Facelift

Facelift – Restoring Balance to the Face

Most people do not choose a facelift because they want to look different. Above all, they want to look more rested, refreshed and harmonious.

With age, it is not only the skin that changes. Fat, connective tissue and the deeper structures of the face also gradually shift. This may lead to sagging cheeks, deeper folds, loose skin along the jawline, jowls, or a less defined transition between the face and neck.

A facelift may be appropriate when you feel that the expression in your face no longer reflects how you feel.

At AGATA, the aim is not to create a new face. The goal is to restore structure, contour and balance, so that you still look like yourself – simply more rested and harmonious.

Which type of facelift should you choose?

There is no single type of facelift that is right for everyone. The choice depends on where the changes are located, the quality of the skin, the anatomy of the face and how extensive a correction is desired.

Upper facelift focuses on the forehead, brows and upper eyelids. It may be suitable for heavy or lowered brows, heaviness around the eyes or a more closed appearance of the eye area. The aim is to create a more open and lighter expression without changing your natural facial movements.

Lower facelift primarily addresses the cheeks, jawline and neck. It may be appropriate for sagging cheeks, deeper nasolabial folds, jowls and mild to moderate looseness of the neck.

Deep Plane Facelift works in a deeper anatomical layer, where the facial tissues are carefully mobilised and repositioned as one unit. This technique is particularly suited to more pronounced signs of ageing and can improve the position of the cheeks, the definition of the jawline and the transition between the face and neck.

SMAS facelift is a well-established and documented technique that primarily focuses on the lower face and jawline. The strong connective tissue layer beneath the skin is lifted and repositioned, while the skin is redraped without unnecessary tension. It is often a good option for moderate tissue laxity.

During your consultation, we assess which technique is best suited to your individual face. Some patients may benefit from treatment of one area, while others achieve the best result with a combination.

Can a facelift be combined with other treatments?

Yes. In many cases, the best result comes from considering the face as a whole.

A facelift can therefore be combined with treatments such as:

• upper or lower eyelid surgery
• temporal lift
• brow or forehead lift
• neck lift
• fat transfer
• lip lift
• skin-improving treatments

This does not mean that everything needs to be done. On the contrary, the aim is to choose only what is necessary and relevant to restore balance.

The operation

A more extensive facelift is usually performed under general anaesthesia. A Deep Plane Full Face Lift typically takes around 4–5 hours, and patients are usually observed overnight.

The incisions are placed discreetly around the hairline and ears and are adapted to the natural contours of the face. The aim is for the scars to become as inconspicuous as possible over time.

Recovery

Swelling and some bruising are normal during the first few weeks. Many patients also experience a feeling of tightness in the face and neck.

During the first few days, rest is recommended, preferably with the head slightly elevated. Swelling gradually subsides, and the result continues to develop over several months.

After a more limited facelift, many people feel comfortable being seen socially after around 2–3 weeks. After more extensive surgery, a little more time may be needed.

The most important thing is not to rush the healing process. Recovery continues long after you begin to feel presentable again.

Are there risks?

All surgery carries some degree of risk, but the great majority of facelift procedures have an uncomplicated recovery.

After a facelift, temporary swelling, bruising, tightness and altered sensation may occur. Infection and bleeding can also occur, but are uncommon.

During the consultation, we carefully review your health, anatomy and the planned procedure so that treatment can be tailored as safely and gently as possible.

What can you expect from the result?

A facelift does not stop the ageing process. However, it can restore tissues and contours to a more harmonious position and provide a younger starting point from which natural ageing continues.

In our view, the best result is not the most dramatic one.

It is the result where others may simply think:

“You look good.”

— without necessarily knowing why.