At Kensington Medical in Harley Street, London and Wimbledon our GMC Specialist Registered plastic surgeons specialise in the Vertical Restore Facelift.

The Vertical Restore facelift is an advanced facelift technique that is designed to lift the cheeks, jawline, removing jowls, sagging skin, loss of definition and can tighten the neck. There is a focus on the vertical direction which results in a natural looking facelift. It may involve the removal or repositioning of excess fat to improve facial contours. This facial rejuvenation procedure lifts the Smas layer and deeper facial tissues to create a vertical vector and avoids a tightened look that traditional facelifts offer.

There are several types of facelifts, to see the breadth and range we offer, follow facelift options.

Medically Reviewed

Our experts monitor facial plastic surgery and facial treatments information and update it when it is available.

This page was medically reviewed by Mr David Gateley MA, FRCS, FRCS (Plast), Medical Director, GMC number 2939470 on 18 August 2026

Main points to consider

Vertical Restore facelift:

The Vertical Restore facelift or mini Vertical restore facelift is a natural looking rejuvenation that focuses on facial contours through vertical lifting of deep facial tissues and ligaments. The vector of the face is lifted in a more vertical direction to achieve a natural ook.
Incorporating advanced surgical techniques, the Vertical vector facelift works to minimise scarring.
It can last up to 10 to 15 years if following a healthy lifestyle.
Recovery is approximately 2 to 4 weeks. Swelling can last last longer, however you will see the results within the 2 week period.
Most patients experience a smooth recovery and are satisfied with the natural looking results.
Get in touch to find out if you are suitable for a VR facelift.

What is the Vertical Lift Approach

The restorative facial plastic surgery technique follows the deep plane approach: lifting the facial tissues vertically, not horizontally, to combat the droop.

It helps to avoid the ‘pulled’ appearance. Instead, the deep plane vertical facelift offers a rejuvenation that is both natural looking and long lasting.

The vertical facelift targets the deep fascia layer, focusing on the causes of facial sagging, including drooping cheeks, lower face and jowl area, and the neck. Deep plane facelift targets include the deeper facial tissues and supporting structures, focusing on lifting these areas. During this approach, the release or manipulation of facial ligaments is crucial for achieving a natural lift and restoring youthful contours.

This full rejuvenation involves a repositioning of the deeper tissue and facial muscles creating natural results. The deep plane technique, ensures that the results are long lasting, often outlasting those of other facelifts.

This cosmetic surgery lift technique aims to restore rather than alter. It lifts the facial and neck tissues vertically to return them to their youthful positions, aligning with the face’s natural contours and movements. Tightening the platysma muscle during the procedure is important for enhancing neck and jawline definition. Our plastic surgeons have years of experience and expertise and a real understanding of facial anatomy.

Rejuvenating Beauty: The Vertical Technique that Restores

A vertical restore facelift procedure is different to the traditional facelift. It focuses on midface, jawline, and neck helping to restore the youthful aesthetic shape. The facelift technique, may include a lateral brow lift. The vertical deep plane facelift is a highly advanced, sophisticated surgical technique that addresses the deep structural tissues of the face.

We find that our patients find they have

a new confidence,
feeling like they are back to how they feel,
often become more outgoing.
can look up to 10 to 15 years younger.

Who is a Vertical Restore suitable for?

A Vertical Restore facelift can help with the following conditions:

Lower face skin laxity
Jowls
Loss of jawline defintion
Neck laxity, although severe neck laxity will require a combination neck lift
Cheek drop

Who may not require a Vertical Restore Facelift?

If you have mild skin laxity our Plastic surgeons may advise on the following options:

Mini facelift
Lower facelift

If you have more extensive ageing conditions our Plastic surgeons may discuss the following options:

A combination procedure such as a Deep plane facelift and neck lift
Neck lift for neck bands

It is important to have a face to face consultation so our expert plastic surgeons can examine your face and recommend the best options to suit your facial structure and conditions such as skin laxity, facial droop, fat pad loss or movement.

How does Vertical Restore differ from a Deep Plane Facelift?

Vertical Restore and Deep Plane facelift surgery are not two completely separate procedures. Vertical Restore Facelift above all describes the direction or vector in which facial tissues are repositioned i.e. in a vertical position, while Deep Plane describes the anatomical plane in which the surgeon operates. A Vertical Restore approach can incorporate a deep plane technique. This depends on the patient’s anatomy, goals and what the plastic surgeons’ treatment plan is.

The key point is that Vertical Restore facelift focuses on repositioning the descended facial tissues in a vertical direction. This will aim to restore the cheeks, lower face and jawline focusing on natural facial proportions. A Deep Plane facelift refers more specifically to releasing and repositioning deeper facial tissues beneath the SMAS layer.

