A facelift may improve facial contour, but it cannot promise an unchanged face through every stage of ageing. Outcomes vary with facial anatomy, skin quality, sun exposure, smoking, genetics, and the technique used. A surgeon should explain which concerns can be corrected, which will remain, how scarring may look, and what recovery is likely. The objective should be a proportionate, age-appropriate result rather than an attempt to look like a different person.
At your consultation with Dr Deon’s team, the surgeon should review your medical history, medicines, previous facial procedures, and goals. A clinical examination is needed to assess the skin, underlying support, fat distribution, and whether a facelift, a different operation, or a non-surgical approach is better suited to you. Photographs can support an initial discussion, but they cannot replace an examination or establish a diagnosis.
What a full face lift can treat
A full face lift addresses facial ageing that involves both skin and deeper support. Depending on the examination, the surgical plan may include several related areas:
- Sagging along the jawline and jowls
- Downward movement or loss of definition in the cheeks
- Deepening of selected nasolabial folds
- Lax skin or platysmal bands in the neck
- Redistribution of selected areas of facial fat
- Tightening and repositioning of deeper facial tissue
A facelift is not designed to remove every facial wrinkle. Fine lines caused mainly by muscle movement may respond better to non-surgical treatment, while changes in skin colour or texture may require separate skin care or resurfacing procedures. The operation should complement, rather than attempt to replace, a sensible long-term skincare routine.
Who may be a suitable candidate
Age alone does not determine suitability. A candidate generally needs a clear surgical concern, enough healthy tissue for a safe procedure, and realistic expectations. Common considerations include:
- Visible laxity affecting more than one part of the face or neck
- Facial contours that no longer reflect the person’s age or desired appearance
- Good general health after assessment of relevant medical conditions
- No untreated infection or other condition that compromises surgery
- Understanding of the operation, recovery, cost, and possible complications
- Willingness to stop smoking around the procedure when advised, as nicotine impairs wound healing
Some people are not ready for surgery because of an untreated medical condition, active smoking-related risk, unrealistic expectations, or insufficient tissue support. A lower-face lift may not correct a heavy brow or prominent nasolabial folds caused mainly by volume loss, so facial balance must be considered before choosing an operation.
How the surgical plan is made
The consultation is used to define the problem, examine the face in movement and at rest, and select a technique suited to the patient’s anatomy. The surgical team should also review:
- Current and previous medical conditions
- Prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements
- Previous cosmetic procedures, facial trauma, or reconstructive surgery
- Allergies, smoking, alcohol use, and recovery responsibilities at home
- The areas to be treated and the outcome the patient reasonably wants to achieve
- Anaesthetic options, expected scars, aftercare, and the risks of revision
Medicines that increase bleeding or interact with anaesthesia may require adjustment, but they should not be stopped unless the prescribing clinician and surgical team give clear instructions. Patients who take aspirin, antiplatelet medicines, anticoagulants, or medicines for diabetes should identify each product during the consultation. In South Africa, current professional registration can be checked with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Before the operation, the team should confirm the fasting instructions, arrival arrangements, prescribed medicines, anaesthetic plan, wound care, and who will assist during the early recovery period. Patients should arrange transport if sedating anaesthetic will be used and should not drive until cleared to do so.
What happens during a full face lift
The exact sequence varies according to facial anatomy and the selected technique. A full face lift commonly includes the following stages:
- Preparation and anaesthetic: The face is cleaned and marked, and the anaesthetic plan is confirmed before surgery begins.
- Incision and tissue access: Incisions are commonly made near the temple or hairline and around the ear so that scars can often be placed within or close to natural contours.
- Deeper tissue repositioning: The surgeon may tighten the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, often called the SMAS, or use another tissue plane selected for the patient.
- Fat and soft-tissue management: Selected areas of fat may be repositioned, reduced, or left in place according to the overall facial plan.
- Skin redraping and closure: The skin is repositioned, excess tissue is removed conservatively, and the incisions are closed in layers. Drains are not used routinely in every case.
Not every patient requires every component of a full face lift. The surgeon should avoid an excessively tight result and preserve natural movement around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks. Incisions are closed in a way intended to support healing, but scar quality depends on skin biology, tension, smoking, aftercare, and other factors that cannot be completely controlled.
Most extensive facelifts are performed under general anaesthetic or a combination of local anaesthetic and sedation. The anaesthetic plan is based on the procedure, medical history, and the treating anaesthetist’s assessment. The patient should be given a clear explanation of what will happen on the day and who to contact after leaving the facility.
Recovery and aftercare
Aftercare is individualised, but early instructions usually focus on protecting the healing tissues, controlling swelling, and preventing unnecessary pressure or strain.
Resting for the first few days post-surgery Arrange help with meals, mobility, and household tasks. Elevating the head when instructed can help manage swelling, while bending, heavy lifting, and forceful facial movements should be avoided during the early healing phase.
Avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks Reduced discomfort does not necessarily mean that deep tissues are ready for exercise. Running, weight training, competitive sport, and activities involving impact or heat should only resume after the surgical team confirms that healing is adequate.
Swelling, scars, and follow-up
Swelling may be uneven, with one side appearing tighter or more prominent than the other. Bruising, tenderness, and reduced sensation can continue for several weeks and may take longer to settle completely. The final contour and scar appearance can continue to change for months. Scar care should follow the surgeon’s timing rather than a general internet schedule.
