Over the last decade, facelift procedures have become more common, with people from all walks of life opting for this type of surgery. The reason for the surge in popularity is facelifts last. You can look ten to 15 years younger with a facelift. Aesthetic medicine encompasses both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures, providing a range of options for those seeking to address signs of ageing. There is a downside to choosing the right procedure.
Facelift surgeries are among the most popular surgical procedures in aesthetic medicine. When considering different facelift options, facelift cost is an important factor to keep in mind. Here are the ten popular facelifts amongst our patients for you to consider.
Cosmetic surgery has become an increasingly popular option for those looking to enhance their appearance and regain confidence. Among the most sought-after procedures are facelifts, which are designed to address common signs of aging such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loose skin on the face and neck. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that can dramatically improve skin tone and provide a more youthful appearance by tightening and smoothing the skin.
Thanks to advancements in facial plastic surgery, patients now have access to a variety of facelift procedures, including mini facelifts for subtle improvements, deep plane facelifts for more significant rejuvenation, and even non-surgical facelifts for those seeking less invasive options. Whether you’re looking to refresh your look or address more pronounced signs of ageing, At Kensington Medical we offer tailored procedures to help you achieve a more youthful and revitalized appearance.
At Kensington Medical we ensure that you will have the right facelift for your face. Our team of expert GMC Specialist Registered facial plastic surgeons have the experience to be able to offer you the right facelift procedure, not just one type.
Target Areas for Facelifts
Facelift procedures are highly customizable and can target specific areas of the face and neck to address individual concerns. Commonly treated regions include the cheeks, jawline, and neck area, where sagging skin and deep wrinkles often develop over time. For example, a mini facelift is ideal for those looking to improve the lower face and neck, focusing on removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles for a subtle lift. In contrast, a deep plane facelift is designed to address more advanced signs of ageing, such as pronounced sagging skin and deep wrinkles, by repositioning the deeper facial tissues for a more dramatic and rejuvenated appearance. By selecting the right facelift procedure, our patients can effectively remove excess skin, enhance facial contours, and restore a smoother, more youthful look to the face and neck.
1. Vertical Facelift
A Vertical facelift, also known as a short-scar or limited-incision facelift, or Vertical Restore Facelift technique uses the deep plane approach: lifting the facial tissues vertically, not horizontally. This approach often results in minimal scarring due to shorter incisions.
This technique avoids the ‘pulled’ appearance and offers a natural-looking and long-lasting facelift, with an emphasis on natural looking rejuvenation.
The vertical restore facelift focuses on the deep fascia layer, which causes facial sagging, including drooping cheeks, lower face and jowl area, and the neck.
This technique involves a repositioning of the deeper tissue and facial muscles, including the underlying tissues, creating natural results. The deep plane technique, also known as the deep plane facelift or neck lift, ensures long lasting results by comprehensively lifting and repositioning the underlying tissues. Some vertical facelifts can be performed under local anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. Of course following a correct diet and exercise and avoiding strong sun is crucial.
A plastic surgeon with years of experience and expertise has the understanding of facial anatomy that can achieve this bespoke facelift surgery. Understanding the patient's unique bone structure is essential for customizing the facelift and achieving optimal results.
Find out more about this Vertical Restore facelift technique.
2. Ponytail Facelift
A ponytail facelift is a minimally invasive option compared to an invasive facelift or traditional facelift. The procedure gets its name from the incisions made behind the patient’s ears, which resemble a ponytail. This type of facelift is often used to treat sagging in the mid-face region. Some patients may also combine the ponytail facelift with non surgical treatments or a nonsurgical facelift for enhanced results. We can also combine it with other procedures, such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery, and multiple treatments can be used together for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
3. SMAS Facelift
A SMAS lift is a procedure for men or women who want an overall improvement in their appearance, as it treats sagging skin, muscle laxity, and can target jowls by specifically lifting the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) for more effective and natural-looking results. It can achieve a cheek and jowl lift. The technique involves repositioning the deep facial tissues, which leads to longer-lasting rejuvenation. It can also target the neck area, although if there is comprehensive skin laxity then a neck lift as well may be recommended.
A SMAS lift, also known as a SMAS facelift, is a popular option for addressing sagging in the mid to lower face.
4. Lower Facelift
A lower facelift focuses on correcting sagging in the lower half of the face, including the jowls and neck. The surgeon makes the incisions for this procedure along the hairline and in the creases of the ear. The skin is lifted and the surgeon removes excess tissue. The procedure can also involve removing or contouring excess fat in the jawline and neck to create a more defined appearance. The remaining skin is then re-draped and held in place with sutures.
It is important to monitor for wound healing issues during recovery, such as infection or delayed healing, to ensure optimal results.
5. Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is a less invasive alternative to a traditional facelift. The procedure involves making small incisions in the hairline and around the ear. The skin is lifted and the surgeon removes excess tissue. The remaining skin is then re-draped and held in place with sutures. This technique is often performed under local anaesthesia, making it a convenient option for many patients.
Mini facelifts typically offer a quicker facelift recovery compared to more invasive procedures.