The most appropriate technique will depend on factors such as

facial droop
degree of skin/ tissue laxity
degree of jowling
cheek descent or drop
neck laxity

In your face to face consultation our plastic surgeon will recommend the approach that is best for you. We do not apply one technique to every patient.

Read our guide on Deep Plane facelift.

Tailoring Your Facelift Journey

At Kensington Medical your journey starts with a personalised treatment plan. It begins with a comprehensive assessment in your consultation with your facial plastic surgeon.

They will examine your facial structure both face and neck, your skin quality and facial tissues, creating a unique treatment plan for you. This bespoke approach ensures you have the best facelift techniques for your face.

Where are the scars for a Vertical Restore Facelift?

The Vertical Restore procedure follows the strategic placement of incisions, typically within the hairline and around the ears. This ensures that visible scarring is minimised, and your natural beauty shines without any signs of surgical intervention. Specialised techniques, such as camouflaging incisions within the tragus cartilage and the posterior ear crease, further minimise scar visibility, ensuring a natural appearance post-surgery.

Compared to a traditional facelift, the Vertical Restore facelifts advanced surgical techniques involve smaller incisions, leading to less visible scarring along the hairline and behind the ears. This meticulous approach to incision placement and wound care exemplifies the procedure’s commitment to a natural and discreet aesthetic outcome, ensuring that any resultant scars blend seamlessly with your natural contours.

The Longevity of Vertical Restore Results

Vertical Restore facelift is long lasting, of up to 10 to 15 years whilst following a healthy diet, exercise, avoiding direct sunlight and smoking and following a healthy lifestyle.

While the Vertical Restore facelift tightens loose skin and muscles with precision, it’s important to note that it does not permanently alter the inherent quality of the skin over the long term, nor does it remove excess skin.

The results are designed to mature gracefully with the patient, maintaining a natural look.

Mini Vertical Lift: for those who don't want a full facelift procedure

If you are not yet ready for a full facelift but favour a more subtle enhancement, the mini vertical lift might be for you. This less invasive version of the facelift focuses on the lower portion of the face.

If you are after a younger looking mouth, you might also be interested in a combined lip lift with the mini facelift. This can target moderate sagging. It’s an ideal option for individuals who wish to address the early visible signs of ageing, such as a less defined jawline or the onset of a double chin, without committing to a full facelift.

The mini facelift not only smooths and tightens the facial skin but also reduces fine lines and wrinkles, enhancing facial contours for a natural, youthful look. In some cases, the procedure can also address excess fat in the lower face or under the chin, further improving facial definition.

A mid-face lift targets the cheek area and sagging mid face helping to contour the mid face and can help with the neck as well.

Preparing for Your Vertical Restore Procedure

Preparing for a Vertical Restore facelift involves individualised planning such as the following;

medical history,
lifestyle to aesthetic goals,
Dietary regulations,
medication adjustments,
lifestyle changes.

These factors are all part of the pre-surgery preparation highlighting the importance of both physical and mental readiness for the procedure. Our facelift surgeons like to analyse historical photographs of the patient which helps in understanding their facial patterns. This helps to create a bespoke and individual plan.

Ahead of surgery we take medical history to ensure there are no risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, and the use of certain medications.

Recovery and Aftercare

Post operative care after a facelift involves carefully managing the healing process. We focus on fully informing our patients of what to expect: Most patients experience swelling and bruising that resolves within a few weeks after a Vertical Restore facelift, and most can resume normal activities after the first month. Most patients experience initial swelling that settles within 2 to 6 weeks.

First week: It's normal to have swelling and bruising as part of the initial recovery. We recommend keeping your head elevated during sleep for at least one week after surgery to reduce swelling and promote healing.
We provide pain management tips and prescribed medications to reduce any discomfort and to help support the healing process.
We keep a close eye on post-operative wound care. This helps to reducing scarring. We prefer you stay clear of direct sunlight and sun cream in the initial stages.
Week two to four: the healing progresses, swelling reduces, results are clearly visible and patients can slowly start to resume normal activities after the first month. Focus on skincare is highly important.
Post operative appointments with our plastic surgeon are booked. This is to ensure the recovery process is going well. Stitches are removed in one of the post operative appointments. Follow up visits are especially important after Vertical restore surgery to monitor healing and address potential complications.

For all facial surgery which also include neck lifts, facial fat transfer or fat grafting or eyelid surgery we advise our patients to focus on a healthy lifestyle, which includes taking care to have:

healthy nutrition full of wholefoods and avoiding processed foods,
good hydration, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol initially,
rest, sleeping with your head elevated,
having friends or family to lend some support.

This ensures a smooth recovery.

