Choosing a surgeon for a facelift is a decision that shapes both the result and the recovery. The galleries on a practice website offer a starting point, but they only become useful once you know what to look for behind the lighting, the angles and the filters.
Why a Professional Surgeon Matters When Reviewing Facelift Photos
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, repositions the deeper facial tissues (the SMAS layer and underlying fat compartments) and redrapes the skin. When the deeper layer is not addressed, the skin is pulled tight and the result reads as windswept, with tension visible at the mouth corners and earlobes.
Before and after galleries become interpretable once you understand that distinction. Consistent lighting, the same camera distance, and a neutral facial expression in both photos are the baseline checks. Beyond that, look at the side profile and the jawline, not only the frontal view, because the jawline and neck contour are where surgical technique shows up most clearly. Scar placement, hairline position and earlobe shape are also visible markers of how the skin was closed.
What a Facelift Can and Cannot Address
A facelift targets the lower face and neck. It is not a single operation that fixes everything from the brow to the chest. The table below sets out the regions a facelift can treat, what it does in that region, and what typically requires an additional procedure.
| Region | What a facelift does | Often needs a separate procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Lower face | Tightens jowls, redefines the jawline | Lip lines, smoker’s lines |
| Jawline | Restores a clean angle between chin and neck | Chin projection (genioplasty or filler) |
| Neck | Addresses loose skin and banding of the platysma muscle | Submental fat under the chin |
| Mid-face | Repositions descended cheek fat for a softer cheek | Under-eye hollows, lower lid skin |
Facelifts Can Target The Lower Face, Jawline, Neck, And Mid-Facial Regions. Dr Deon Designs Procedures To Address Specific Patient Concerns For Balanced, Natural Results.
How Before and After Photos Should Be Reviewed
Use the gallery as a screening tool, not a guarantee. A consistent baseline lets you compare like with like.
- Lighting: same room, same direction, no on-camera flash in either photo.
- Angle: frontal, three-quarter and profile views in both images.
- Timing: after photos taken at a minimum of 6 months, when swelling has fully settled.
- Expression: neutral mouth and relaxed brow in both photos.
- Make-up and grooming: similar in both, so skin and contour are visible.
- Consent: the patient has given written consent for the photo to be used.
When you spot a result you like, note the age range, the starting anatomy and the time since surgery. A 60-year-old with sun-damaged skin and significant neck laxity is not a comparable reference point for a 45-year-old with early jowling. Your surgeon should explain which photos are realistic reference points for your own face.
Risks and Complications of a Facelift
Facelift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia or deep sedation and carries both general surgical risks and procedure-specific risks. The published complication rates below come from large series and reviews in the plastic surgery literature.
| Risk | Approximate reported rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Haematoma (collection of blood under the skin) | Around 1 to 3% in published series | Most common early complication; usually drained in the first 24 hours |
| Facial nerve injury (temporary weakness) | Up to about 1% | Most cases resolve within weeks to months as nerve swelling settles |
| Skin-flap compromise (poor healing at the edges) | 1 to 2%, higher in smokers | Smoking cessation before and after surgery lowers the risk substantially |
| Hypertrophic or widened scarring | Varies by skin type and incision | More common in patients with a personal or family history of thick scarring |
| Asymmetry | Minor degrees are common, noticeable asymmetry is uncommon | Often correctable with minor revision once healing is complete |
Your pre-operative assessment includes a review of medical history, current medications (blood thinners, supplements that affect clotting), blood pressure control and smoking status. These factors are not administrative boxes; they are the most common reasons a complication develops in an otherwise well-performed operation.
Recovery: A Week-by-Week Outline
Recovery Typically Takes A Few Weeks, With Most Swelling And Bruising Subside Within 2 To 3 Weeks. Dr Deon Provides Clear Aftercare Instructions For A Smooth Healing Process.
| Time after surgery | What to expect | Typical restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Dressing in place, drainage tubes often removed on day 1 or 2, swelling and bruising at their peak around day 2 or 3 | Rest with the head elevated, no bending or heavy lifting |
| Week 1 | Sutures or staples usually removed between days 5 and 10, bruising starts to fade | No driving until you are off strong painkillers and can move your neck comfortably |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Most visible bruising has settled, you are usually comfortable in public with light make-up | Light walking is fine; avoid gym work and heavy lifting |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Most swelling has resolved, incisions are maturing | Gradual return to exercise, no contact sport yet |
| Months 3 to 6 | Final contour settles, scars fade from pink to a fine line | Sunscreen on the incisions for at least 12 months |
Cost Drivers in Sunninghill and Sandton
Quoted fees vary widely because the operation is not a single line item. The table below lists what is usually included in an all-inclusive quote and the variables that move the total.
