Facelift Surgery in Dubai

A facelift - technically known as a rhytidectomy - is a surgical procedure that addresses the structural changes of facial ageing: skin laxity, loss of definition in the jaw and neck contour, deepening of facial folds, and the downward migration of facial tissue over time. It does not change the face - it restores the version of it that time has altered.

At Vilafortuny, facelift surgery is performed by Dr. Tim - a board-certified plastic and laser surgeon with decades of international surgical experience and a role as President of the European Society of Laser Aesthetic Surgery. The goal at Vilafortuny is not a face that looks surgically altered, but a face that looks naturally refreshed - younger, more defined, and genuinely like the person - without the tell-tale signs of having had work done.

7-10 yrs typical longevity of facelift results with good aftercare
Board Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgical team
Since 2006 plastic surgery trusted by Dubai patients and international visitors
What a Facelift Addresses

Ageing in the face is driven by changes in three layers: the skin loses elasticity, the underlying soft tissue descends, and the supporting facial structures change. A facelift works at the deeper structural level - not just the skin surface - to correct what no non-surgical treatment can adequately address.

  • Jowling - loss of definition along the jaw where soft tissue has descended and pooled below the jawline
  • Nasolabial folds - deepened creases running from the nose to the corners of the mouth, caused by tissue descent in the mid-face
  • Neck laxity - loose or banded skin in the neck, excess fat beneath the chin, or loss of the jaw-to-neck angle
  • Mid-face descent - flattening of the cheek contour and loss of volume distribution in the central face as tissue migrates downward
  • Marionette lines - creases extending downward from the corners of the mouth
  • General skin laxity - excess skin that cannot be addressed with non-surgical tightening treatments alone
What a facelift cannot address

A facelift corrects structural laxity and tissue descent. It does not address skin quality - sun damage, pigmentation, fine surface lines, or texture are better managed with laser treatments, peels, or skincare. It also does not address bone structure or volume loss - concerns where fat grafting, fillers, or facial implants may be more appropriate. At Vilafortuny, the consultation establishes precisely which concerns are best addressed surgically, which are better managed non-surgically, and which benefit from a combined approach.

Facelift Techniques at Vilafortuny

There is no single facelift technique appropriate for every patient. The right approach depends on the degree of change required, the patient's anatomy, and their recovery timeline expectations. Dr. Tim will recommend the most appropriate technique at consultation following a thorough clinical assessment.

Comprehensive correction Full Facelift (SMAS)

The most comprehensive facelift technique - addressing the mid and lower face, jowls, and neck in a single procedure. Incisions are made within the hairline at the temple, continuing around the ear and into the lower scalp. The deeper tissue layer (SMAS - the superficial musculoaponeurotic system) is repositioned and tightened, not just the skin. This deeper work is what produces natural, long-lasting results - the skin is then redroped over the repositioned tissue with minimal tension. A secondary incision under the chin addresses neck laxity and excess fat. Most comprehensive result. Recovery two to three weeks for social activity.

Early changes, less downtime Mini Facelift

A shorter-incision procedure focused on the lower face and early jowling. Less extensive tissue repositioning than a full facelift - appropriate for patients with mild to moderate laxity who do not yet require the full procedure. Shorter incisions mean less scarring. Reduced downtime compared to a full facelift. Results are good for the right patient but less comprehensive and typically less long-lasting than a full facelift. Most commonly recommended for patients in their early to mid-forties with early signs of descent.

Neck and jaw Neck Lift

A procedure focused specifically on the neck - addressing loose or banded skin (platysmal bands), excess fat, and loss of the jaw-to-neck angle. Performed through incisions behind the ear and under the chin. Can be performed as a standalone procedure for patients whose primary concern is the neck, or in combination with a full facelift for a complete lower face and neck rejuvenation.

Brow and upper face Brow Lift

A surgical procedure that elevates descended brows to a more youthful position, reducing the appearance of a heavy or tired upper face. Small incisions within the scalp or along the hairline allow the brows to be repositioned. Often performed in combination with upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for a complete upper face rejuvenation. The brow position significantly affects the perceived expression and age of the face - a descended brow creates the impression of tiredness or heaviness regardless of the eye itself.

The Facelift Process at Vilafortuny
01
Consultation and Assessment

A comprehensive consultation reviews your concerns, your medical history, current medications, smoking status, and previous facial surgery. The surgeon examines facial anatomy, skin quality, and tissue laxity to determine the most appropriate technique. Your aesthetic goals are discussed and a realistic picture of what surgery can achieve is established. This appointment is the foundation of every decision that follows - no procedure is recommended without it.

