Face Lift / Neck Lift
A facelift is a restorative procedure designed to address the functional and aesthetic effects of facial ageing, improving both the structural support and appearance of your neck and jawline.
This procedure helps to counteract the physiological effects of ageing on facial tissues, including skin laxity, muscle weakening, and volume loss. It involves precise tightening of the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System), repositioning of displaced tissues, and appropriate removal of excess skin. The surgical approach is tailored to your individual facial anatomy and specific pattern of ageing.
Excellent Outcome – Facelift
From my first consultation, surgery, and follow up appointments, my experience has been excellent. Having considered a face lift for many years, i am delighted with the outcome and the ‘new me’ and feel so much happier with the way i look. Omar is a lovely kind, approachable guy, who explains everything in full around the procedure and expected outcome. He is a highly talented plastic surgeon so my new look is very natural and not ‘overdone’. The care at Shawfair
hospital was also fantastic and i felt in very safe hands. I would most definitely recommend Quaba Plastic Surgery. Thankyou for everything !
JH
Contents
Facelift overview
TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
- General or Local with Sedation
LENGTH OF SURGERY
- 2-3 hours (longer when combined with other procedures)
HOSPITAL STAY
- 1 night
RECOVERY
- 2 weeks off work, 6-8 weeks before strenuous exercise
The Medical and Psychological Significance of Facial Rejuvenation
Whilst often perceived primarily as cosmetic, facelift and neck lift procedures address several functional and psychological concerns supported by clinical research.
Studies in the British Journal of Dermatology and the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery have documented that facial ageing can significantly impact functional aspects of daily life. Loss of muscle tone and tissue laxity in the lower face and neck can affect facial expressions, communication, and in some cases, even create discomfort or functional limitations when severe.
The psychological benefits are equally well-documented. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology has demonstrated measurable improvements in quality of life, social confidence, and reduced anxiety following appropriate facial rejuvenation. A notable study from the University of Pennsylvania found that patients who underwent facelift procedures were perceived as more successful, healthy, and trustworthy in professional settings, which can have tangible effects on career opportunities and social interactions.
At Quaba, we understand that the decision to pursue facial rejuvenation typically stems from both physical and emotional considerations, and our approach respects the complex interplay between appearance, function, and psychological wellbeing.
Procedures
Standard Lower Face/Neck Lift (SMAS Facelift)
Standard Lower Face/Neck Lift (SMAS Facelift)
This is our most common procedure, addressing both the lower face and neck as a single functional unit. It involves tightening the SMAS layer (the strong fibrous network beneath the skin) along with removing appropriate amounts of excess skin. This comprehensive approach provides long-lasting improvements to the jawline definition, jowls, and neck contour. The SMAS technique ensures results look natural by creating tension in the deeper layers rather than pulling the skin tight, which can create an artificial appearance.
Deep Plane Facelift
Deep Plane Facelift
For patients with more significant facial aging or those seeking longer-lasting results, a deep plane facelift may be recommended. Unlike the standard SMAS approach that tightens tissues in separate layers, the deep plane technique releases and repositions facial tissues as a single unit. This allows for more profound correction of deep nasolabial folds and provides potentially longer-lasting results. The recovery period is similar to a standard facelift, though there may be slightly more swelling initially. This technique is particularly beneficial for addressing midface descent along with lower face and neck aging.
Short scar or mini facelift
Short scar or mini facelift
This modified procedure may be suitable if your primary concern is early jowl formation and mid-face descent without significant neck laxity. This approach focuses on repositioning the deeper structural tissues of the mid and lower face. While less extensive than a full facelift, it’s important to understand that this technique still creates scars in front of the ears, though these are carefully placed within natural contours to minimise visibility.
Neck lift alone
Neck lift alone
For patients whose primary concern is neck laxity with good facial structure, an isolated neck lift can address sagging platysma muscles and excess skin without unnecessary facial intervention. This procedure is particularly beneficial for those experiencing functional discomfort from neck bands or skin redundancy
Other procedures
Other procedures
A facelift is often combined with other procedures depending on your needs. These procedures include liposuction to the neck, fat transfer to the cheeks (to give fullness to the cheeks), lower and upper eyelid surgery and a brow lift to address ageing to the upper part of the face. Laser resurfacing can also be carried out at the same time to treat fine wrinkles/ sun spots.
SMAS vs Deep Plane Facelifts: A Comparative Approach
As facelift techniques continue to evolve, patients often enquire about the differences between SMAS and deep plane approaches. Both techniques are effective, but they differ significantly in their surgical approach, recovery, and applications.
