Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
A facelift (rhytidectomy) lifts and repositions the deeper tissues of the face and neck and re-drapes the skin to soften sagging, jowls and deep folds along the jawline and neck. It aims for a firmer, more rested appearance that still looks natural, not a changed face. It does not stop aging, and results vary between people and settle over several months.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
A facelift targets the sagging of the lower face and neck that comes with age and loss of skin elasticity — the softening jawline, jowls and the deep folds running from the nose to the mouth. Rather than simply pulling the skin tight, a modern facelift lifts and re-supports the deeper layer of tissue and muscle (the SMAS) beneath the skin, then removes only the excess skin, which gives a more natural and durable result. It is often combined with a neck lift, and sometimes with eyelid surgery or fat transfer, for a balanced effect.
The incisions are placed where they heal discreetly — around the ear and into the hairline — but a facelift is major surgery and always leaves some scarring, which the surgeon plans to keep as hidden as possible. It smooths sagging and folds but does not improve skin surface texture, fine lines or pigmentation, and it cannot stop the aging process, which continues gradually afterwards. A natural, unoperated look depends greatly on the surgeon's technique and on agreeing realistic, individual goals; some people need a small revision, and results differ from person to person.
For international patients, a coordinator arranges a consultation with a written plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before travel. Our surgeons can review photographs and your history remotely for an initial opinion, but the face and skin must be assessed in person before the final plan is confirmed and surgery is scheduled, with recovery time built into your stay.
Who is a candidate?
- Adults with sagging of the lower face and neck, jowls, or deep folds along the jawline
- People who feel their face looks older or more tired than they feel
- Those looking to soften sagging rather than change how they fundamentally look
- People in good general health with reasonably good skin quality and realistic expectations
- Non-smokers, or those willing to stop well before and after surgery, as smoking impairs healing
What happens
- 1
Consultation & assessment
The surgeon examines your facial and neck tissues, skin quality and bone structure, discusses what a facelift can and cannot achieve for you, and agrees natural, individual goals. Photographs are taken for planning.
- 2
Planning & preparation
A tailored plan is made, including whether a neck lift or other procedures are combined. You receive guidance on stopping smoking, medicines to avoid, and preparing for anesthesia and recovery.
- 3
The procedure
Through incisions around the ear and hairline, the deeper facial and neck tissues are lifted and re-supported, excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed. Small drains and a supportive dressing may be used.
- 4
Recovery & follow-up
Bruising and swelling are greatest in the first week or two and settle over two to three weeks; most people return to routine within a few weeks. The result refines over months, and after-care can continue at home.
Benefits
- Lifts sagging cheeks, jowls and neck for a firmer, more rested look
- Softens deep folds along the lower face and jawline
- Re-supporting the deeper tissue layer gives a natural, longer-lasting result
- Incisions are placed around the ear and hairline to keep scars discreet
- Can be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery or fat transfer for balance
Risks & considerations
- Scarring — placed discreetly around the ears and hairline, but permanent
- Asymmetry, or a result that needs revision surgery
- Temporary numbness, and uncommonly injury to a facial-nerve branch affecting movement
- Bruising, swelling, bleeding under the skin (hematoma), infection, or delayed healing (higher in smokers)
- The risks of general anesthesia, and continued natural aging that the surgery cannot stop
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy) — frequently asked questions
A well-planned facelift aims to make you look fresher and more rested — like yourself, not a different person. A natural result comes from lifting the deeper tissues rather than over-tightening the skin, and from agreeing realistic goals together. Your surgeon plans the outcome to suit your features.
It lifts sagging skin and tissue but does not improve skin surface texture, fine lines or pigmentation, and it does not lift the brow or eyelids on its own. It also cannot stop aging, which continues gradually. Skin-quality treatments or other procedures are sometimes combined to address these.
A facelift turns the clock back and the improvement is long-lasting, but it is not permanent because your face keeps aging naturally afterwards. How long it lasts varies between people and depends on your skin, lifestyle and the technique used. Your surgeon will discuss what is realistic for you.
Our surgeons can review clear photographs and your history remotely to give an initial opinion on suitability. Because skin quality and facial tissues need to be examined directly, an in-person assessment is arranged before the final plan is confirmed and surgery is booked.
We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after a consultation and do not quote fixed prices online because each plan is individual. Your coordinator confirms the details, including the length of stay and follow-up.
Related treatments
Considering facelift (rhytidectomy)?
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