Addressing Risks and Managing Expectations

Managing risks and ensuring the patient has realistic expectations are crucial in any surgical procedure. In your consultation our plastic surgeon will discuss the Cosmetic surgery and other risks.

If the patient is combining neck lift surgery with facelift surgery as part of the facial rejuvenation treatment plan the same risks will be discussed.

These general risks include:

Infection
Swelling and bruising
Bleeding, Haematoma
Scarring
Nerve injury
Anaesthetic risks or allergies
Temorary numbness
Possible hairline movement

Choosing a Qualified Surgeon

Selecting the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when considering facelift surgery. A highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon can ensure that your procedure delivers natural looking results while minimising risks and complications. When researching potential surgeons, it’s essential to review their credentials, examine before-and-after photos of their work, and read patient testimonials to gauge their expertise in facial rejuvenation.

A skilled surgeon will take the time to understand your unique facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals, tailoring the facelift surgery—whether it’s a deep plane facelift, or a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments. Their guidance will help you choose the most effective approach for your facial rejuvenation, ensuring that you achieve the refreshed, natural results you desire.

You can read about our GMC Specialist Registered Plastic Surgeons here.

Feeling great: patient confidence and delight

We see remarkable changes in patients who embrace their refreshed natural looking facelift. A big boost in confidence and often a change in outlook on life.

Get in Touch

A Vertical Restore facelift offers amazing facial rejuvenation natural results. At Kensington Medical our expert facial surgeons are here to help you achieve your aesthetic transformation.

Book a Vertical Restore facelift consultation.

Discuss what you want to achieve with our GMC Specialist Registered Plastic Surgeons and find out what will be the most appropriate facelift for you.

Other options to incorporate : Brow Lift

A brow lift is a highly effective surgical procedure that elevates sagging brows and smooths out forehead lines, helping to restore a youthful and refreshed expression. When performed alongside a deep plane facelift, a brow lift enhances the overall results by addressing the upper third of the face, complementing the rejuvenation achieved in the mid and lower face. This combination creates a comprehensive rejuvenation, ensuring facial harmony and a natural appearance from the forehead down to the neck.

During a brow lift, small incisions are discreetly placed within the hairline, allowing the surgeon to reposition the brow tissues and reduce the appearance of deep furrows or drooping. This not only lifts the brows but also opens up the eye area, contributing to a brighter, more youthful look. By integrating a brow lift with a deep plane facelift, patients benefit from a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation that addresses multiple signs of ageing and delivers balanced, natural-looking results.

Can a Vertical Restore target Deep Wrinkles

Deep wrinkles are one of the most noticeable signs of facial ageing, often forming as skin loses elasticity and facial tissues begin to descend. The vertical restore facelift technique is especially effective at smoothing these deep wrinkles, as it goes beyond the surface to target the underlying tissues and muscles responsible for their formation. By lifting and repositioning the deeper layers of facial tissue, the deep plane facelift technique can significantly reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Vertical Restore facelift different from traditional facelifts?

The Vertical Restore UK facelift differs from traditional facelifts by using a vertical lift approach to the vecorr that targets the deep fascia layer of the face, providing more natural and longer lasting results. It focuses the face and neck by lifting sagging facial and neck tissues vertically, rather than the often horizontal pull of traditional facelifts. Find out what facelift is best for you by contacting us today.

How long do the results of a Vertical Restore facelift typically last?

Vertical Restore technique generally lasts up to 10 to 15 years, thanks to the deep plane facelift approach that targets the underlying causes of visible signs of facial ageing. This assumes a healthy lifestyle eating well, exercising and avoiding direct sun and smoking.

Will I have visible scars after a facelift using the vertical restore technique?

There will be minimal visible scarring as the incisions are strategically placed within the hairline and around the ears, which helps to minimise their appearance. Specialised techniques are used to conceal these incisions, resulting in scars that are typically not noticeable.

Can this facelift be customised to my needs and facial structure?

A VR facelift can also include other procedures such as an upper and lower blepharoplasty, brow lift or lateral brow lift, facial fat transfer for facial volume and under eye volume for hallow eyes and a lip lift to shorten the length between the nose and mouth to create a more youthful lip.

Are there any less invasive options for those who do not require a full facelift?

Yes, the mini vertical lift or mini facelift is a less invasive option for individuals with moderate sagging and milder signs of ageing. It focuses on the lower part of the face. It is idea for early measures against ageing or for those wanting a subtle result with less downtime.

What other facelift options do you offer?

At Kensington Medical we focus exclusively on the face. This means that we offer every type of facelift to ensure each patient has the best facelift outcome.

Our facelift offering includes;

Deep plane facelift

Smas facelift

Lower facelift or jowl lift

Neck lift

Mini facelift

Mid facelift

Information on the differences between a deep plane facelift and a Smas facelift.