Review appointments are used to check wound healing, remove sutures or clips when appropriate, assess fluid or haematoma, and discuss persistent numbness or contour concerns. Additional visits may be needed if swelling, discomfort, or healing is not progressing as expected.
Risks and complications
No surgical procedure is free of risk. Swelling, bruising, tenderness, temporary tightness, and altered sensation are common early effects, but they should be distinguished from complications. Possible complications include:
- Bleeding or a collection of blood called a haematoma
- Incision infection, delayed healing, or, less commonly, loss of skin
- Persistent pain, numbness, tingling, or facial nerve weakness
- Fluid accumulation, poor wound healing, or an uneven skin surface
- Visible scarring, small contour irregularities, or facial asymmetry
- Changes in hair position near an incision in some patients
- Complications related to anaesthesia, blood clots, or prolonged immobility
Risk may be higher with smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, vascular disease, previous radiation treatment, certain medicines, or other significant health conditions. Rapidly increasing one-sided swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, severe or worsening pain, fever, facial weakness, breathlessness, or dark or blistered skin requires prompt medical assessment.
Expected results and longevity
The result becomes clearer as swelling resolves and the tissues settle. It should restore a firmer contour while preserving appropriate facial movement, rather than making the face appear uniformly tight. Healing, genetics, sun exposure, smoking, weight change, and the selected technique all influence longevity, so the result cannot be guaranteed for a fixed period.
Scars, skin sensitivity, and minor asymmetry can continue to change during recovery. It is also important to remember that a facelift does not stop ageing or prevent new folds elsewhere. Future non-surgical treatment or another operation may still be appropriate if priorities change over time.
Full face lift compared with non-surgical treatment
The best choice depends on the tissue causing the concern, not simply the wording associated with a treatment. Surgery can reposition tissue and remove excess skin, while non-surgical procedures primarily alter movement, volume, or position through injections or threads.
| Option | Main target | Important limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Full surgical facelift | Combined laxity of the lower face, cheeks, jawline, or neck | Requires an operation, anaesthetic, recovery time, and healing; it carries surgical and scarring risks |
| Mini facelift | Milder or more localised facial laxity | May not correct substantial neck laxity or deeper mid-face descent and is not suitable for every patient |
| Threads | Selected mild lower-face laxity | Results can be variable and temporary, and complications may include discomfort, dimpling, or asymmetry |
| Fillers | Selected volume loss and folds | They do not remove broad skin laxity, and their effects are temporary |
| Botulinum toxin | Lines caused mainly by facial muscle movement | It does not provide a surgical lift of substantial loose skin |
Fillers and threads may help selected mild concerns, but they cannot reproduce the tissue repositioning and skin removal achieved by a suitable facelift. A balanced consultation may include non-surgical options, surgery, or a staged plan rather than treating every facial change in the same way.
Cost, consultations, and financial planning
There is no responsible universal fee for a full face lift. The cost depends on facial anatomy, the selected technique, operating time, anaesthetic, facility charges, and any investigations or aftercare required. A written quotation should clarify whether it includes the surgeon, anaesthetist, assistant, facility, follow-up visits, prescribed aftercare, and any provisions concerning revision surgery.
Patients should ask about cancellation, payment, and staged-payment options rather than assuming that a deposit is the final price. Medical aid classification and coverage vary, so any possible benefit should be confirmed with the insurer. An online consultation and photograph review may help determine whether a clinical consultation is appropriate, but it cannot provide a diagnosis, operative plan, or guaranteed quotation.
Frequently asked questions
How long do the effects of a full face lift usually remain visible?
Results typically last 7-10 years, though aging continues naturally.
What can I expect about pain during and after surgery?
You will not be expected to feel the operation itself while you are anaesthetised. After surgery, pain, tightness, tenderness, swelling, and reduced sensation can occur. The team should prescribe or recommend analgesia based on your medical history and recovery. Severe or worsening pain needs assessment.
When will swelling settle and the final result become clearer?
Initial swelling usually subsides within 2-3 weeks, with final results visible in 2-3 months.
Can non-surgical treatment achieve a comparable lift?
Fillers and threads may help selected mild concerns, but they do not remove substantial tissue laxity or provide the same comprehensive correction as surgery. Botulinum toxin treats movement-related lines rather than a true lift. Suitability depends on examination and goals.
What influences the quoted fee?
The fee depends on the planned technique, facial anatomy, surgeon’s time, anaesthetic, facility, and any investigations or aftercare required. Ask for a written quote that states what is included and whether additional costs or revision terms apply.
Use the Online Consultation & Photo Review form to arrange an initial discussion, or call 011 875 1694. Photographs and medical history can support initial advice, but they do not replace a clinical examination.
Also Read:
- Types of Facelifts with Pictures | A Complete Visual Guide
- Discover Mini Face Lifts | The Smart Way to Lift and Rejuvenate
Medical disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and does not replace an examination, diagnosis, or individual medical advice. Suitability, risks, anaesthetic choices, costs, and expected outcomes vary between patients. Consult an appropriately registered health professional before undergoing treatment. Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly changing symptoms after surgery.
