A facelift is designed to give you a fresher look and to improve the appearance of your neck and jawline
Call us in confidence on 0131 346 0020 to discuss the options
A facelift helps to address the effects of ageing on the neck and lower face. It involves tightening and removal of loose skin from the neck and cheek areas while also tightening the muscles underneath. There are different ways of performing facelift surgery and the method chosen depends on the pattern of ageing.
Find out more about our facelift procedures below…
Facial ageing is a complex process that usually begins in our 40s. Some people age faster than others, and this is related to our genetic makeup as well as factors such as smoking, sun exposure and life stresses.
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and less elastic, and we start to see wrinkles which are there all of the time (static wrinkles). Additionally, the effects of gravity cause our soft tissues (ligaments, muscles and fat) to sag and this can show itself in the form of excess skin and folds, such as jowls around the jawline. It is these changes that facelift surgery is designed to counter.
Please take the time to read more about the process below…
There are many different facelift procedures and the terminology can be confusing. The most common and effective facelift procedure is the lower face/ neck lift. This works on the jaw line and neck. It involves cuts in front of the ears that extend behind the ears and into the hairline (see photos below). The skin of the lower face is lifted up and tightened along with the underlying muscles (SMAS lift). Once the skin has been tightened the excess skin is removed. The aim is to produce a natural, freshened look.
Typical facelift markings in front of ear
Markings behind ear
Short scar or mini facelift
You may be suitable for this type of facelift if your main concern is your jawline and you do not have much loose skin affecting your neck. It is crucial that you understand that a “mini facelift” still leaves scars in the visible areas in front of the ears. Correctly performed surgery will leave these scars well hidden.
The visible facelift scars
Neck lift alone
A neck lift can be performed in isolation to deal with loose neck skin. A pure neck lift will not, however, deal with jowls and therefore few patients are suitable for this. Additionally, a neck lift on its own may leave some loose skin around the earlobes and for this reason, it is usually performed as part of a lower face/ neck lift. In younger patients, a neck lift can be carried out using liposuction rather than surgery.
Other procedures
A facelift is often combined with other procedures depending on your needs. These procedures include liposuction to the neck, fat transfer to the cheeks (to give fullness to the cheeks), lower and upper eyelid surgery and a brow lift to address ageing to the upper part of the face. Laser resurfacing can also be carried out at the same time to treat fine wrinkles/ sun spots.
Facelift surgery with fat transfer to the cheeks
Facelift surgery combined with upper and lower eyelid surgery, fat to the cheeks and fillers around the mouth
Facelift surgery can be carried out either under local anaesthetic with sedation or under general anaesthesia. There is an overnight stay in hospital. The risks of general anaesthesia include deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, but these are very rare during this type of surgery. Other risks of general anaesthesia include chest infection. The risk of a serious adverse outcome under general anaesthesia is less than 1:100,000.
The specific risks relating to facelift surgery include:
Bleeding – Less than 5% risk and may require a return to theatre to stop any bleeding and relieve any pressure on the skin.
Bruising – To be expected and varies between patients. Usually resolved by ten days.
Unfavourable scarring – It is not unusual for the scars in the hairline to stretch a little as most of the tension when pulling the skin is concentrated in these areas. The visible scars in front of the ears usually settle very well and in most patients are inconspicuous.
Nerve damage – There is a risk of damaging the facial nerve which is responsible for the movement of the face. If permanent this is a serious complication, but the risk of this happening has been reported as being under 1%. Such an injury can result in weakness of the facial muscles of expression.
Numbness – Patches of numbness are typical initially and tend to recover with time. Very rarely there is a risk of numbness to the lower part of the ear.
Delayed healing and skin loss – This can occur secondary to bleeding or if too much pull is placed on the skin when closing the wounds.
Revision surgery – A small number of patients may require revision surgery to deal with complications or unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes.
Asymmetry – Minor degrees of facial asymmetry are often present before surgery and are likely to persist after surgery.
You will be up and about the day after your surgery, but it will be a few weeks before you are entirely up to speed.
Your mood may fluctuate after surgery – this is normal.
Discomfort/ Pain
Pain after surgery is not usually an issue for most patients.
You are likely to feel a sensation of tightness, especially when turning your head.
Bruising/ swelling
After surgery, particularly during the first few days, your face will feel puffy.
Most swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks. Some subtle swelling and bruising can remain for a couple of months.
Appearance
Your scars may feel tight and itchy as the healing process progresses. It may take several months for the scars behind the ears and the hairline to settle down. The scars in front of the ears usually heal quicker.
Quaba Facelift Aftercare…
If you have had a face/ neck lift with us or are considering it – please find some detailed instructions and advice on aftercare following facelift surgery.
Short scar/ mini facelift from £7000
Lower face/ neck lift from £9000
Consultation £150
All-inclusive costs for one year following surgery
Integrity and attention to detail are our key elements for the provision of successful cosmetic surgery
Your care is led by Consultant Plastic Surgeons and is Hospital-Based.
Call us in confidence on 0131 342 0020 to discuss the options
What our patients have to say…
Feedback is from external review sites such as Google and RealSelf
Rhinoplasty – Faultless
I had rhinoplasty performed by Mr Awf Quaba and the whole process was faultless. He was a lovely man, obviously extremely knowledgeable and experienced, who really listened and made sensible suggestions of what he could achieve. On the day, everything went quickly and smoothly and was home by the evening of surgery. Overall the procedure was painless – I cannot recall feeling any discomfort at all the during recovery period. Nose was blocked and couldn’t taste anything for 3 days but, other than that, no drawbacks at all. Would recommend the procedure with no reservations at all.
