Facelift - surgical lifting of the face and neck
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE
What is a facelift and when do we recommend it?
A facelift is a facial aesthetic surgery procedure that tightens the loosened skin of the face and neck, removes its excess and reconstructs the deeper layers — the SMAS muscular fascia and the platysma of the neck. Thanks to tightening the SMAS and the platysma, and not only the skin, the results are long-lasting, natural and without the so-called „mask effect".
Facelift (surgical lifting of the face) is the most important and most effective operation in facial aesthetic surgery and the foundation of all other aesthetic operations on the face. In aesthetic terms the procedure restores and preserves beauty – it refreshes a loosened, tired face, which gains a new, brighter and fresher appearance. The age threshold for a facelift used to be around the age of sixty, but today we do not strictly adhere to age limits and instead individually assess the need for this procedure.
Facelift effectively addresses
- sagging cheeks
- the nasolabial fold and marionette lines
- an undefined lower jawline (jowls)
- a double chin and loose neck skin (double chin, turkey neck)
- a tired, serious facial appearance
- excess skin on the face and neck
PROCEDURE METHODS
Types of facelift - which method is right for you?
An overview of the facelift techniques we use at Poliklinika Maletić:
| Method | Description | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| Mini facelift (S-lift) | Smaller incisions, shorter recovery, ideal for earlier signs of aging. | Younger patients, mild to moderate laxity. |
| SMAS facelift | Tightening of the skin and the underlying SMAS layer — the classic method, long-lasting results. | Moderate to pronounced facial laxity. |
| Deep plane facelift Most comprehensive | Mobilization of the deep ligaments — the most natural and longest-lasting result. | Advanced aging, pronounced changes. |
At Poliklinika Maletić we use all facelift techniques, and for each patient we individually assess which method is best, depending on the condition of the face and neck and the patient’s wishes.
CANDIDATES
Who are the ideal candidates for a facelift?
We recommend a facelift for people who have a significant excess of skin on the face and neck and who have experienced sagging of the face and neck. These are most often patients between 50 and 70 years of age who are in good health and have realistic expectations of the procedure.
We recommend a facelift for people who have:
- significant laxity of the skin of the face and/or neck
- sagging cheeks, marionette lines or the nasolabial fold
- an undefined jawline or a pronounced double chin
- a tired, serious appearance that does not reflect the person's inner state
- excess skin on the face and neck
- realistic expectations and good general health
A facelift is not suitable for:
- superficial wrinkles without significant excess skin — here it is more effective to use Botox, fillers or laser
- sun damage or hyperpigmentation — dermatological treatments and laser
THE PROCEDURE STEP BY STEP
How is a facelift performed at Poliklinika Maletić?
Preparation and consultation
A detailed examination and consultation regarding the operation. The preoperative work-up includes a health assessment, laboratory blood tests and an ECG, and additional tests if needed. It is important to inform the physician about the medications you take, any illnesses, allergies, and habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
Gentle anesthesia
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation which provides maximum safety and comfort, with a shorter recovery compared to general anesthesia. By arrangement with the anesthesiologist and at the patient's request, general anesthesia is also possible.
The procedure itself - about 3 hours
The incisions are usually placed in the natural folds of the skin, in front of and behind the ear and within the hairline, where they are hidden and almost imperceptible. The SMAS muscular fascia and the platysma of the neck are tightened, excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures that resorb (or dissolve) on their own - removal of stitches is usually not necessary.
Immediately after the procedure
Depending on the extent of the procedure and the anesthesia, after a short rest and cooling of the operated area the patient may leave the Poliklinika with clear postoperative instructions, or stays at the Poliklinika until the next day.
RECOVERY
Recovery after a facelift - what you can expect?
Recovery timeline after a facelift:
| Timeframe | What happens |
|---|---|
| After the procedure | Cold compresses are applied to the face. Going home with postoperative instructions or staying at the Poliklinika until the next day. |
| Day 1 | First dressing change and hair washing, and the start of wearing a special compression garment. |
| Days 2–3 | Swelling and bruising at their peak — rest and cold compresses. |
| Days 7–10 | Swelling subsides, a return to activities is on the horizon. |
| Days 8–14 | Return to everyday activities; the sutures resorb on their own. |
| Months 3–9 | Final results fully visible. |
A facelift delivers lasting results
Even long after the procedure, the face will look better than if the procedure had never been performed.
Precautions and possible side effects
Most side effects after a facelift are temporary. Swelling and bruising are common and subside within 10–14 days. By following all preoperative and postoperative instructions you significantly reduce the possibility of complications. Possible complications (rare): hematoma, infection, delayed healing, temporary change in skin sensation, temporary weakness of a branch of the facial nerve, and complications related to anesthesia and surgical procedures.
Serious complications are rare, and you will be informed in detail about all the risks during the consultation.
FROM THE EXPERT
Everything you need to know about a facelift - first-hand
Want to know what a facelift procedure looks like, who is the ideal candidate and how long recovery takes? In this video, mr. sc. Duško Maletić, dr. med. explains in detail everything about the most effective surgical procedure for rejuvenating the face and neck.
COMBINATIONS
Facelift in combination with other procedures
A facelift is the foundation of all aesthetic facial operations. For the most complete rejuvenation result, it is often combined with surgical and non-surgical methods.
