Facelift
Facelift London
A full facelift and neck lift addresses jowling, loose neck skin, and lost jawline definition — restoring a naturally younger-looking lower face using proven SMAS technique by GMC specialist-registered consultant plastic surgeons at our CQC-regulated Baker Street facility.
Facelift Surgery in London
The ageing process — combined with sun exposure, gravity, and everyday stress — gradually changes the appearance of the face. Skin loses elasticity, underlying muscles weaken, and deeper lines develop. Facial contours soften, particularly around the jawline and neck, producing jowls and loose neck skin. A facelift combined with a addresses these changes together for a balanced, natural result.
A full facelift and neck lift work by tightening the underlying muscle structure (the SMAS layer in the face and the platysma in the neck), repositioning descended tissues, and smoothing excess skin. This combined approach softens deep creases around the nose and mouth while restoring definition along the jawline and neck. Most patients seek treatment in their 40s-70s, when skin laxity in the lower face and neck starts producing visible jowls and loss of jawline definition.
At Centre for Surgery, facelift surgery is performed by GMC specialist-registered consultant plastic surgeons at our CQC-regulated private hospital on Baker Street. We use TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) as standard — the safest form of anaesthesia available for day-case facial surgery. SMAS facelift is the most common technique we perform; deep plane is available for selected cases, typically those with thicker skin, heavier facial structure, male facelifts, or revision work.
Facial rejuvenation isn’t about trying to look 20 years younger — it’s about restoring balance and refreshing your appearance so you look as energised as you feel. Results from a properly performed SMAS or deep plane facelift typically last 10 years or more. A two-week cooling-off period after your consultation is standard, giving you time to reflect before committing to surgery.
Facelift & Neck Lift Surgery Before & After Photos
Full facelift combined with neck lift. The face and neck age together — addressing them as a single anatomical unit produces a harmonious, balanced result rather than a disconnect between a rejuvenated face and an ageing neck.
Facelift result showing restoration of jawline definition and correction of jowling. The lift is on the deeper SMAS layer, which is why the result looks natural rather than tight.
Side profile view demonstrating lateral jawline improvement after facelift surgery. The side profile is typically where facelift correction is most visible — restored jaw angle, clean jaw-neck transition, and softened marionette lines.
Side-by-side comparison of facelift and neck lift result. Repositioning of descended lower-face tissue plus tightening of the platysma muscle in the neck restores a defined jaw-neck angle without an over-tight appearance.
Facelift and neck lift in a patient with moderate lower-face and neck laxity. The combined approach addresses jowls, jawline descent, platysmal banding, and submental laxity in a single operation.
Front view of combined facelift and neck lift result. Facial expression and natural movement are fully preserved — the SMAS is lifted, not the skin.
Side view from the same case demonstrating the full scope of lower-face and neck correction. The lateral view is where the jaw-neck angle improvement is most visible.
Combined facelift and neck lift addressing jowling, jawline descent, and neck laxity in one procedure. Results don’t reverse ageing permanently — the face continues to age from this new baseline — but the improvement is durable for 10 years or more.
Facelift and neck lift result. Results vary between patients depending on starting anatomy, skin quality, whether other procedures (blepharoplasty, fat transfer, laser resurfacing) are performed at the same time, and which specific facelift technique is selected based on individual anatomy.
All patients consented to their images being used for educational purposes. A wider gallery of facelift results is available to review at your in-person consultation. You can also view results across our full range of procedures on the main .
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Benefits of facelift and neck lift surgery
A full facelift and neck lift addresses structural changes that creams, injectables, and energy-based devices cannot. These are the specific improvements patients see:
Jowls form when skin and underlying tissue descend over the jawline. A facelift repositions this tissue back to its original plane — not by pulling the skin tight, but by lifting the deeper SMAS layer. This is why well-performed facelifts look natural rather than stretched.
The neck lift component addresses loose platysmal bands (the vertical "cords" that appear on contraction), excess submental fat, and skin laxity. Together with the facelift, it restores the clean 90-degree jaw-neck angle that’s one of the strongest markers of a youthful face.
Deep creases between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds) and from the corners of the mouth downward (marionette lines) soften significantly as the underlying tissue is repositioned.
A properly performed SMAS facelift typically lasts 10 years or more. Deep plane facelifts can last even longer. Results don’t reverse ageing permanently — the face continues to age from that new baseline — but the improvement is durable.