SMAS Facelift: Proven Results with Refined Recovery
The SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) facelift remains our most frequently performed procedure due to its excellent balance of results and recovery. This technique:
- Addresses the strong fibrous layer that covers the facial muscles
- Creates tension in the deeper tissue layers rather than simply pulling skin tight
- Provides natural-looking rejuvenation of the lower face and neck
- Allows for precise customisation based on individual aging patterns
- Offers a more controlled and predictable recovery process
At Quaba Plastic Surgery, we achieve excellent midface rejuvenation by combining SMAS facelifts with strategic fat transfer techniques. This combination approach allows us to restore lost volume while also addressing tissue descent, providing comprehensive facial rejuvenation without the need for more aggressive surgical dissection.
Deep Plane Facelift: More Extensive Intervention for Specific Cases
The deep plane technique involves a more aggressive surgical approach that may be particularly beneficial in certain cases:
- Releases and repositions facial tissues as a complete unit beneath the SMAS layer
- Involves more extensive dissection into deeper facial compartments
- Often requires additional surgical expertise due to proximity to facial nerves
- Generally includes more aggressive removal of deeper fat deposits and structures
- Typically creates more significant initial swelling and potentially longer recovery
This approach may be particularly beneficial for:
- Patients with significant lower face and neck laxity
- Cases where deeper structures and fat deposits need to be addressed
- Individuals with pronounced jowling that hasn’t responded well to previous procedures
- Patients seeking potentially longer-lasting correction of certain facial aging patterns
Our Tailored Approach
At Quaba Plastic Surgery, we believe the optimal technique depends entirely on your individual facial anatomy, aging pattern, and specific concerns. During your consultation, we conduct a thorough assessment to determine which approach—or combination of approaches—will provide the most natural and long-lasting results for your unique situation.
For many patients, our customised SMAS facelift with complementary fat transfer provides exceptional results with a more refined recovery process. However, we offer deep plane techniques when their specific benefits align with a patient’s needs and goals.
What to expect
Recovery Process
Recovery Process
You will be mobile the day after your surgery, though full recovery takes time. Most patients return to light activities within 10-14 days, with a gradual return to normal energy levels over 3-4 weeks.
Temporary emotional fluctuations are normal after surgery and typically resolve as recovery progresses. Research indicates this is related to both the physical healing process and adjustment to facial changes.
Discomfort Management
Discomfort Management
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort rather than acute pain.
This is typically well-managed with prescribed medications for the first few days, transitioning to over-the-counter options as healing progresses.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery Timeline
Initial bruising and swelling peak around days 3-4 and begin subsiding noticeably by the end of the first week.
Residual swelling, particularly around the jawline, may persist for several weeks but is typically not obvious to others after the first 2-3 weeks
Results Development
Results Development
While you’ll see immediate improvements, your final result continues to refine as tissues settle, typically reaching optimal appearance around 3-4 months post-surgery.
This gradual improvement often allows for a more natural transition that doesn’t advertise surgical intervention to colleagues and acquaintances.
What are the risks?
Haematoma
Haematoma
Occurs in less than 5% of cases and may require surgical intervention to evacuate the collection and prevent pressure on healing tissues. This risk is significantly reduced through meticulous surgical technique and careful blood pressure management.
Temporary Nerve Function Changes
Temporary Nerve Function Changes
Facial movement nerves may be temporarily affected, resulting in asymmetrical expressions that typically resolve within 3-6 weeks as swelling subsides. Permanent nerve injury is extremely rare with experienced surgeons.
Sensory Changes
Sensory Changes
Temporary numbness or altered sensation is expected and gradually improves over 6-12 months as nerve endings regenerate.
Scarring Considerations
Scarring Considerations
While all surgery leaves scars, these are placed within natural contours and typically fade significantly over 6-12 months. Factors affecting scar quality include your genetic predisposition to scarring, post-operative care, and adherence to sun protection.
Numbness
Numbness
Patches of numbness are typical initially and tend to recover with time. Very rarely there is a risk of numbness to the lower part of the ear.
Tissue Healing
Tissue Healing
Delayed healing occurs in approximately 2% of patients, more commonly in smokers and those with certain medical conditions affecting circulation. In rare cases, small areas of skin may experience compromised blood supply requiring additional wound care.
Secondary Procedures
Secondary Procedures
Approximately 5-10% of patients may benefit from minor refinements after the initial healing period to address residual asymmetry or to optimise results based on individual healing patterns.
Balanced Results
Balanced Results
Perfect facial symmetry does not exist naturally. Our goal is improved balance rather than perfect symmetry, which would appear unnatural.
Facelift aftercare
If you have had a face/ neck lift with us or are considering it – please find some detailed instructions and advice on aftercare following facelift surgery.
Author
Dr. Awf Quaba, MB ChB, FRCS, GMC 3034912, is a highly esteemed Consultant Plastic Surgeon with over 35 years of experience. He served as an NHS consultant for over 20 years before dedicating the past 15 years to full-time private practice at Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh. Dr Quaba specialises in cosmetic facial and breast surgery and offers a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Full BAAPS member.