Facelift (rhytidectomy)

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is cosmetic surgery to lift up and pull back the skin on the face to make the face look tighter and smoother.

The procedure is designed to reduce loose skin around the lower half of the face (mainly the jowls) and neck.

If you're thinking of getting a facelift, be absolutely sure about your reasons for wanting a facelift and do not rush into it. The procedure can be expensive, the results cannot be guaranteed, and there are risks.

It's a good idea to discuss your plans with your GP first. You can also read Is cosmetic surgery right for me?.

How much does it cost?

In the UK, the cost of a facelift can vary greatly from clinic to clinic and depending on the extent of the procedure. 

Expect to pay anything from a few thousand pounds for a mini facelift to £10,000 for a face and neck lift.

You should also take into account the cost of any consultations or follow-up care that may be needed.

Where do I go?

If you're looking in England, check the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website for treatment centres that can perform facelifts. 

All independent clinics and hospitals that provide cosmetic surgery in England must be registered with the CQC. The CQC publishes inspection reports and performance ratings to help people choose care.

Also, research the surgeon who is going to carry out the facelift. All doctors must, as a minimum, be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Check the register to see the doctor's fitness to practise history.

You may also want to find out:

• how many facelifts they've performed where there have been complications
• what sort of follow-up you should expect if things go wrong

Read more about choosing who will do your cosmetic procedure

What does it involve?

A facelift is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. It may sometimes be performed using a local anaesthetic and sedation.

There are many different kinds of facelift, but generally the surgeon will:

• make cuts (incisions) above the hairline at the temples that extend down in front of your ear, underneath your earlobe and behind the ear
• make cuts under the chin if the jawline is also being lifted
• remove the surplus facial skin
• pull the remaining skin backwards and upwards before stitching it into its new position
• sometimes redistribute facial fat and tissue or add fat to the face
• bandage the face to minimise bruising and swelling

It usually takes 2 to 3 hours, and most people need to stay in hospital overnight.

Pain relief is provided if you experience any discomfort afterwards.

Recovery

It takes about 2 to 4 weeks to fully recover from a facelift. You need to take this time off work.

Bruising is visible for at least 2 weeks. It could take up to 6 to 9 months to see the full effect of the facelift.

You will not be able to drive for a number of days after the operation – your surgeon would advise about this.

You will have to avoid showering and getting the bandages wet for the first 2 days, and avoid strenuous activity, saunas and massages for at least 2 weeks.

You also need to keep your head propped up with pillows for a couple of days while resting to reduce the swelling.

After about 7 to 14 days: stitches are removed (unless you had dissolvable stitches).

After several weeks: bruises, scars and changes to your skin colour should have faded.

After 6 to 9 months: you should be able to see the final results of the facelift.

Side effects to expect

After a facelift, it's common to have:

• a swollen or numb face, which may last for a few weeks or months
• a stiff feeling in your face an mouth, which usually goes away within 6 weeks
• bruising - this can last for a few weeks
• pain
• low mood for a few days
• scars – these should fade, but will not completely disappear
• a raised hairline or sideburns
• reduced hair growth at the sides of the forehead (temples)

What could go wrong

A facelift can occasionally result in problems, including:

• nerve injury and loss of sensation or movement in the face
• asymmetrical facial features – including the position of the earlobe
• hair loss or a small but permanent reduction in hair growth around the scars
• thick, obvious scars developing
• problems healing

Any type of operation also carries a small risk of:

• excessive bleeding
• developing a blood clot in a vein
• infection
• an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic

The surgeon should explain how likely these risks and complications are, and how they would be treated if they occurred.

Occasionally, people find the desired effect was not achieved and feel they need another operation. You should check how this would be funded with your surgeon.

What to do if you have problems

Cosmetic surgery can sometimes go wrong and the results may not be what you expected.

You should contact the clinic where the operation was carried out as soon as possible if you have severe pain or any unexpected symptoms. You can also call NHS 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.

If you are not happy with the results of your facelift, or you think the procedure was not carried out properly, you should take up the matter with your surgeon through the hospital or clinic where you were treated.

If you have concerns about your care, you should make a complaint to the CQC.

If necessary, you can raise a concern about a doctor to the GMC.

The Royal College of Surgeons has more information and advice about what to do if things go wrong with cosmetic surgery

More information

• British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS): face and brow lift
• Care Quality Commission (CQC): choosing cosmetic surgery
• Royal College of Surgeons: cosmetic surgery