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cosmetic surgery
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.
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. Surgery usually involves the removal of excess facial skin, with or without the tightening of underlying tissues, and the redraping of the skin on the patient's face and neck. Surgical facelifts are effectively combined with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and other facial procedures and are typically performed under general anesthesia or deep twilight sleep.
*Reference text adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify with a qualified clinician before treatment.*
Other clinically reasonable options for the same condition. The right alternative depends on the patient's specific anatomy, comorbidities, and goals — discuss with a treating clinician rather than self-selecting from this list.
Thread lift
Sub-2-year cosmetic alternative for early jowling; results limited and shorter-lived.
Source ISAPS — Practice Resources and Position Statements for Aesthetic Surgery
Filler + neuromodulator regimen
Non-surgical volumisation and contour; addresses different ageing axis than skin redraping.
Source ISAPS — Practice Resources and Position Statements for Aesthetic Surgery
Energy-based skin tightening (RF, ultrasound)
Mild skin tightening without surgery; will not lift redundant skin.
Source ISAPS — Practice Resources and Position Statements for Aesthetic Surgery
Specialty-board certifications and facility-level accreditations relevant to this procedure. Verify on the issuer's public register before booking — most issuers publish a searchable directory.
ISAPS member surgeon
Issuer International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Individual surgeon membership; requires national-board certification in plastic surgery plus peer endorsement.
Verify on the issuer's register →National plastic-surgery board certification
Issuer Country-specific (e.g. ABPS in US, BAAPS in UK, SBCP in Brazil, KSPRS in South Korea, ASPRS in Australia)
Specialty-board certification in plastic surgery from the surgeon's country of practice. The single most important credential for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.
Verify on the issuer's register →Average recovery for Facelift is 0 days. Individual recovery varies — always follow your surgeon’s specific guidance.
Immediate
First 24–48 hours post-procedure. Monitoring, anaesthesia recovery, initial pain management. Most clinics expect you to remain on-site or nearby.
Early recovery
Wound care, swelling or bruising peaks, restricted activity. Typical window for follow-up visits and drain removal if applicable. Travel is usually not advised.
Intermediate recovery
Gradual return to non-strenuous daily activity. Many international patients fly home during this window. Surgeon may require medical clearance for long-haul travel.
Full recovery
Return to full activity, exercise, and work. Final results may still be settling. Final follow-up with local doctor recommended.
Browse all destinations offering Facelift→
Other cosmetic surgery procedures in our registry