Rather than repeated rounds of filler, threads, or energy-based devices trying to address what has become a structural problem, a facelift addresses the underlying anatomy directly. For patients with moderate-to-severe laxity, this is usually more cost-effective over 10+ years than ongoing non-surgical maintenance.
Facial ageing rarely stops at the jaw. The neck loses definition, skin, and muscle tone in parallel with the face — which is why treating only one half produces a disharmonious result. A combined facelift and neck lift treats the two as a single anatomical unit.
Who is a good candidate for a facelift?
A facelift is most effective when the indication matches the technique. The ideal candidate usually meets most of the following:
Most facelift patients are between 40 and 70. Below 40, structural laxity is usually mild enough that non-surgical options remain effective. Beyond 70, general health and healing capacity become the main considerations rather than age itself.
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The best candidates have moderate-to-significant skin laxity, jowling, loss of jawline definition, and/or loose neck skin — changes that can’t be meaningfully improved by injectables or skin-tightening devices.
Non-smokers (or willing to stop at least six weeks before and after surgery), stable weight, no uncontrolled medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease should all be well-managed), and no active skin conditions in the treatment area.
A facelift doesn’t stop ageing — it sets the clock back. It also doesn’t address skin quality (sun damage, fine lines, pigmentation), which may still need resurfacing or other treatments. Patients who arrive with photos of celebrities 20 years their junior and ask to look like that are usually not good candidates.
Facelift recovery isn’t measured in days — it’s measured in months. The major recovery happens in the first 2-3 weeks, but residual swelling and scar maturation continue for 6-12 months. Candidates who can accommodate this timeline (including 2 weeks off work, no strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks, and avoiding direct sun on scars for 3-6 months) get the best outcomes.
Types of facelift surgery
"Facelift" isn’t a single procedure — it’s a family of techniques that differ by which tissue plane is addressed, how much dissection is performed, and therefore how long results last. At Centre for Surgery we perform the following facelift techniques, matched to each patient’s anatomy and degree of ageing. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate technique at your consultation.
The is the most common facelift we perform. It tightens both the skin and the underlying Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS) — the muscular layer that sits beneath the skin and above the facial muscles. The platysma in the neck is tightened at the same time to restore the jaw-neck angle. Because the SMAS takes the tension rather than the skin, scars heal better and results last significantly longer than a skin-only facelift. A properly performed SMAS facelift typically lasts 10 years or more.
The is a more advanced technique where the dissection plane sits beneath the SMAS, directly above the facial muscles. This releases the retaining ligaments of the face and allows the entire tissue envelope to be repositioned as a single unit, producing stronger correction of deep nasolabial folds and heavier cheek descent. Deep plane facelifts are typically recommended for patients with thicker skin, heavier facial structure, male facelifts, or revision cases where SMAS technique would be insufficient. The technique is more technically demanding and carries a slightly higher risk of nerve injury; it requires a surgeon with specific deep plane experience. Results can last even longer than SMAS.
The addresses the mid-third of the face — the cheeks, under-eye region, and corners of the mouth. It’s rarely performed as a standalone procedure. Most commonly it’s combined with eyelid surgery or brow lift to address localised mid-face descent in patients who don’t need a full facelift. Results are subtle and less durable than a full SMAS or deep plane facelift.
A is a less invasive technique targeting the lower third of the face — jowls and early jawline descent. Incisions are shorter (typically in front of the ears only, without extending into the hairline behind), scarring is more limited, and recovery is faster. It suits patients in their late 30s-50s with early-to-moderate lower-face laxity who don’t yet need full facelift intervention. Mini facelifts are less effective for significant neck laxity — if the neck is a major concern, a Full Body Mole Check facelift with neck lift is usually a better option. Performed under local anaesthetic with sedation or TIVA, depending on patient preference.
The is a minimally invasive mid-face technique. It takes around 45 minutes and most patients return to normal activities the next day. The result is subtle and shorter-lasting than a full or mini facelift, but for the right patient — typically someone in their 30s-40s with early mid-face descent — it offers meaningful improvement with minimal downtime. Performed under local anaesthetic with sedation or TIVA.
An uses small incisions and a miniature camera to lift and reposition the deeper layers of the mid-face and cheeks with minimal scarring. It’s best suited to patients in their 40s-50s with moderate mid-face descent who want strong lifting effect without the full incision pattern of a traditional facelift.
A corrects or refines the results of a previous facelift. Indications include residual sagging, asymmetry, visible scarring, unnatural tightness, or results that have relaxed over 10+ years. Revision work is technically more complex than primary surgery because of existing scar tissue and altered anatomy. It requires a surgeon with specific revision experience.
