Overview of the procedure
The ageing process causes a reduction in the elasticity of facial skin, resulting in a loss of natural fat volume. This can lead to the face appearing deflated and the skin to sag. Procedures such as face and neck lifts are designed to eliminate excess skin, enhance the contours of the neck and jawline, and smoothen the natural lines around the cheeks and mouth. Many surgeons use the term ‘facelift’ when referring to these procedures, which often encompass both the face and neck based on individual preferences.
Procedure at a glance
There are various types of face and neck lifts available, including short scar or ‘mini’ facelifts, as well as more extensive deep plane facelifts. Mini facelifts are generally performed under local anaesthetic and focus on specific areas of the lower face.
In contrast, deep plane face and neck lifts offer a more thorough approach, addressing the mid and lower sections of the face and neck.
The terminology surrounding facelifts can be somewhat perplexing; for instance, ‘SMAS’ denotes the supportive layer beneath the skin, which is utilised to tighten structures, providing more enduring results.
Patients often have unique requirements; for example, those who have experienced significant weight loss have different considerations than individuals with naturally fuller features or skin that has thinned due to sun exposure.
What are the types of facelift?
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Discuss with a surgeon
If you’re considering a face and neck lift or have questions about the procedure, engaging in a discussion with a surgeon at Beverley Clinic can provide you with invaluable insights tailored to your unique needs.
Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you understand your options and achieve your aesthetic goals, ensuring you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Our clients experience at Beverley Clinic
Face and Neck lifts Patient
Exceptional from first consultation to procedure and follow-up appointments
From my first consultation, procedure & follow up appointments Mr Saleh has been exceptional. He explained everything & answered all my questions relating to a neck & facelift. His friendly and approachable manner is commendable & I have no hesitation in recommending him.
Frequently asked questions
Our FAQs section provides comprehensive answers to the most common inquiries regarding our procedures, helping you to make informed decisions and gain clarity on what to expect throughout your journey at Beverley Clinic.
What does a face and neck lift do?
In most patients a modern facelift aims to correct:
- Restore volume in the cheeks, softening the nasolabial crease
- Correction of jowls
- Correction/softening of marionette lines (corners of mouth)
- Smooth the jaw line
- Flatten the contours of the neck
- Reduce “banding’ in the neck
What happens in my aftercare?
In the week following your surgery, we will take out some of the stitches from your skin and assess your wounds. Generally, you will have additional appointments during the second and third weeks post-surgery to monitor your recovery closely. We advise the use of a specialised head garment to safeguard your wounds. Additionally, you will always have a point of contact available for any concerns or queries you may have during the initial recovery phase.
Deep Plane Face and Neck lifts – what does it mean?
The majority of face and neck lifts performed in our centre are ‘deep plane’. Patients often tell us they have tried to research these procedures but get confused with the terms used. To help you understand, we hope you find the below useful.
The ‘SMAS’ is a term used all over social media and plastic surgery websites. It’s an acronym for a layer under the facial skin that merges with a thin muscle directly under the skin in the neck. This whole layer is like a bed sheet, snugly covering all the major nerves and muscles of the face and neck that lie deeper.
There are many connections between this sheet and the skin directly on top of it. So we surgeons find that re-tightening this layer gives us a long lasting effect on the overlying skin and underlying ligaments.
Deep plane lifts do not simply use stitches to tighten this layer. The deep plane technique involves lifting up this SMAS ‘sheet’ and releasing it, in order to pull it tight again – taking the skin with it.
In our experience this procedure gives us the best longevity without compromising a natural facial and neck appearance. We do not like results that obviously show a face that was operated on!
The main types of face/neck lift we perform are
Mini or short scar lifts feature a scar discreetly placed in front of the ear and are less invasive, primarily targeting rejuvenation of the mid and lower face. Although the results are not as enduring as those from a modern face and neck lift, this procedure remains highly sought after for individuals desiring an improved jawline. The MACS facelift is included in this category and tends to have a lesser impact on the neck while delivering excellent contouring for the lower face.
When will I be ready to socialise post-surgery?
After the sutures are taken out on day seven, you should be able to apply makeup and, with your hair down, effectively hide any early signs of scarring. For mini or short scar procedures, it is anticipated that you can return to social activities once the sutures are removed. In the case of deep plane techniques or other neck lift options, you might expect to resume socialising around days 10 to 14, provided you can cover the scar with your hair. Significant swelling usually reduces by the end of the second week. The images below illustrate a one-week-old scar and the same scar at the two-week mark.
Can I have a secondary (or more) facelifts?
A ‘secondary’ or ‘revision’ face/neck lift is indeed feasible and is a frequent procedure. Often the old scar on the inside makes the surgery more challenging, and the recovery and downtime can be longer than when you first had surgery. It is also crucial to note that, in rare instances, outcomes may worsen with successive surgeries.
How long does a face and/or neck lift last?
Once the surgical procedure is complete, the natural ageing process resumes. Generally, aside from mini facelift options, most facelift methods can provide patients with several years of rejuvenation before they revert to their initial state. Mini facelifts or short scar facelifts offer temporary enhancement, featuring reduced recovery time and lower surgical risks.