Facelift surgery – I found a great surgeon!
Having never forayed into the world of cosmetic surgery, I feel I was very fortunate to find Mr Quaba.
Murrayfield Hospital supplied me with a list of surgeons upon my initial query regarding a neck/lower facelift and I looked through each of their profiles and kept coming back to the Quaba practice.
From my first consultation, Mr Quaba put me at ease and gave me very realistic expectations of the outcome if I chose to go for surgery. He explained all the risks involved and confirmed everything we discussed in writing, which gave me the time and the opportunity to fully consider if this was the right choice for me.
I went ahead with the neck and lower facelift a few months later and felt completely safe in Mr Quaba’s hands. He has an excellent gentle manner. I also love the fact that he and his father work together. I would highly recommend his services to anyone.
I am so glad I opted for my surgery and am very happy with the results.
Chin fillers – Brilliant experience
Always friendly, informative and helpful. Made you feel comfortable and always provided an honest opinion about what would be the best course of action. Did a wonderful job, very pleased with the results. Would definitely recommend as the results have had a positive effect on my self-confidence levels and the healing time was both fast and pain-free.
Rhinoplasty – 5 star
My only regret is not having the procedure years ago. After paying for a few consultations in other clinics I felt Mr Quaba made me feel most at ease about my Rhinoplasty and explained everything to me. From start to finish all the staff who cared for me were amazing. I felt no pain afterwards and although I had a lot of bruising and swelling this was nearly all gone within 2 weeks. Could not recommend Dr Quaba enough if you are thinking of having a rhinoplasty.
Facelift surgery -I felt safe and sound throughout
As an older lady, I was given a realistic expectation of the end result. While in hospital I was well looked after and when we had an unexpected hiccup due to me having been on blood thinners I was readmitted with Mr Quaba Senior on hand at 2.00am to provide care and reassurance. Both Mr Quabas have excellent bedside manners and have the ability to make you feel safe an secure. Unbelievably, I experienced little or no pain (but did look a bit like a Russian astronaut with the bandages round my head). Obviously, there were stitches in front and behind my ear and into my hairline. However, my skin has healed exceptionally well and there is absolutely no sign that work has been done apart from my lovely smooth neck and lack of jowls (which were not attractive).
I was treated with respect and care throughout the process.Thank you so much Mr Quaba
Upper eyelid surgery – 5 star
At the initial consultation, everything was explained in detail to me so i could make an informed decision if i wanted to go ahead with my eyelid lift or not.
I decided to go ahead with the procedure and the care i recieved excellent. i went in as a day patient and the procedure was carried out under local anaesthetic. Mr Quaba explained each step as he did the operation. i was in at out of the theatre after 45 mins. I was treated with respect at all times. One week later stitches were removed there was no pain at all and on my experience, i would highly recommend Mr Omar Quaba.
Rhinoplasty – I had a great experience
I had a great experience with this surgeon. I had my rhinoplasty surgery in August 2018. After a long time thinking about having the surgery, I decided to book. I had read a lot of reviews on different surgeons before I decided on Quaba.
I am delighted with the result. Wish I had done it sooner.
Eyelid surgery – Very professional
My upper blepharoplasty was a very professional and good experience with Mr Quaba and his team. I felt very taken care of and looked after at all times. I am also extremely pleased with the results although my facial bruising took a few months to disappear. I would not hesitate to recommend this surgeon and his team.
Rhinoplasty – Care was exceptional
My only regret is not having the procedure years ago. After paying for a few consultations in other clinics I felt Mr Quaba made me feel most at ease about my Rhinoplasty and explained everything to me. From start to finish all the staff who cared for me were amazing. I felt no pain afterwards and although I had a lot of bruising and swelling this was nearly all gone within 2 weeks. Could not recommend Dr Quaba enough if you are thinking of having a rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty – Best money I’ve ever spent!
I had septorhinoplasty in Sep 2018 because my nose was awful – squint, bulbous AND projecting. I would never let anyone take my photo and was extremely paranoid and unhappy with it. I’m now 5 months post surgery and I’m SO glad I did it. It was worth every penny. I am so much more confident in my appearance. I don’t run away from cameras anymore and my overall confidence is so much higher! There’s still quite a bit of swelling there but it already looks so much better, so I’m excited to see how it looks in another 6 months or so.
At my first consultation, Mr Quaba was great, I felt like he took my concerns seriously and he took the time to explain what could be done to improve the appearance of my nose.
I think one thing to bear in mind with rhinoplasty is that you see the final results a LONG time after the actual operation. The swelling isn’t obvious after a couple of weeks and most people won’t think you look strange, but it’s definitely there. My nose was enormous for a few days after the cast came off so I would definitely recommend taking 2 weeks off work if you can… unless you don’t mind walking around with a cast on and a massive nose, but I did!
Overall, great results and really pleasant experience with Mr Quaba and all of the staff at Spire hospital. No complaints whatsoever and I’m very happy with my surgery. Very highly recommended if you’re considering rhinoplasty :)
Quaba appear regularly in Tatler Magazine’s list of best surgeons for facelift surgery.
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