02
Pre-operative Preparation

Pre-operative blood work and clinical clearance are completed. Medications affecting bleeding - including aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements - are stopped as directed. Smoking must cease at least four weeks before surgery, as it significantly impairs healing and increases complication risk. Arrangements for post-operative support at home are made before the surgery date is confirmed.

03
Surgery

Facelift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure and patient preference. The procedure typically takes three to five hours for a full facelift. Incisions are placed within the hairline and in the natural creases around the ear - designed to heal inconspicuously. The deeper tissue layers are repositioned and secured before the skin is redroped and any excess removed. Drains and a light bandage are placed before the patient leaves the operating theatre.

04
Immediate Recovery

The first 24 to 48 hours are spent resting with the head elevated. Drains are typically removed within the first one to two days. Swelling and bruising are most significant in the first week - this is normal and expected. Pain is managed with prescribed analgesics. Most patients feel comfortable enough to move around the home and manage basic daily activity within the first few days.

05
Follow-up and Healing

Sutures are removed at one to two weeks. Most patients are comfortable returning to light social activity by two to three weeks. Residual swelling continues to reduce over the following months. Final results - when healing is complete and the tissue has fully settled - are typically visible at three to six months. Sun protection is essential throughout the healing period and beyond to protect the incisions and maintain skin quality.

Ideal Candidates

Facelift surgery produces the best outcomes in patients who are in good general health, have realistic expectations, and understand both what the procedure can and cannot achieve. The following clinical and lifestyle factors are assessed at consultation.

Clinical indications
  • Loss of jaw and neck definition with visible jowling
  • Significant nasolabial or marionette folds from tissue descent
  • Loose or banded skin in the neck - excess fat beneath the chin
  • Mid-face descent causing flattening of the cheek contour
  • Skin laxity that cannot be meaningfully improved with non-surgical treatment
  • Patients in good general health with no conditions that significantly impair healing
Important considerations
  • Smoking must be stopped at least four weeks before and maintained throughout recovery - smoking significantly increases the risk of wound healing complications and poor scarring
  • Blood thinners, aspirin, and certain supplements must be discontinued as directed before surgery
  • Significant weight fluctuations before or after surgery can affect the result - a stable weight is recommended before proceeding
  • Realistic expectations are essential - the result is a refreshed, more youthful version of the patient, not a different face
Results
  • A restored jaw and neck contour - definition that has been lost to jowling and laxity returns clearly
  • A more youthful, refreshed appearance - without the tell-tale signs of surgical intervention
  • Improvement visible immediately and continuing to refine over three to six months as swelling resolves
  • Long-lasting results - typically seven to ten years before further intervention might be considered
  • Confidence in appearance that patients consistently describe as one of the most significant quality-of-life changes from any cosmetic procedure
Maintaining your result

A facelift is not a permanent stop to the ageing process - but it meaningfully delays it. The lifestyle factors that most affect how long results last are sun protection, not smoking, maintaining a stable weight, and a consistent skincare regimen. Dr. Tim will advise on the specific skincare and maintenance approach that best supports your individual result following surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a facelift actually do - and what doesn't it do?

A facelift addresses the structural changes that occur in the face as it ages - loose skin, loss of definition in the jaw and neck, deepening of facial folds, and descending of the facial soft tissues. It repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and tissue, removes excess skin, and redrapes the skin over the newly sculpted contours. What a facelift does not do is change bone structure, address skin quality (texture, pigmentation, fine lines), or stop the ageing process. A well-planned facelift makes a patient look refreshed and naturally younger - not different.

What is the difference between a full facelift and a mini facelift?

A full facelift addresses the mid and lower face, jowls, and neck - repositioning the deeper tissue layers (SMAS) for a comprehensive, long-lasting result. A mini facelift uses shorter incisions and addresses primarily the lower face and early jowling - with less downtime and a more limited correction. The right choice depends on the degree of change required and the patient's anatomy. Patients with mild laxity and early jowling may achieve an excellent result with a mini facelift. Those with more significant changes typically achieve better and longer-lasting outcomes with a full facelift.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal social activity within two to three weeks. Significant swelling and bruising typically peak in the first week and resolve over the following two to four weeks. Final results - when swelling has fully settled and the skin has adjusted to its new position - are typically visible at three to six months. Most patients can return to light work within one to two weeks, and more strenuous activity after four to six weeks.

How long do facelift results last?

A facelift does not stop the ageing process - but it resets the clock significantly. Most patients enjoy their results for seven to ten years or more before any further intervention might be considered. The longevity depends on the technique used, the patient's skin quality, lifestyle factors (sun exposure, smoking, weight fluctuations), and the natural rate of further ageing. Maintaining results is supported by good skincare, sun protection, and avoiding smoking.