Facelift

A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, is surgery designed to improve facial contour by lifting and repositioning deeper tissues and tightening the skin. It commonly targets the lower face and jawline and can also improve midface descent in selected cases.

Facelift surgery is individualized. Some patients need a limited lift focused on the jawline, while others benefit from a more comprehensive approach that includes the neck. A specialist assessment helps clarify which areas can be improved safely and what degree of change is realistic.

Benefits depend on anatomy, technique and healing. A consultation is needed to confirm what is realistic and which areas a facelift can meaningfully improve.

• Improved jawline: reducing jowling and softening lower face sagging
• Smoother midface: improving cheek and lower cheek contour in selected cases
• More rested appearance: a refreshed look while aiming to preserve natural expression
• Longer lasting change: addressing deeper tissue descent rather than skin alone

Facelifts can improve laxity and contour, but they do not stop aging. Skin quality, sun exposure and lifestyle factors influence how results age over time.

A facelift may be considered for patients with facial laxity and jowling who want surgical improvement and are medically fit for anesthesia. Only a qualified specialist can confirm eligibility after a medical review and physical exam.

• Visible tissue descent: jowls, jawline softening or midface sagging
• Realistic expectations: preference for a natural result and understanding of scarring and recovery
• General health: medically fit for surgery and anesthesia
• Travel readiness: ability to stay in country for early checks and to follow instructions after returning home

Smoking, uncontrolled chronic conditions, bleeding disorders or a history of poor wound healing can increase risk. Your surgeon will advise based on your assessment.

Facelift techniques vary in how they reposition deeper tissues and how extensive the dissection is. Your surgeon will recommend an approach based on facial anatomy, skin laxity and your goals. Many modern techniques focus on deeper tissue support to avoid a tight or pulled appearance.

Facelift steps depend on technique and whether additional procedures are combined. Your surgeon should explain incision placement, tissue repositioning and the early follow up schedule.

Facelift surgery is commonly performed under general anesthesia, though some cases may be planned with sedation and local anesthesia depending on the extent of work and patient factors. Your anesthesiologist will review your medical history and confirm the safest option for you.

Discomfort is usually described as tightness, soreness and swelling rather than severe pain. Bruising and numbness around the cheeks, ears or neck can occur. Your clinical team should provide a symptom management plan and clear warning signs that require urgent review.

Preparation for a facelift abroad includes medical readiness and a travel timeline that supports early checks and safe recovery before flying home. Planning is especially important if drains are used or if multiple procedures are combined.

• Medical review: share your medication list, allergies and any history of bleeding, clotting or anesthesia issues
• Smoking and nicotine: nicotine can impair wound healing and increase complication risk and may need to be stopped before and after surgery
• Medication guidance: some medicines and supplements increase bleeding risk and require clinician oversight
• Recovery planning: arrange support for the first days and plan for rest, head elevation and follow up visits
• Travel planning: allow enough in country time for wound checks, dressing or drain management when used and travel clearance

Do not start or stop medications without guidance from your treating clinicians.

Timelines vary by technique and whether a neck lift or other procedures are combined. Your surgeon will confirm the safest schedule for follow ups and travel clearance.

Recovery happens in stages. Bruising and swelling are most noticeable in the first weeks, while numbness and scar maturation can take months. Your exact timeline depends on technique, extent of lifting and whether a neck lift was included.

After returning home, aftercare focuses on incision care, scar protection and monitoring for signs of complications. A clear remote follow up plan is especially useful for international patients.

• Incision care: gentle cleansing and avoiding tension on the wounds as directed
• Swelling management: head elevation and activity restrictions until cleared
• Scar care: follow the recommended scar plan once incisions are healed and protect scars from sun exposure
• Remote follow ups: photo or video reviews to monitor healing and symmetry

Seek urgent local care if you develop fever, increasing redness, drainage, sudden severe swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain or significant bleeding and notify your surgical team.

Facelift surgery has risks, and some risks increase with smoking, certain medical conditions or combined procedures. Your surgeon should explain risks specific to your case and how concerns are managed.

• Common and expected: swelling, bruising, tightness, temporary numbness, discomfort around incisions
• Possible complications: infection, bleeding, fluid collection, wound healing problems, visible scarring, asymmetry, hair thinning near incisions
• Skin and tissue risks: skin compromise, especially in smokers or those with vascular risk factors
• Nerve related risks: temporary or less commonly persistent weakness or altered sensation
• Less common but serious: significant bleeding, blood clots, reaction to anesthesia, need for revision surgery

Choosing an experienced team, following instructions and attending follow ups can reduce risk, but no outcome can be guaranteed.

For facelift surgery, international patients often look for surgeons with facial anatomy expertise, facilities that support safe anesthesia and a structured follow up plan for wound checks before returning home. Coordination matters because recovery is longer than many procedures and early monitoring helps manage swelling, bruising and incision healing.