Private Facelift

A facelift is an elective procedure. Most people who undergo this procedure do so because they feel their external appearance no longer reflects how youthful or energetic they feel on the inside.

You may be a suitable candidate if you have:

• sagging skin around the cheeks or jawline

• jowls that reduce jawline definition

• loose skin beneath the chin or around the neck

• deep folds between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)

• loss of facial definition caused by ageing or significant weight loss

• good general physical and mental health

• do not smoke, or are willing to stop smoking before and after surgery

Although many people choose facelift surgery from their 40s onwards, suitability depends more on your skin quality, facial structure, and overall health than your age alone. Both men and women can benefit from facelift surgery, but it’s important to have realistic expectations about what surgery may be able to achieve in your specific case.

Your treatment begins with a detailed consultation. Your consultant will discuss your concerns, examine your face and neck, review your medical history, and explain the options available. Together, you'll develop a personalised treatment plan based on your goals.

Facelift surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic, although some patients may be suitable for local anaesthetic with sedation depending on the extent of surgery.

During the procedure, your surgeon carefully places incisions around the ears and into the hairline where scars can usually be concealed. The deeper facial tissues are then lifted and repositioned to restore natural contours. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is re-draped without excessive tension before the incisions are closed with fine stitches.

The exact technique used depends on your anatomy and treatment goals. Some patients require surgery to the lower face only, while others benefit from a combined face and neck lift.

The procedure usually takes several hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery and whether additional procedures are being performed at the same time.

Following surgery, dressings are applied to support healing. Small drainage tubes may occasionally be used for a short period to reduce fluid build-up before being removed.

A facelift cannot stop the ageing process, but it can produce long-lasting improvements to facial appearance.

Potential benefits include:

• smoother contours of the lower face and neck

• improved jawline definition

• reduction in jowls

• softer appearance of deep facial folds

• natural-looking facial rejuvenation

• results that typically last much longer than non-surgical cosmetic treatments

• treatment tailored to your individual facial structure

• improved confidence

Your consultant will explain the improvements you can realistically expect based on your facial anatomy and skin quality.

Every surgical procedure carries some risk. Your consultant will explain these fully during your consultation and answer any questions you have before you decide whether surgery is right for you.

Common temporary effects include:

• swelling

• bruising

• mild discomfort

• tightness around the face and neck

• temporary numbness

• temporary stiffness during facial movement

Less common complications include:

• infection

• bleeding or haematoma

• delayed wound healing

• visible scarring

• temporary hair loss around incision sites

• skin irregularities or asymmetry

• temporary nerve weakness

• permanent facial nerve injury, which is rare

Choosing an experienced facial plastic surgeon and carefully following your aftercare instructions helps reduce the risk of complications.

Your consultant will provide personalised instructions before your surgery.

Preparation may include:

• attending a full pre-operative assessment

• discussing all medications and supplements you take

• stopping smoking several weeks before surgery, as advised by your consultant

• avoiding certain medications that increase bleeding risk if your consultant recommends this

• arranging for someone to take you home and stay with you after surgery

• preparing your home so you can rest comfortably during the first few days

If you're having a general anaesthetic, you'll also receive instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before your procedure.

Recovery following facelift surgery is gradual, and everyone heals at a slightly different pace.

Immediately after surgery, it's normal to experience swelling, bruising, mild discomfort, and a feeling of tightness. Your consultant will prescribe pain relief if needed and explain how to care for your dressings and incision sites.

You'll be seen for follow-up appointments, so your consultant can monitor healing, remove stitches where necessary, and answer any questions during your recovery.

In most cases, you will:

• feel comfortable returning to social activities after around 1 to 2 weeks

• need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks

• be told by your consultant to sleep with your head elevated during the early recovery period to help reduce swelling

Most of the visible swelling and bruising improves during the first 2 weeks, although subtle swelling can continue to settle over several months.

Your results will become progressively more noticeable as healing continues, with the final outcome usually becoming apparent between 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. Scars continue to mature and fade over the following months.

Please contact our Ear, Nose & Throat centre for pricing information. Please note that this procedure is only available to self-pay patients.

At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Facelift surgery at Welbeck is available through self-referral, although you may also be referred by your GP, dermatologist, or aesthetic practitioner following an initial assessment.

Your consultation with one of our surgeons is an important first step. During this appointment, your consultant will assess your suitability for surgery, discuss your goals, explain your treatment options, and answer any questions you may have.