This page covers what a facelift actually addresses, the techniques offered and how they differ, who is a suitable candidate, the credentials that matter when choosing a surgeon in the Sandton area, what happens on the day of surgery, the realistic risks and recovery timeline, how South African medical aids typically classify the procedure, and what to expect at a consultation at DW Skin & Body.
What a Facelift Actually Addresses, and What It Does Not
A facelift corrects laxity in the lower two-thirds of the face (jowls, jawline, neck) by repositioning the SMAS layer and the deeper retaining ligaments, not by pulling skin tight. It does not change skin quality, sun damage, or fine lines; these are addressed separately through skin care, resurfacing, or non-surgical adjuncts.
Dr Deon Offers Advanced Facelift Techniques Including Deep Plane Facelifts, Stem Cell Facelifts, And Mini Facelifts. Each Procedure Is Tailored To Suit The Individual Needs Of Patients, Ensuring Optimal Results. He Uses The Latest Surgical Techniques And Technologies To Minimize Downtime And Maximize Patient Satisfaction.
A deep plane facelift releases the retaining ligaments and repositions the midface and jowl as a single unit, which is why it is suited to more advanced laxity where a skin-only or SMAS-only lift would look tight rather than natural. The distinction matters for surgeon selection: a practitioner who offers only skin-only or “mini” lifts is not the right choice for a patient with significant jowling or neck laxity.
Techniques Offered and How They Differ
The main surgical options differ in which tissue plane is the focus of the lift:
- SMAS facelift. The SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system) is tightened and resuspended. This is a reliable technique for moderate laxity.
- Deep plane facelift. The dissection goes deeper, beneath the SMAS, releasing the retaining ligaments so the midface and jowl move as one unit. This approach is suited to more advanced laxity and to revisions, where a skin-only or SMAS-only lift would look tight rather than natural (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2023).
- Mini-facelift or short-scar facelift. Limited incision, suited to younger patients with early jowl formation. This is not a substitute for a full lift when laxity is advanced.
- Stem cell facelift. Combines a surgical lift with fat grafting enriched with the patient’s own adipose-derived stem cells, used as a volume-restoration adjunct in selected cases.
Thread lifts, HIFU, and so-called “liquid facelifts” are sometimes marketed as non-surgical alternatives. They are not facelifts, do not produce comparable lifting of deeper tissue, and the practice does not offer them as a facelift substitute. They may be discussed at consultation only as adjuncts in selected cases.
Who Is a Candidate for a Facelift
Candidacy for a facelift is individual and is only confirmed at an in-person assessment. As a general guide, suitable candidates are adults in good general health with realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot change. Non-smokers, or smokers willing to stop for a defined period before and after surgery, are better placed because smoking impairs wound healing and increases complication risk; the exact cessation window is discussed at consultation.
The procedure is best suited to patients with specific concerns about jowling, jawline definition, or neck laxity that a non-surgical treatment has not resolved. Patients with significant skin-quality issues (sun damage, fine lines, pigmentation) are often advised to address those separately, since a facelift repositions deeper tissue but does not resurface the skin.
How to Choose a Facelift Surgeon in the Sandton Area: What Actually Matters
Surgeon selection is the single most important decision in a facelift. The checklist below covers the credentials that actually carry weight in South Africa.
- HPCSA registration as a specialist plastic surgeon. In South Africa, the title “plastic surgeon” is protected. Verify the surgeon is on the HPCSA specialist register directly on the HPCSA website (Health Professions Council of South Africa, 2024).
- Membership in APRASSA (Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Southern Africa), the recognised professional body for qualified plastic surgeons in the region (APRASSA, 2024).
- Where the procedure is performed. A facelift should be done in an accredited theatre with an anaesthetist present throughout. Life Fourways Hospital has a day theatre suited to this.
- The consultation itself. A thorough consultation covers your medical history, examines you, explains the technique being recommended and why, and gives you a written quote that separates surgeon, anaesthetist, and facility fees.
- What to be cautious of. Titles such as “cosmetic surgeon” are not protected in the same way; practitioners without specialist plastic surgery training may still offer facelifts. Verify HPCSA registration directly rather than relying on marketing language.
Dr Deon Weyers is a board-certified specialist plastic surgeon, HPCSA-registered and an APRASSA member, with a KOL role for Galderma South Africa. The practice holds a 4.9-star rating on Google.
