Facelift

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and redistributes deeper soft-tissue layers of the face and upper neck to reduce visible sagging. The NHS describes the standard approach as an incision starting above the hairline at the temples, running down in front of and behind the ear; the surgeon then lifts the skin, repositions or tightens the underlying superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, removes the surplus skin, and re-drapes the remaining skin upward and backward before suturing (NHS). The operation is performed under general anesthesia, typically takes 2-3 hours and usually requires an overnight hospital stay. The procedure is most often considered by patients aged 40-70 who have moderate skin laxity, jowling, or deep nasolabial folds but retain good skin elasticity and overall health. It does not correct surface texture, fine wrinkles, sun damage or volume loss, so it is frequently combined with adjunct treatments such as fat grafting, blepharoplasty or laser resurfacing (NHS). Heavy smokers, patients with uncontrolled hypertension, and those with bleeding disorders are typically advised against surgery because of elevated risk of hematoma and skin necrosis. In South Korea, surgeons commonly perform SMAS-plication and deep-plane variations on East Asian facial anatomy, where the skin is thicker and the underlying fat compartments differ from Western patients. Korean clinics frequently combine surgical lifting with non-surgical adjuncts such as HIFU and thread lifts in the same treatment plan, and many clinics offer mini-lift, mid-face lift and full lower-face/neck-lift options. International patients usually plan a stay of about two weeks: surgery and one overnight in hospital, a wound check at 3-4 days, suture removal at 7-14 days, and clearance to fly home (NHS). Visible bruising and swelling generally last at least two weeks, and the final aesthetic result settles at 6-9 months as residual swelling resolves and scars mature. Patients are advised to keep the head elevated for the first week, avoid strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks, and protect the incisions from direct sun for several months (NHS).