| Cost driver | What it covers | Variable to check |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon’s fee | The procedure itself, pre-operative planning, post-operative visits | Whether the quote is all-inclusive or surgeon-only |
| Anaesthetist’s fee | Time under general anaesthesia or sedation | Estimated duration, billed by time |
| Theatre and hospital day bed | Operating theatre, recovery bed, overnight stay if required | Day case vs overnight, hospital schedule |
| Implants, garments and consumables | Compression head garment, dressings, any drains | Whether garments are included or billed separately |
| Follow-up and revisions | Scheduled visits, scar management, minor touch-ups | Whether revision surgery within a defined window is included |
Avoid choosing on headline price alone. A quote that excludes the anaesthetist or the hospital day bed can look lower than it actually is. Ask for an itemised estimate so the comparison between practices is fair.
Visiting the Practice
Our Practice Is Based In Suite B22, Life Fourways Hospital, Cnr Cedar Road & Cedar Avenue West, Fourways, Johannesburg. Patients Can Visit For Consultations, Assessments, And Personalized Facelift Planning With Ease And Comfort.
The rooms are a short drive from Sunninghill via William Nicol Drive, with secure parking on the hospital grounds. To arrange a consultation, call 011 875 1694 or use the online consultation and photo review form.
How to Read a Surgeon’s Credentials
In South Africa, any surgeon offering cosmetic procedures must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Registration status is searchable on the HPCSA website. Beyond the baseline registration, the relevant additional marker is a fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery, which requires a recognised training programme of several years and a final specialist examination.
Ask which professional society the surgeon belongs to, where the procedure will be performed, and who administers the anaesthetic. A clear answer to all three is the minimum baseline. Theatres at Life Fourways Hospital are accredited and staffed by qualified anaesthetic nursing teams.
What to Bring to Your First Consultation
- A list of current medications, including supplements and over-the-counter products.
- A brief medical history, including past anaesthetics and any bleeding or clotting issues.
- Two or three reference photos of yourself from 10 to 15 years ago, for anatomy reference rather than a target result.
- A list of questions written down, because it is easy to forget the detail once you are in the room.
- Realistic time off work and social commitments for the first three weeks.
The first consultation is the right place to ask about technique, scar placement, anaesthesia and what will happen if a revision is required. A surgeon who answers in plain language, sets realistic expectations, and is comfortable with second-opinion consultations is usually a reliable choice.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance
A facelift sets the clock back, it does not stop it. Most patients see a result that is stable from around six months onwards and then ages naturally from the new baseline. Good skin care, daily sunscreen, no smoking, and stable weight all extend the visible result. Skin quality treatments such as medical-grade skincare, peels or laser work alongside the surgery rather than replace it.
Next Steps
If you are ready to discuss a facelift, the quickest first step is the online consultation and photo review form. Submit clear frontal and side photos taken in good light, and Dr Deon’s team will respond with whether an in-person consultation is the appropriate next step. For an in-person visit, the practice is at Suite B22, Life Fourways Hospital, or call 011 875 1694.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a facelift operation usually take?
A full SMAS facelift with neck work typically takes three to five hours of operating time, depending on the anatomy and whether combined procedures (blepharoplasty, brow lift, fat grafting) are performed at the same sitting.
When can I return to work and exercise?
Most desk-based patients return to work between days 10 and 14. Light walking is reasonable from the first week. Gym work, running and heavy lifting are usually introduced at four to six weeks, with contact sport and very heavy training deferred for around three months.
Will the scars be visible?
Incisions are placed in front of and behind the ear, often extending into the hairline. Once fully matured, they sit in natural skin creases and in hair-bearing scalp, where they are not obvious in everyday conversation. Early scars are pink and visible, and settle over 6 to 12 months.
Is a facelift performed under general anaesthesia?
Most facelifts at Life Fourways Hospital are performed under general anaesthesia administered by a qualified anaesthetist. Local anaesthesia with deep sedation is an option for shorter or more limited procedures; the choice is discussed at consultation.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Common combinations include upper and lower eyelid surgery, brow lift, fat grafting to the cheeks, and skin resurfacing. Combining procedures adds operating time and modifies the recovery plan, but avoids a second anaesthetic and a second recovery period.
How do I know if I am a good candidate?
Good candidates have realistic expectations, are in stable general health, do not smoke or are willing to stop, and have enough skin laxity and facial descent for the procedure to make a meaningful difference. A consultation with examination of the skin, underlying tissues and bone structure is the only reliable way to confirm suitability.
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Medical disclaimer: The content on this page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for a professional consultation. Individual results vary, and any surgical or non-surgical procedure carries risks. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for a personal assessment before making any treatment decision.
