Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Surgical facial rejuvenation by MOH-accredited plastic surgeons addressing facial sagging, jowls, and neck laxity. Includes SMAS-based and deep-plane facelift techniques for natural, long-lasting results.

The facelift programme at Polaris Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery addresses the structural causes of facial ageing — descent of fat compartments, laxity of the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, and skin excess — rather than merely tightening surface skin. The clinic's consultant plastic surgeons perform SMAS-based and deep-plane facelift techniques depending on the degree of facial ptosis and patient anatomy. SMAS plication or imbrication tightens the underlying muscular layer to lift jowls, redefine the jawline, and restore midface volume to a more youthful position. Deep-plane facelift, indicated for more advanced facial ageing, releases ligamentous attachments and repositions the composite SMAS-fat layer for a more thorough and natural-looking result that avoids the 'pulled' appearance associated with skin-only techniques. Complementary procedures often combined with facelift include brow lift for forehead ptosis and hooded brow, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) for periorbital rejuvenation, and neck liposuction or platysmaplasty for submental contouring. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, typically taking 3–5 hours. Patients receive detailed pre-operative planning including photographic analysis and 3D simulation where indicated. Recovery involves compression dressing, drain management, and a structured post-operative review schedule. All three surgeons at Polaris hold FAMS (Plastic Surgery), ensuring specialist-grade technique in facial anatomy and tissue handling.