# Facelift

> Citation bundle for Facelift on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/facelift
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/facelift

- Category: cosmetic-surgery

## Description

A facelift, technically known as a rhytidectomy, is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure intended to give a more youthful facial appearance. There are multiple surgical techniques.

## Overview

A facelift, technically a rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure intended to give the face a more youthful appearance. There are several surgical techniques, but in general the operation involves removing excess facial skin, with or without tightening the underlying tissues, and then redraping the skin of the face and neck. It is typically carried out under general anaesthesia or deep twilight sedation and is often combined with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and other facial procedures. The facelift is directed at the signs of facial ageing, which arise largely from changes in the position of deeper structures such as the platysma muscle, the cheek fat and the orbicularis oculi muscle; these produce the jowls, the deepening nasolabial fold and the changes around the lower eyelid that patients often wish to address. In the traditional technique an incision is made in front of the ear, extending up into the hairline and curving around and behind the ear toward the hairline of the neck. The skin is separated from the deeper tissues, the fascial suspension layer known as the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) can be tightened with sutures, excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed. Because each surgeon practises several variations, the specific technique is chosen at consultation according to the patient's anatomy, expectations, the areas to be improved and the acceptable recovery time.

## Peer-reviewed outcome rates

- **Complication rate:** 13.80% (range 10.30–17.20%) — from 1 cited source

## Common risks

- Bleeding, sometimes requiring a return to the operating room
- Hematoma, most occurring within the first 24 hours
- Facial (motor) nerve injury or great auricular (sensory) nerve injury
- Skin flap necrosis, more likely in smokers
- Infection
- Hypertrophic scarring
- Hair loss (alopecia) or distortion of the hairline near incisions

## FAQs

### What is a facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that gives the face a more youthful appearance. It usually involves removing excess facial skin, with or without tightening the underlying tissues, and redraping the skin of the face and neck.

### What signs of ageing does a facelift address?

Facial ageing is shown largely by changes in the position of deeper structures such as the platysma muscle, the cheek fat and the orbicularis oculi muscle. These lead to jowls, a deepening nasolabial fold and changes around the lower eyelid.

### What is the SMAS in a facelift?

The SMAS, or superficial musculoaponeurotic system, is a fibromuscular layer that envelops the muscles of facial expression. During surgery it can be tightened with sutures to support and reposition the deeper tissues of the face.

### Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Surgical facelifts are effectively combined with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and other facial procedures, and the operation is typically performed under general anaesthesia or deep twilight sleep.

### Who may be advised against a facelift?

The risk of complications is higher in cigarette smokers and in patients with hypertension or diabetes, because these predispose to poor wound healing. Severe medical problems, and psychiatric illness leading to unrealistic expectations, can also be contraindications.

### What is the most common complication?

Bleeding is the most common complication and can require a return to the operating room. Hematoma is the most frequently seen, with almost all hematomas occurring within the first 24 hours after surgery.

## Alternative treatments

- **Thread lift** — Sub-2-year cosmetic alternative for early jowling; results limited and shorter-lived.
- **Filler + neuromodulator regimen** — Non-surgical volumisation and contour; addresses different ageing axis than skin redraping.
- **Energy-based skin tightening (RF, ultrasound)** — Mild skin tightening without surgery; will not lift redundant skin.

## Sources

- [The Deep Plane versus SMAS Facelift: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-025-05118-x) — Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (accessed 2026-08-14)
- [ISAPS — Practice Resources and Position Statements for Aesthetic Surgery](https://www.isaps.org/medical-professionals/practice-resources/) — International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (accessed 2026-06-29)