What is a facelift?

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of facial aging by tightening the skin and deep tissues of the face.

Over time, skin loses elasticity and firmness, leading to sagging, deep wrinkles, and loss of definition in the facial contour. A facelift repositions facial tissues and removes excess skin to achieve a firmer, more rejuvenated appearance.

This procedure does not alter the natural expression of the face; rather, it aims to restore a younger appearance while maintaining facial harmony.

The main goal of a facelift is to improve facial firmness and redefine facial contours, especially in the cheek, jawline, and neck areas.

Who is a candidate for a facelift?

A facelift is indicated for individuals who show visible signs of facial aging and wish to improve the firmness and overall appearance of their face.

This procedure may be suitable for:

• Individuals with sagging facial skin
• Patients with loss of jawline definition
• Individuals with deep wrinkles in the lower face
• Patients with excess skin in the neck area
• Individuals who wish to rejuvenate their facial appearance
• Patients seeking long-lasting results

Before the procedure, an individualized medical evaluation is performed to determine if a facelift is the most suitable treatment.

Types of facelifts

A facelift can be performed using different techniques, depending on the degree of aging and the patient's needs.

Full facelift

A full facelift addresses the mid and lower face, as well as the neck.

This procedure corrects generalized sagging and improves facial contour.

It is the most comprehensive treatment for facial rejuvenation.

Mini facelift

A mini facelift is performed on patients with mild to moderate signs of aging.

This procedure involves smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time.

It is indicated for patients who want to improve facial firmness without undergoing a full facelift.

Neck and facelift

This type of facelift focuses on the lower face and neck.

It improves sagging in the jawline area and removes excess skin from the neck.

It is a common option for patients with loss of definition in the jawline.

How is the procedure performed?

A facelift is generally performed under general anesthesia and requires detailed planning.

The procedure unfolds in several carefully organized phases.

Medical evaluation and surgical planning

Treatment begins with a detailed evaluation of the skin and facial tissues.

During this phase, areas of sagging, skin elasticity, and facial structure are analyzed.

The treatment objectives and the most suitable type of facelift are defined.

This planning allows for natural and personalized results.

Incisions and tissue repositioning

The surgeon makes incisions in strategic areas, usually around the hairline and behind the ears.

These incisions allow access to the deep tissues of the face.

Muscles and tissues are carefully repositioned to restore facial firmness.

Excess skin is also removed in this phase.

Closure and completion of the procedure

Once the correction is complete, the incisions are closed using techniques that promote discreet scarring.

Protective bandages are applied to facilitate recovery.

The duration of the procedure usually varies between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the type of facelift performed.

Recovery after a facelift

The recovery process after a facelift requires specific care.

During the first few days, mild swelling and bruising may appear in the treated area.

The usual process includes:

• Moderate swelling during the first few days
• Temporary appearance of bruises
• Use of protective bandages
• Suture removal usually after 7 to 10 days
• Progressive reduction of swelling
• Visible improvement in facial contour

Most patients can resume daily activities after approximately two weeks.

Expected results

The goal of a facelift is to achieve visible and natural rejuvenation.

Results are usually characterized by:

• Reduction of facial sagging
• Improvement of jawline contour
• Decrease in deep wrinkles
• Firmer facial appearance
• Long-lasting results

The final result is fully appreciated once the swelling subsides.

Required stay for treatment

A facelift usually requires a moderate stay.

In most cases:

• Stay of 5 to 7 days
• Procedure performed in one day
• Subsequent medical check-ups before return

Our team coordinates all logistical aspects of the trip to facilitate the patient's experience.

What does the treatment include?

Packages are designed to offer a complete and organized experience.

The package generally includes:

• Personalized medical evaluation
• Surgical procedure
• Post-operative medication
• VIP airport–hotel–clinic transfers
• Hotel accommodation
• Medical translation
• Post-operative follow-up

The exact content of the package is determined after an individual medical evaluation.

Frequently asked questions

Does a facelift leave visible scars?

Incisions are made in discreet areas, such as the hairline and behind the ears, so scars are usually not very visible.

How long do the results last?

Facelift results can last for many years, depending on individual factors such as skin type and lifestyle.

When can one return to normal life?

Most patients can resume light activities after approximately two weeks.

Intense physical activities should be avoided for several weeks.

Does a facelift change facial expression?

The goal of the procedure is to rejuvenate the appearance without altering the natural expression of the face.