Facelift Treatment Journey: What Every Patient Should Know

Choosing to undergo a Facelift Treatment Journey is a significant decision, and understanding what to expect at every stage helps patients feel informed, confident, and prepared. Modern facelift surgery techniques – including the deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift, and other advanced facial rejuvenation methods – offer refined, natural-looking results when performed by an experienced surgeon.

This guide outlines each part of the process, from your first consultation to long-term recovery, so you know precisely how a facelift works and what happens at every step.

 

Understanding the Facelift Treatment Journey

A facelift addresses age-related changes such as descended facial tissues, loss of jawline definition, deep folds, and mid-face heaviness. Unlike non-surgical treatments, surgical rejuvenation repositions deeper structures rather than pulling or tightening the skin.

Your Facelift Treatment Journey typically includes:

• Initial consultation and photographic assessment
• Review of medical history and suitability
• Selection of the appropriate technique (deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift, extended SMAS)
• Pre-operative planning and instructions
• Surgical procedure
• Immediate recovery (first 1–2 weeks)
• Mid-term healing (weeks 2–6)
• Long-term results and maintenance

Each stage plays a crucial role in achieving natural, balanced, and long-lasting aesthetic outcomes.

 

Initial Consultation: Establishing Goals and Suitability

The consultation is the foundation of the Facelift Treatment Journey. The aim is to determine your anatomical needs, aesthetic goals, and candidacy for facelift surgery.

Key steps include:

• Detailed facial analysis (skin quality, tissue descent, bone structure)
• Assessing neck laxity, jowling, mid-face descent, and volume distribution
• Reviewing previous treatments (fillers, Botox, energy-based devices)
• Discussing expectations and defining realistic outcomes
• Determining whether a deep plane facelift or SMAS facelift is most appropriate

Surgical techniques explained

Your surgeon will clarify the difference between techniques:

• SMAS facelift: Tightens or repositions the superficial musculoaponeurotic system after lifting the skin.
• Extended SMAS facelift: Provides additional reach into the mid-face, improving jawline and cheek definition.
• Deep plane facelift: Works beneath the SMAS, releasing retaining ligaments and lifting muscle, fat, and skin as one unit for a natural, long-lasting result.

Understanding these options ensures that patients choose the method aligned with their ageing pattern and goals.

Read More: Deep Plane Facelift: What to Expect

 

Pre-Operative Preparation

Preparation is essential for a smooth recovery. Once you decide to proceed with facelift surgery, you will receive detailed instructions designed to optimise safety and outcomes.

Typical pre-operative steps include:

• Medical evaluation and blood tests
• Review of medications (e.g., pausing anticoagulants where appropriate)
• Smoking cessation at least 4–6 weeks before surgery
• Avoiding certain supplements that increase bruising (e.g., vitamin E, fish oils)
• Fasting instructions for the day of surgery
• Arranging transport and aftercare support

Patients may also receive information on what to expect emotionally and physically during the first phases of healing.

 

The Day of Surgery

A modern facelift is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited surgical facility. The duration varies depending on whether you undergo a deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift, neck lift, or combination procedures.

What the surgeon does:

• Precise incisions placed around the ear and hairline
• Skin elevation (pattern depends on technique)
• Repositioning deeper structures
• Removal of excess skin without tension
• High-quality layered closure to minimise scarring

Why technique matters

The choice between SMAS facelift and deep plane facelift significantly shapes the final outcome.

• A SMAS facelift improves lower-face ageing and can be suitable for earlier stages of facial descent.
• A deep plane facelift lifts the cheek, mid-face, and jawline more comprehensively and maintains natural facial movement because the skin is not pulled separately from deeper tissues.

Your surgeon will select the safest and most effective approach based on your anatomy.

 

Immediate Post-Operative Phase (Day 1–7)

The first week focuses on rest, wound care, and controlling swelling. Understanding what isnormal helps reduce anxiety.

Common experiences include:

• Swelling and bruising peaking around day 3–4
• Tightness along the jawline and neck
• Mild discomfort managed with prescribed medication
• Dressings or a supportive garment around the lower face
• Small drains in some cases (removed within 24–48 hours)

Red flags (rare but important)

Your surgeon will inform you about symptoms that require urgent review, such as expanding swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden severe pain.

 

Week 2 to Week 6: Mid-Term Recovery

As bruising fades and tissues settle, patients begin to appreciate early improvements.

Typical progress during this period:

• Swelling decreases significantly
• Incisions start to mature and fade
• Numbness gradually improves
• Jawline definition becomes more visible
• Return to non-strenuous activities after approximately 10–14 days

Patients should still avoid heavy exercise, heat exposure, and vigorous activities to protect healing tissues.

Follow-up appointments

Regular reviews allow the surgeon to monitor healing, remove sutures if necessary, and guide the recovery process.

 

Long-Term Healing and Final Results

Full healing after facelift surgery takes several months. The deeper repositioning techniques used in a deep plane facelift continue to soften and refine over time.

What patients can expect long-term:

• Results become increasingly natural between 3 and 6 months
• Scars blend into natural creases and hairlines
• Facial movement remains natural
• Youthful contours return to the mid-face, jawline, and neck

Longevity of results

A well-performed deep plane facelift often lasts 10–15 years, with ageing continuing naturally but from a more youthful baseline.

 

Choosing the Right Facelift Technique

Selecting the most appropriate surgical method is a crucial part of the Facelift Treatment Journey.

When a SMAS facelift may be suitable:

• Mild to moderate jowling
• Early neck laxity
• Patients seeking subtle lower-face improvement

When a deep plane facelift is recommended:

• Significant mid-face descent
• Deep nasolabial folds
• Neck laxity requiring comprehensive correction
• Patients seeking long-lasting, natural results

Your surgeon’s expertise in both techniques is essential for tailoring the procedure to your anatomy.

 

Maintaining Results After Facelift Surgery

Long-term maintenance supports the investment in surgical rejuvenation.

Recommended strategies:

• Sun protection and daily SPF
• High-quality skincare (retinoids, antioxidants, moisturisers)
• Occasional non-surgical treatments (Botox, light-based skin therapy)
• Healthy lifestyle habits, hydration, and sleep
• Avoiding significant weight fluctuations

A facelift sets back the ageing clock, but ongoing care helps maintain clarity, tone, and definition.

 

Summary: Understanding the Complete Facelift Treatment Journey

The Facelift Treatment Journey is a structured, evidence-based process designed to restore natural facial harmony. By understanding each stage – from consultation to long-term maintenance – patients can approach facelift surgery with confidence and realistic expectations.

Modern techniques such as the deep plane facelift and SMAS facelift allow surgeons to tailor the procedure with precision, ensuring results that are both natural and long-lasting.