A addresses the neck in isolation — loose skin, platysmal bands, and submental fat. Most patients who need a facelift also benefit from a neck lift, and the two are typically performed together. Isolated neck lifts are uncommon but appropriate for patients whose face has aged well but whose neck shows more advanced changes (often genetic).
What happens during facelift surgery
After your initial consultation, a two-week cooling-off period is standard before we confirm your surgery date. This gives you time to reflect, ask follow-up questions, and ensure you’re committing for the right reasons. Pre-operative assessment includes a full medical review, blood tests if indicated, and clinical photography for surgical planning. If you smoke, you’ll need to stop at least six weeks before surgery to minimise the risk of skin necrosis.
Facelift surgery at Centre for Surgery is performed under TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) as standard — the safest form of anaesthesia available for day-case facial surgery, with faster emergence, less postoperative nausea, and no inhaled gases. A full facelift with neck lift typically takes 4-6 hours. Mini and one-stitch facelifts can be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation or TIVA, depending on patient preference and the extent of surgery.
Incisions are placed in the natural folds in front of and behind the ear, extending into the hairline only where a full facelift with neck lift is being performed. For neck lift work, a small additional incision is made under the chin. The surgeon then:
The aim is to have the SMAS take the tension of the lift — not the skin. This is what produces natural-looking results and well-healed scars, and what distinguishes a proper SMAS or deep plane facelift from the "windswept" look associated with older skin-only techniques.
Most patients are discharged the same day. For full facelifts with neck lift — particularly longer procedures or combined surgeries — we may ask you to stay locally for 24 hours so our nursing team can check on you the following morning. This isn’t a hospital admission; it’s a practical step to make recovery smoother.
Facelift recovery timeline
Recovery from a facelift is not a 72-hour event — it’s a 3-month arc with clear stages. Here’s what to expect at each stage.
Peak swelling and bruising. A light compression garment worn around the face and neck reduces swelling. Sleep elevated on two pillows. Mild-to-moderate discomfort managed with paracetamol and prescribed analgesics; most patients don’t need strong painkillers beyond the first 48 hours. You’ll feel tight, numb in patches, and look significantly swollen — this is normal and not a reason to worry.
Swelling peaks around day 3-4 and starts settling. Sutures are removed at around day 7. Bruising begins to fade. Most patients feel well enough to be up and about at home but not yet socially presentable.
Bruising is largely resolved or easily camouflaged with makeup. Most patients return to desk work around day 10-14. Residual swelling remains — the face will still feel slightly tight and look a little "full" — but you’ll look significantly better than you did in week 1. No strenuous exercise yet.
Mild residual swelling continues to resolve. Gentle cardio can usually resume from week 3; strenuous exercise and weight training from week 6. Scars are still pink but well-concealed in the natural creases around the ears.
Most of the final result becomes visible. Scars continue to mature and fade over the next 6-12 months. Numbness around the ears and jawline gradually resolves — this can take several months.
Full settling. Scars have faded to fine lines well hidden in the natural skin folds. The result is now at its final appearance.
Where are facelift scars placed?
Where the surgeon places the incisions — and how those incisions are closed — is what determines whether facelift scars are cosmetically acceptable or obviously visible. Most patients are more concerned about scars than about any other aspect of facelift surgery, and rightly so.
Our surgeons place incisions along the natural skin folds in front of and behind the ear, extending into the hairline only when a neck lift is required. Critically, the SMAS layer takes the tension of the lift — not the skin. This means the skin is closed without tension, which allows scars to heal as fine, pale lines rather than stretched or hypertrophic scars. Skin-only facelifts, which put all the tension on the skin, are why older facelift techniques produced such visible scarring.
Hair loss along the incision is a common patient concern. Our surgeons use a bevelled incision technique — cutting at an angle so hair follicles can grow back through the scar itself. This means patients aren’t limited to particular hairstyles after surgery to hide the incisions.
Incisions are placed behind the tragus (the small cartilage flap at the front of the ear) rather than in front of it wherever possible. A well-placed post-tragal incision is virtually invisible once healed. Not all surgeons take this level of care with scar placement; it’s one of the things that distinguishes experienced facelift surgeons from generalists.
Patient satisfaction with facelift scars correlates strongly with the results looking natural rather than obviously surgical — which comes down to incision planning, tension control, and meticulous closure technique.
