures.
Lifting the deeper tissues of the face and neck
Modern facelift surgery places particular importance on lifting and securing the deeper tissue layers.
This helps achieve a more natural result than tightening the skin alone because tissue support and facial contours are restored.
Excess skin is removed only after the deeper tissues have been lifted, helping prevent an overly tight appearance and preserve natural facial movement.
Recovery after a facelift
Swelling, bruising, tightness and temporary sensitivity or numbness in certain areas of the face may occur after surgery.
These reactions are part of the healing process and gradually subside.
During recovery, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions, protect the face and neck and avoid physical overexertion, steam rooms, saunas, intensive sun exposure and other activities that may interfere with healing.
Follow-up appointments should be attended at the times specified by the doctor.
What should be observed after surgery?
A gentle postoperative routine should be followed, prescribed products should be used and wound healing should be monitored.
The operated areas should not be massaged or touched firmly without the doctor’s permission.
If severe pain, pronounced swelling, bleeding, fever, redness or other concerning symptoms occur, the specialist should be contacted immediately.
Results of a facelift
After a facelift, the face and neck may appear firmer, smoother and more youthful.
The facial oval, jawline and neck contour may become more defined, while the amount of excess skin is reduced.
The final result develops gradually as swelling subsides and the tissues heal completely.
The longevity of the result is influenced by skin quality, age, lifestyle, weight fluctuations, sun exposure, smoking and individual ageing processes.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
A facelift may be combined with other plastic surgery or aesthetic medicine procedures when the doctor considers this appropriate.
It is often combined with a neck lift, blepharoplasty, lipofilling or procedures that improve skin quality.
A combined approach may help achieve a more balanced facial rejuvenation result when signs of ageing affect several areas at the same time.
Common myths about facelifts
Myth: A facelift always creates an artificially tight appearance.
The aim of a modern facelift is not to overstretch the skin, but to lift and secure the deeper tissues and restore more natural facial contours. The result should be balanced and appropriate for the patient’s facial anatomy.
Myth: A facelift corrects all signs of ageing.
A facelift primarily improves sagging tissues and excess skin in the face and neck. It does not replace treatments for skin quality, pigmentation or fine lines, so a combined approach may sometimes be required.
Myth: The full result is visible immediately after surgery.
The initial appearance is affected by swelling and bruising. The final result develops gradually as the tissues heal, swelling subsides and the scars mature.