6. Full Facelift and Neck Lift
A full face lift or face lift surgery is a more comprehensive and invasive facelift option compared to a traditional facelift. The procedure involves making incisions in the hairline, in the creases of the ear, and possibly along the lower scalp. The skin is lifted and the surgeon removes excess tissue. The remaining skin is then re-draped and held in place with sutures. A neck lift may also be performed to correct sagging in the neck region.
These surgeries can be combined with other techniques, such as eyelid surgery or brow lift, for optimal facial rejuvenation. Fat grafting is often used alongside a full facelift to restore lost volume and enhance facial contours, providing a more youthful and balanced appearance.
With a full face lift, patients can achieve long-lasting, natural facelift results that address multiple areas of ageing for comprehensive improvement.
7. S Lift
An S lift is a type of facelift that acquired its name from the shape of the incisions made during the procedure. The incisions are made in an S shape, with one branch starting at the hairline and the other branch starting in front of the ear. The skin is lifted and the surgeon removes excess tissue. The remaining skin is then re-draped and held in place with sutures.
8. Mid Facelift
A mid-facelift focuses on correcting sagging in the middle region of the face, including the cheeks and around the mouth. This procedure is effective in reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds and can help reduce wrinkles in the midface region. The surgeon makes the incisions for this procedure along the hairline and in the creases of the ear. The skin is lifted and the surgeon removes excess tissue. The remaining skin is then re-draped and held in place with sutures. Your Kensington Medical-surgical team may recommend combining a mid-facelift with an eyelid lift or a brow lift.
9. Deep Plane Facelift or Stem cell facelift with fat transfer
A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that targets the deep structures beneath the skin called the deeper facial musculature. The surgical procedure involves repositioning and lifting the deeper tissues. It results in a comprehensive and natural facelift. Fat transfer is often combined with this technique, and it can stimulate collagen production, which helps improve skin elasticity and contributes to overall facial rejuvenation. The deep plane facelift has seen increasing popularity over the past 5 years.
10. Stem cell facelift
A stem cell facelift is a less invasive alternative to a traditional facelift. The procedure involves injecting stem cells into the skin to help repair and regenerate tissue. This can help improve the appearance of the skin and reduce the signs of ageing. Many people combine a stem cell facelift with an actual facelift to give them more volume in the face. Laser skin resurfacing is often combined with stem cell or other non surgical treatments to further improve skin quality and texture. Ask about this combination which is proving to be popular.
Contact us to find out what Facelift is right for you
If you are considering a facelift, book a consultation with one of our expert GMC Specialist Registered plastic surgeons at Kensington Medical. Our team of experts will work with you to determine which facelift procedure is best suited for your individual needs. We offer various options, including traditional facelifts, mini facelifts, SMAS, Deep plane facelift, Vertical Restore and combination fat transfer / stem cell facelifts and many other combinations. Understanding why a particular facelift is the best for your facial structure is crucial.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper skincare and sun protection, is essential for preserving the results of facelift procedures.
Contact us today here or call us on 0204 551 4892.
Find out about our specialised facial surgeons Mr David Gateley, Mr Tulley and Mr Cavale, who are some of the leading facial plastic surgeons in the UK. They specialise in facial procedures, including facelifts, Deep Plane facelifts, SMAS facelifts, mini facelifts, neck lifts, lower facelifts, jowl lifts, temporal lifts. Their skill lies in advanced facial rejuvenation techniques and achieving natural results.
Brow Lift: A Complementary Procedure
A brow lift is an excellent complementary procedure to a facelift, especially for individuals concerned with drooping skin on the forehead or between the eyebrows. This surgical technique lifts and smooths the brow area, helping to restore a more youthful and refreshed expression. When combined with a facelift, a brow lift can provide comprehensive facial rejuvenation by addressing multiple areas of concern at once. This approach not only enhances the overall results but also ensures a harmonious and natural-looking improvement in skin appearance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a complete transformation.
Costs and Considerations
The cost of a facelift procedure can vary widely based on the type of facelift chosen and the expertise of the surgeon. A mini facelift typically ranges from £7,000 to £8,500, while a deep plane facelift which generally includes a neck lift may cost from £13,000 due to its complexity and the advanced techniques involved. It’s important to consider not just the price, but also the qualifications and experience of your surgeon, as these factors play a crucial role in achieving safe and satisfying results. Additional procedures, such as eyelid surgery or facial implants, can also impact the overall cost. When planning your facelift surgery, be sure to discuss all potential expenses and options with your provider to ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and budget.
Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery process following a facelift procedure is a vital part of achieving the best possible results. Most patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the weeks after surgery, but these symptoms gradually subside with proper care. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is essential for a smooth recovery process—this may include taking prescribed medications, using ice packs to reduce swelling, and avoiding strenuous activities until cleared by your doctor. Prioritizing aftercare not only minimizes the risk of complications but also helps you enjoy your rejuvenated appearance sooner. With attentive recovery and support from your surgical team, you can look forward to a refreshed, more youthful look and a boost in self-confidence.