PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Rhytidectomy (Facelift)
A surgical procedure to reposition facial tissue that has dropped over time, promoting a firmer appearance to the face and neck.
About the procedure
A facelift — also known as a rhytidectomy or meloplasty — repositions facial tissue that has dropped over time, to promote a firmer appearance. It's often performed alongside other procedures, such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery, depending on your goals and what's contributing to your concerns.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. Incisions are typically placed behind the hairline and above the ear, extending down behind the ear, to keep scarring as concealed as possible. The exact technique and extent of surgery is tailored to your anatomy and discussed in detail during your consultation.
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Having a facelift is a very personal decision. Mr Holten will work with you to ensure you're well informed, with realistic expectations, before deciding whether to proceed. Suitability also depends on being in good general health. Some patients choose to combine a facelift with other procedures, such as blepharoplasty or a brow lift — Mr Holten will discuss whether this is appropriate for you.
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Your first step is a consultation with Mr Holten to discuss your goals, medical history, and the surgical approach best suited to you — including whether combining a facelift with another procedure makes sense for your situation. Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, with the specific technique tailored to your anatomy.
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As with any surgical procedure, a facelift carries risks. These can include, but are not limited to:
Bleeding, infection, or delayed wound healing
Scarring, which is generally positioned to be well concealed
Changes in sensation, or in rare cases changes to facial movement or expression, which may be temporary or permanent
Hair loss around the incision site
Asymmetry between the two sides of the face
Risks associated with general anaesthesia
The possibility that revision surgery may be needed
Mr Holten will discuss the risks relevant to your specific situation in detail during your consultation, before you decide whether to proceed.
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Recovery timeframes vary between individuals. Tightness or numbness in the face or neck is common in the weeks following surgery and generally resolves with time. Sutures are typically removed in stages over the first couple of weeks, and vigorous activity is usually discouraged for several weeks. You'll be given written aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.
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As with any surgical procedure, individual results vary depending on your anatomy, skin quality, and how your body heals. Mr Holten can discuss realistic expectations for your specific situation during your consultation.
Costs will be confirmed during your consultation and set out in writing before you proceed. Nothing is finalised until you've had the chance to review it in full.
Arrange Your Consultation
Start with a conversation with our team about your goals and whether this procedure is right for you.
