Face and neck lift

Rhytidectomy — Face

Surgery that corrects sagging of the cheeks, jawline and neck by repositioning the deeper tissues.

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Silver-haired woman looking into a hand mirror by the window

Procedure card

Duration
4–5 hours
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Hospital stay
1 night
Recovery
Stitches out on days 7–10
Back to social life
2–3 weeks
Settled result
Settles within 6 months

With age, sagging happens not only in the skin but in the muscle and fascia layer beneath it (SMAS). Tightening the skin alone creates a pulled, artificial look, so we reposition the deep layer upwards and back and redrape the skin without tension.

Incisions follow the natural creases in front of the ear and run into the hairline; once healed they are hidden by the hair and the shape of the ear. If the neck sags, the neck muscle is also tightened through a small incision under the chin.

Preparation and procedure

  1. Consultation

    Skin quality, degree of sagging and your expectations are assessed.

  2. Before surgery

    Comprehensive tests and anaesthetic assessment; smoking stopped at least four weeks before.

  3. Surgery

    The deep tissue layer is repositioned and excess skin removed.

  4. First week

    The dressing is changed on day 1; keep your head raised.

  5. Check-ups

    Week 1 and months 1, 3 and 6.

Recovery timeline

Drag along the line or tap a day to see what usually happens at that point.

0 day

Day of surgery: one night at the clinic with a light compression dressing.

  1. Day 0Day of surgery: one night at the clinic with a light compression dressing.
  2. Day 1Dressing changed; swelling and a feeling of tightness.
  3. Day 7Stitches in front of the ear removed.
  4. Day 10Stitches in the scalp removed; bruising fading.
  5. Day 21Most people return to social life.
  6. Day 90Most swelling resolved; numbness around the ears easing.
  7. Day 180The face approaches its final appearance.

The timeline describes an average course; recovery varies from person to person. Your surgeon gives you your own timeline.

The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Every surgical procedure carries its own risks and results vary from person to person. The right approach for you can only be decided after an examination.

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