Facelift Surgery: What to Expect Before and After

Aging is a natural process, but for many, the visible signs—such as sagging skin, deep lines, and loss of facial volume—can affect confidence. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, offers a long-lasting solution to restore a youthful appearance.

At Cosmetic Surgery Partners London, our UK-trained consultant facial plastic surgeons provide expert facelift procedures with natural, elegant results. If you’re considering facelift surgery, this guide explains everything you need to know about the before-and-after journey, including preparation, recovery, and what results to realistically expect.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reposition sagging facial tissues, tighten the skin, and enhance definition along the jawline, cheeks, and neck. It does not change who you are—it simply restores a more refreshed, youthful version of yourself.

Want a deep dive into the procedure? Download our Facelift Brochure (PDF) for everything you need to know before booking a consultation.

Before Your Facelift: The Consultation Process

Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation. During this session, your surgeon will:

• Evaluate your facial anatomy and skin condition
• Discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals
• Review your medical history and any health issues
• Explain the surgical technique and expected outcome
• Share before and after facelift photos of real patients

You can view actual transformations in our facelift patient gallery.

During your consultation, our surgeons also address common concerns—like “Will I still look like myself?”—to ensure you feel confident and informed before proceeding.

Types of Facelifts We Offer

Not all facelifts are the same. We tailor each procedure to your unique needs, which may include:

• Mini Facelift – Focuses on mild to moderate sagging
• SMAS Facelift – Involves deeper tissue repositioning for longer-lasting results
• Deep plane facelift – involves the deepest layers for the most transformational of results
• Neck Lift Add-On – Addresses sagging or excess fat under the chin

During your consultation, your surgeon will determine the best approach for your facial structure and goals.

The Day of Surgery: What to Expect

Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and can take 2–4 hours depending on complexity.

On surgery day:

• You’ll arrive early for prep and meet your surgical team.
• Incisions are discreetly placed around the ears and hairline.
• The surgeon lifts underlying tissues, removes excess skin, and repositions facial contours.
• You’ll wake up in a recovery suite with light dressings and a supportive bandage.

Most patients return home the same day or after one night in the hospital.

Facelift Recovery Timeline

Recovery varies by individual, but here’s a general timeline of what to expect post-surgery:

Recovery is smoother than many expect. For more insights, read our detailed Facelift FAQs that answer patient questions about healing time, pain, and daily routines post-surgery.

Real Patient Transformations

One of the most reassuring parts of choosing Cosmetic Surgery Partners is seeing real results. Our facelift before and after photos showcase how subtle and natural-looking the outcomes can be—no over-tightened or artificial expressions.

We focus on enhancing your natural features, so you still look like you—just younger and well-rested.

How Long Do Facelift Results Last?

The results of a facelift are long-lasting, typically around 8 to 12 years, depending on skin quality, lifestyle, and genetics. While the surgery doesn’t stop the aging process, it turns back the clock by a decade or more.

Maintaining your results with a healthy lifestyle, skincare, and optional non-surgical treatments like fillers or lasers can extend the benefits even further.

Facelift Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

Many people hesitate to undergo facelift surgery due to outdated misconceptions. Let’s address a few of them:

• “Facelifts look unnatural.”
  Modern techniques produce subtle, refreshed results—not the stretched look of decades past.
• “Only older people get facelifts.”
  Today, many patients in their 40s and 50s undergo early facelifts for maintenance rather than correction.
• “Recovery is too long and painful.”
  Recovery is manageable, and discomfort is easily controlled with proper care.

Want more myth-busting info? Read our article on Debunking Myths About Facelift Surgery.

Why Choose Cosmetic Surgery Partners London?

• Award-winning clinic with a team of GMC-registered consultants
• Over 20 years of facelift experience
• Thousands of successful facial surgeries have been performed
• Located in Central London with advanced hospital facilities
• Transparent pricing and full patient aftercare

We offer natural facelift results that complement your identity, not change it.

Ready to Book Your Consultation?

Facelift surgery is a life-enhancing procedure when performed by the right hands. At Cosmetic Surgery Partners, we offer expert guidance, realistic expectations, and results that speak for themselves.

👉 Book your facelift consultation today and take the first step toward a more youthful, confident you.