The Facelift Procedure: What Happens on the Day
A facelift is performed under general anaesthetic, with a qualified anaesthetist present throughout. Incisions are placed in front of and behind the ear (and under the chin when neck work is included), along lines that are hidden in natural contours. The SMAS, or in a deep plane facelift the deeper ligament-releasing plane, is the layer being worked on; skin redraping is the final step, not the structural one.
Duration depends on the technique and whether other procedures are combined (blepharoplasty, fat grafting, brow lift); a full facelift commonly takes three to five hours. Most patients go home the same day or stay one night, depending on the combination of procedures and the anaesthetist’s recommendation.
Risks and Complications
Facelift surgery is a well-established procedure, but like any operation it carries specific risks that the surgeon will discuss with you in person. The summary below is general information, not a substitute for that discussion.
| Risk | What it is | Approximate frequency in published series |
|---|---|---|
| Haematoma | Bleeding under the skin that may require return to theatre; higher in men and in patients on anticoagulants. | Around 1–4% (varies by series and technique). |
| Nerve injury (motor) | Temporary weakness of facial nerve branches, usually recovering over weeks to months; permanent motor injury is rare. | Temporary: low single digits %. Permanent: well under 1%. |
| Skin healing problems | Poor healing, widened scars, or skin loss near the incisions; higher risk in smokers. | Uncommon; higher in smokers and in combined procedures. |
| Infection | Treated with antibiotics; uncommon in facelift surgery. | Low. |
| Asymmetry or residual laxity | May require revision, which is not always avoidable. | Case-dependent. |
| Anaesthetic risk | Discussed in detail with the anaesthetist at the pre-operative visit. | Case-dependent. |
Risk is individual and depends on anatomy, medical history, smoking status, and the technique used. The surgeon will discuss personal risk at consultation.
Recovery: A Realistic Timeline
How Long Is The Recovery Period After A Facelift?
Recovery Time Varies Depending On The Technique Used. Most Patients Return To Normal Activities Within Two Weeks, With Full Results Visible After Several Months. Dr Deon Provides Detailed Aftercare Instructions To Ensure A Smooth Recovery.
| Phase | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1–3 | Swelling and bruising at their peak; head elevation, cold compresses, rest. |
| Day 4–7 | Most patients are up and about at home; stitches or clips usually removed around day 5–7. |
| Week 2 | Most patients are presentable in public with make-up; bruising fades. |
| Week 3–4 | Most visible swelling has settled; most patients return to non-strenuous work by the end of week two. |
| Month 2–3 | Residual swelling continues to resolve; exercise can usually be resumed progressively. |
| Month 6–12 | Final result: tissue has fully settled, scars have matured. |
The exact timeline depends on the technique, whether other procedures were combined, and individual healing.
Cost and Medical Aid in South Africa
Facelift surgery is generally classified as cosmetic by South African medical aids and is not covered. In specific reconstructive cases, for example after significant weight loss or in facial palsy, partial cover may apply and is assessed case by case with documentation.
A written quote should separate three components: the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee, and the facility (theatre and day-bed) fee. The consultation fee is separate and is payable at the time of the visit. No public cost range is published here, because quotes depend on the procedure planned, any combination work, and individual factors; a written quote is provided after consultation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Facelift Surgeon
- Choosing on price alone. The cheapest quote often reflects a less-qualified practitioner, a non-accredited facility, or shortcuts on anaesthetic cover.
- Trusting the title “cosmetic surgeon” without checking HPCSA registration. Only “specialist plastic surgeon” is a protected specialist qualification in South Africa.
- Not asking where the procedure will be performed, and who will be administering the anaesthetic.
- Expecting a facelift to fix skin quality, sun damage, or fine lines; these need separate treatment.
- Believing that a non-surgical “liquid facelift,” thread lift, or HIFU produces the same result as a surgical facelift; they do not.
- Not planning enough recovery time; most patients need two weeks off work and a month before social events where they want to look fully settled.
- Skipping the second-opinion step when something does not feel right at consultation.
Are Facelift Results Permanent?
Facelift Results Can Last Many Years. While The Natural Aging Process Continues, Dr Deon’s Techniques Provide Long-Lasting Improvement In Facial Contours And Skin Tightness.
Is Facelift Surgery Painful?