Risks of facelift surgery
All cosmetic surgery carries potential risks. Our facelift surgeons take specific precautions to minimise complications, but it’s essential that you understand the possibilities before committing to surgery.
A haematoma is a collection of blood beneath the skin. It’s one of the more common early complications of facelift surgery, usually developing within the first 24 hours. Most small haematomas can be drained in clinic with a needle and syringe; larger ones occasionally need removal under local anaesthetic. Prompt assessment is key, which is why we maintain 24/7 surgeon-led access during the first 48 hours after your procedure.
Infections are uncommon but possible after any surgical procedure. Signs include redness, swelling, heat, and pain around the incisions. Most are treated effectively with a course of oral antibiotics.
Branches of the facial nerve travel close to the dissection planes used in facelift surgery. Temporary weakness or numbness occurs in a minority of cases and usually resolves over 3-6 months. Permanent nerve injury is rare but possible, and is slightly more common with deep plane technique than with SMAS.
Scars are placed in natural skin folds and typically heal as fine lines. A minority of patients develop hypertrophic (thickened) scars, which can be treated with steroid injections and, rarely, scar revision. Hair loss along the incision line is uncommon when the bevelled incision technique is used correctly.
Rare but serious — the skin flap loses blood supply and breaks down. The risk is significantly higher in smokers, which is why we require patients to stop smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery.
Faces are naturally asymmetric, and minor residual asymmetry after surgery is common. More significant asymmetry or under-correction is rare but may occasionally warrant a touch-up procedure.
Our postoperative support programme was described as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC. Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully to minimise your risk of complications. At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss these risks in the context of your specific circumstances.
How much does a facelift cost in London?
Facelift pricing at Centre for Surgery depends on the technique selected, whether a neck lift or other procedures are combined, and whether the surgery is primary or revision work. These are indicative ranges; your final quote will be confirmed at your in-person consultation.
Most facelift patients benefit from a neck lift at the same time. The add-on is typically £2,500-£4,500 on top of the facelift price, depending on the extent of neck work required.
Flexible 0% APR finance is available through Chrysalis Finance. Monthly payments typically start from £200-£350/month depending on the procedure and term selected.
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Price shouldn’t be the determining factor when choosing a facelift surgeon. Facelift surgery is one of the most technically demanding cosmetic procedures, and poorly performed facelifts are difficult and expensive to revise. Whoever you choose, make sure they’re on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery, are members of BAPRAS or BAAPS, and can show you consistent before-and-after results over time — not just their best cases.
Call to speak with a patient coordinator who can give you an indicative price before your consultation.
Procedures commonly combined with a facelift
A facelift and neck lift addresses the lower two-thirds of the face. The upper face, periorbital area, and skin quality often benefit from treatment at the same time to produce a balanced, harmonious result. These are the procedures we most commonly combine with a facelift:
Addresses hooded upper eyelids and under-eye bags. The most commonly combined procedure with a facelift, since eyelid ageing usually progresses in parallel with lower-face ageing, and addressing both together produces a more balanced result.
Repositions descended brows and smooths the forehead. Worth considering when the upper third of the face shows heavy brow descent or significant forehead lines, since a facelift alone doesn’t address this area.
Adds volume to cheeks, temples, and under-eye hollows using fat taken from the abdomen or thighs. Facelifts reposition tissue but don’t restore lost volume — fat grafting addresses the volume-loss component of facial ageing.
Removes stubborn submental fat under the chin. Often performed at the same time as a neck lift for patients with a fatty, ill-defined jaw-neck angle.
A facelift repositions tissue but doesn’t improve skin quality. For patients with significant sun damage, fine lines, or pigmentation, laser resurfacing at a later stage (typically 3+ months after facelift) addresses the skin surface.
For patients with a weak or receding chin, a chin implant placed at the same time as a facelift improves jawline projection and enhances the overall rejuvenation effect.
Combining procedures adds surgical time but means a single recovery period and a more integrated result. Your surgeon will advise at consultation on which combinations make sense for your specific anatomy and goals.
Why choose Centre for Surgery for facelift surgery?
Centre for Surgery is one of London’s specialist centres for facelift surgery, with GMC specialist-registered consultant plastic surgeons operating at our CQC-regulated private hospital on Baker Street.
All facelift surgery at Centre for Surgery is performed exclusively by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery — the highest qualification available in the UK. Our surgeons are members of BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). We do not use non-specialist cosmetic doctors for surgical procedures.
