There are a number of different types of facelifts that can be done depending on how advance the case is. 

Liquid facelift: this uses dermal fillers to achieve a lift. This is ideal for those with not much laxity of skin, and have loss of volume. Results last up to 18 months. 

Vampire facelift: this technique uses PRP as it’s main ingredient. PRP is made from your own blood and processed to get an extract that can be injected in the face. It can be combined with  a dermaroller to maximise effects. Results last for 6 months but can be easily repeated with no downtime. 

Thread Lift: using Silhouette Soft threads, the face and neck are lifted using these coned threads. The process is painless and results will last up to 18 months. 

One-stitch facelift: using a small incision in the temple and behind the ear, it is possible to lift the face using these access points and apply one suture in each position. 

Mini facelift:  involves removal of skin from the face and tightening of the underlying tissues. The extent of a mini procedure is much less than a full one. This means that not all patients may be suitable for this and the results will be more subtle. The mini facelift can be performed under local anaesthesia and as a day case procedure. The full lift procedure will require a general anaesthetic.

A full MACS facelift is a procedure that involves raising the skin of the face to near the nasolabial fold, then tightening the underlying SMAS layer using sutures. The skin is then redraped and any excess skin trimmed and the skin closed. The scars of a facelift are usually well hidden in the hairline and around the ear.

People enquire about facelifts at different stages of their lives. Younger patients may need different approaches to the older patients. Only after a consultation can Dr Souéid advise you about the best approach for you. 

That depends on several factors, including pre-existing skin quality, whether you smoke, and the aftercare you use. The less invasive techniques will last around year, moderately invasive ones between 2-3 years and the full MACS lift more than 5 years. 

Facelifts alone achieve good results, however to even enhance results further, other procedures such as peels, Botox injections and PRP can give better final skin quality. In addition protecting your skin using an SPF and using a active serum will make your overall skin quality better.

The most common side effects include bruising and swelling. 

Bleeding

Bleeding may occur after the procedure and it is common to have a few drops from the wound after the procedure. Sometimes the bleeding can be more and result in a collection underneath the skin, this is a haematoma. This may recover further surgery to remove the blood collection.

Facial nerve injury

Extremely rarely, but the most dreaded risk of a facelift operation. Temporary weakness of facial muscle movements can occur, but rarely this is permanent. 

Infection

Infection can result in redness and swelling. This may also result in discharge or even wound breakdown.

Under or over-correction

If too much skin is removed this may result in asymmetry. If too little skin is removed then you may have residual skin excess.

Asymmetry

Most patients will have some degree of asymmetry, which is completely normal. This may also occur after surgery or you may become more aware of asymmetries after the procedure.

Scarring

You will have scarring from the facelift procedure, which will be permanent. The scar is normally in the natural crease of the face, running from the temple, hugging the ear and then behind to the hairline again. Occasionally, scars can become raised and thickened, also referred to as hypertrophic or keloid.

Seroma

Some patients will experience a collection of fluid under the skin that requires drainage.