Surgical combinations
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) - refreshes the eyelids and removes excess skin on them.
- Brow lift (forehead lift) - raises the eyebrows and reduces forehead wrinkles.
- Lipofilling and nanofat (fat transfer) - replenishes lost volume in the cheeks and cheekbones. The fat tissue is taken from areas where it is in excess (the abdomen, thighs), processed, centrifuged and injected under the skin; the results are long-lasting. If needed, before injecting it into the face we further process the fat tissue to obtain nanofat, thereby further rejuvenating the facial skin.
Non-surgical add-ons after a facelift
- Botox - for the remaining expression wrinkles of the upper third of the face (forehead, temples); the result lasts several months.
- Dermal fillers - for filling the remaining wrinkles and augmenting the lips; the result lasts several months.
- Chemical peel - removes the surface layer of the skin, reducing wrinkles and irregularities that cannot be removed with a facelift; recovery time depends on the type and depth of the chemical peel applied.
- Laser treatments - further rejuvenate the skin and improve its quality and texture by acting on elastin and collagen.
Whether the facelift procedure is performed on its own or combined with one of the surgical or non-surgical procedures depends on the condition of the face and neck and on the patient’s desire for a particular result.
CHOOSING A SURGEON
What to look for when choosing a surgeon for a facelift?
A facelift is the most extensive procedure in facial aesthetic surgery – and that is precisely why choosing a surgeon is not a decision to be made hastily. Here is what you should know and ask.
Specialization
It is important that the procedure is performed by a surgeon. A facelift requires deep knowledge of the anatomy of the face and neck, tightening of the SMAS and platysma, and precise microsurgical techniques.
Experience - number of procedures performed
Ask the surgeon you choose how many years they have been practicing facial aesthetic surgery and how much experience they have with facelift operations. Experience directly affects the precision of the incisions, the naturalness of the results and the minimization of risks.
Knowledge of all methods
Modern techniques
A top surgeon uses modern methods to rejuvenate your face. The goal of an expertly performed facelift is freshness and the restoration of contours, not a change to your personal identity, all with a pain-free recovery.
Transparency
A surgeon who promises you perfect results without discussing possible complications is not a good sign. Consultations must be thorough and dedicated to you.
Clinic equipment
A facelift must be performed in a licensed medical institution equipped with an operating room for general and local anesthesia, the necessary instruments and medical staff. Our operating rooms are equipped for procedures under general and local anesthesia and have air recuperators which purify the air inside the operating room and in this way reduce the possibility of postoperative complications.
REVIEWS
What our patients say
Shared from our Google profile.
WHY MALETIĆ?
Why do facelift patients choose Poliklinika Maletić?
A facelift is the foundation of all aesthetic facial operations. For the most complete rejuvenation result, it is often combined with surgical and non-surgical methods.
Many years of experience
The procedure is performed by a surgeon with many years of experience in aesthetic surgery of the face and neck.
Three decades of tradition
Poliklinika Maletić was founded in 1998 as a family clinic with a long tradition of surgical procedures and aesthetic medicine.
Local anesthesia with sedation
Our standard approach, which ensures maximum safety and comfort with a faster recovery, without the need for general anesthesia in most cases.
Self-dissolving sutures
Most often there is no need to remove stitches, which means less stress for the patient during recovery.
Complete preoperative work-up
Laboratory tests, an ECG and a health assessment within the Poliklinika.
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Top-tier operating room equipment
The operating rooms are equipped for procedures under general and local anesthesia, and air recuperators which purify the air inside the operating room and reduce the possibility of postoperative complications.
Individual approach
We choose the type of procedure and technique according to your face and your goals; there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Postoperative support
We support you from the first dressing change to the final results.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions about facelift
A facelift is the foundation of all aesthetic facial operations. For the most complete rejuvenation result, it is often combined with surgical and non-surgical methods.
How long do facelift results last?
The results are long-term — the face will always look better than if the procedure had not been performed.
Is a facelift painful?
The procedure is performed under anesthesia — the patient feels nothing. In the first days of recovery there may be mild discomfort and a feeling of tightness, which are relieved with analgesics.
When will I be able to return to work?
A return to office work is possible after just 4–5 days. A return to everyday activities is possible 8–14 days after the procedure, depending on the type of work.
Will the results look natural?
Yes — if the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon who applies the modern technique of tightening the SMAS and platysma, not just the skin. The goal is a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance, without an „operated-on" look.
Under what anesthesia is a facelift performed?
At Poliklinika Maletić the procedure is most often performed under local tumescent anesthesia with sedation — the patient feels no pain, with the advantage of a faster recovery. By arrangement, general anesthesia is also possible.
Do I need to have stitches removed?
No — we use self-dissolving sutures, with no need to remove stitches.
How old do I need to be for a facelift?
The decision about a facelift is made individually, depending on the condition of the face and neck and the laxity of the skin.
Can I combine a facelift with other procedures?
Yes — a facelift is often combined with blepharoplasty, lipofilling or non-surgical treatments such as Botox, fillers and chemical peels, for a more complete result.
What is the price of a facelift?
The price is determined individually depending on the extent of the procedure. View pricing.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Schedule a facelift consultation
Every facelift begins with a conversation. During the consultation we examine the condition of your skin, assess the degree of change and, together with you, choose the optimal technique.