Dr Deon Uses Modern Anesthesia And Pain Management Techniques To Minimize Discomfort During And After Surgery. Most Patients Experience Mild Swelling And Discomfort That Can Be Managed With Prescribed Medication.
The Consultation at DW Skin & Body
The consultation is the appropriate starting point. What to bring: a list of current medications, your relevant medical history, and details of any prior surgical or non-surgical facial work. What is assessed: facial anatomy, skin quality, bone structure, and what is realistically achievable in your case. What you leave with: a recommended approach (technique and any combination work), the risks specific to your situation, a written quote, and time to decide without pressure.
Booking is by phone on 011 875 1694, or via the contact form on the site. The practice address is Suite B22, Life Fourways Hospital, Corner Cedar Road and Cedar Avenue West, Fourways.
Our Practice Location
Our Practice Is Based In Suite B22, Life Fourways Hospital, Cnr Cedar Road & Cedar Avenue West, Fourways, Johannesburg. Patients Are Welcomed Into A Comfortable And Private Environment Where Safety And Excellence Are Priorities.
Facelift Surgery for Rivonia and Sandton Patients
DW Skin & Body has a single practice location, inside Life Fourways Hospital at the corner of Cedar Road and Cedar Avenue West in Fourways. Patients from Rivonia, Sandton, Morningside, Hyde Park and the broader northern Johannesburg suburbs travel to this location for consultation, surgery and follow-up. The practice does not maintain a second site in those suburbs.
The advantage of being inside a hospital is continuity: the same accredited facility houses the consultation rooms, the day theatre where the procedure is performed, and the recovery area, and an anaesthetist is present for the procedure itself. For patients driving in from Sandton or Rivonia, typical visit timing is factored into the booking schedule so that consultations and follow-ups do not require a full day off work. For patients travelling from outside Gauteng, an initial online photo review can be arranged as a first step, with the in-person consultation, surgery and first follow-up scheduled in sequence.
FAQs About Facelift Surgery
FAQs About Facelift Surgery
How do I verify that a facelift surgeon in the Sandton area is properly qualified?
In South Africa, the protected specialist title is “specialist plastic surgeon,” and the surgeon must be registered as such on the HPCSA specialist register. You can verify registration directly on the HPCSA website. Membership in APRASSA (Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Southern Africa) is a further marker of a qualified practitioner. Titles such as “cosmetic surgeon” are not protected in the same way and should not be treated as equivalent.
What is the difference between a SMAS facelift and a deep plane facelift?
A SMAS facelift tightens and resuspends the SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system) layer, which is a reliable technique for moderate facial laxity. A deep plane facelift goes beneath the SMAS, releases the retaining ligaments, and repositions the midface and jowl as a single unit; it is generally suited to more advanced laxity and is the technique used when a skin-only or SMAS-only lift would look tight rather than natural. The choice between them depends on your anatomy and is made at consultation.
How long is the recovery after a facelift, and when can I return to work?
Most patients return to non-strenuous work by the end of the second week, with bruising faded and most visible swelling settled by week three or four. Residual swelling continues to resolve over two to three months, and the final result is usually apparent between six and twelve months. The exact timeline depends on the technique used, whether other procedures were combined, and individual healing.
Will my medical aid cover a facelift?
Facelift surgery is generally classified as cosmetic by South African medical aids and is not covered. In specific reconstructive cases (for example, after significant weight loss or facial palsy), partial cover may apply and is assessed case by case with documentation. Cosmetic quotes are out-of-pocket; a written quote separates surgeon, anaesthetist, and facility fees so you can plan accordingly.
Where is the surgery performed, and who administers the anaesthetic?
Surgery is performed in the day theatre at Life Fourways Hospital, with a qualified anaesthetist present throughout. Most patients go home the same day, or stay one night depending on the combination of procedures and the anaesthetist’s recommendation.
Also Read:
- Looking for a Trusted Facelift Surgeon in Sandown? | Start Here
- Best Facelift Surgeon in Sandton | Advanced Face Lift Procedures
This page is general information about facelift surgery and the surgeon-selection process, and is not medical advice for any individual. Outcomes, recovery, candidacy, and risk vary from person to person and can only be assessed in person by a HPCSA-registered specialist plastic surgeon. If you are considering a facelift, book a consultation to discuss your own circumstances.