Our purpose-built private hospital at Baker Street, Marylebone is independently regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which awarded us a Good rating — a standard very few cosmetic surgery facilities in the UK achieve.
We use Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA) for facelift surgery — the safest and most advanced form of anaesthesia available for day-case facial surgery, with faster emergence and less postoperative nausea compared to traditional inhaled general anaesthesia.
0% APR finance is available through Chrysalis Finance, our specialist medical finance partner. Monthly payments typically start from £200-£350/month depending on the procedure and term. .
Your initial in-person consultation is £100, redeemable against the cost of surgery if you proceed. Feel free to bring a friend or family member. Consultation lines are open Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm.
When a facelift is not the right answer
Not everyone who asks for a facelift needs one. We regularly advise against surgery in the following situations:
If you’re not sure whether a facelift is right for you, a consultation at Baker Street will give you an honest assessment — including whether non-surgical options might serve you better, or whether you should wait. We’re a specialist surgical centre, but we don’t operate on everyone who asks.
Learn More About Facelift
If you’d like to read more about facelift surgery from independent sources before your consultation, these are verified working resources:
You may also find these Centre for Surgery pages useful:
FAQs
What To Expect
Your first appointment is a face-to-face consultation with one of our specialist plastic surgeons — usually 45 minutes, longer if your case is complex or you're coming in for revision. The surgeon will listen to what's bothering you, examine your face and neck in detail, take measurements, and give you a candid opinion on what surgery can realistically achieve for your specific anatomy. Where helpful, digital imaging can give you an idea of how your face may look afterwards. Standard photographs are taken for the medical record. You'll discuss risks, recovery, and what medications you'll need to stop beforehand. There's a mandatory two-week cooling-off period before anything can be booked, and you're welcome to come back for as many follow-up consultations as you need.
Once you've decided to proceed, our pre-op assessment team will confirm you're medically fit for surgery. Key prep steps: stop smoking at least six weeks beforehand (this one really matters — smoking is a major driver of skin necrosis after a facelift), stop blood-thinning medications and supplements two weeks before, and cut out alcohol for a week either side. On the day of surgery you'll fast — no food for 6 hours before, clear water up to 2 hours before. If you're having mini facelift surgery under local anaesthetic only, no fasting is needed.
Arrive at our Baker Street clinic on time. A nurse will admit you, run through your observations, and make sure your post-op medications are ready. You'll meet the anaesthetist for an airway check, then your surgeon will consent you for the procedure and mark the areas to be treated. Most facelifts are performed under TIVA general anaesthetic for a smoother recovery. The surgery itself takes 2 to 3 hours. The surgeon makes incisions along the hairline at the temples, in front of the ear, around the earlobe and into the hairline behind, then lifts and tightens the SMAS layer before trimming excess skin. Neck liposuction or fat grafting is often performed at the same time. A small drain is usually placed and removed at your check-up the next day. You'll recover in our suite and go home the same day with a responsible adult to stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours.
You'll go home with a direct contact number for your surgeon for the first 24 hours. Bruising and swelling peak in the first few days and start to settle by day 7–10; by two weeks you're generally presentable with a little makeup. Wear your post-op support garment continuously for the first two weeks, keep your head elevated, and avoid sunlight on the healing skin. Our post-op team calls you daily for the first two weeks — if anything concerns you, we'll often book you in to see a nurse the same day, even if it turns out to be nothing. Rest for the first few days, avoid heavy exercise for four weeks, and expect to be back at the clinic for a wound check at one week and a full surgeon review at six weeks. Our aftercare programme was rated "outstanding" by the Care Quality Commission — that's the level of support you'll have around you.
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If you're considering plastic or cosmetic surgery in London, Centre for Surgery offers a level of clinical excellence that few clinics can match.
All procedures at Centre for Surgery are performed exclusively by GMC specialist-registered consultant plastic surgeons — the highest qualification available in the UK. Our surgeons hold positions on the GMC Specialist Register and are members of BAPRAS and ISAPS, ensuring you receive care from fully credentialled specialists, not cosmetic doctors.
Our purpose-built private hospital at Baker Street, Marylebone is independently regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which awarded us a Good rating — a standard very few cosmetic surgery facilities in the UK achieve. We use TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) as standard, the safest and most advanced form of anaesthesia available for day case surgery.
We offer the full range of surgical and non-surgical treatments under one roof, with in-depth consultations directly with your surgeon — never a sales consultant. Flexible 0% APR finance is available through Chrysalis Finance, and our comprehensive aftercare programme includes 24/7 nursing support.
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