Facelift or Facial Lift

A person’s environment greatly influences the aging process—whether it's the workplace or their circle of friends. Someone with a dynamic lifestyle and younger colleagues may perceive aging more quickly than someone with a slower-paced life, a less demanding job, and peers of a similar age. Aging is further accelerated by illness, stress, smoking, and sun exposure.

The term "facelift" can be misleading, as it might suggest correction of the entire face—from hairline to neck. In reality, a facelift rejuvenates the mid and lower face, while the upper part is addressed with a brow lift and upper or lower eyelid correction. Despite its unflattering name, this procedure very effectively tightens sagging cheeks and the lower face, softens the fold between the nose and the corner of the mouth (nasolabial fold), and with a simultaneous neck lift, firms the neck skin and removes the double chin.

The main goal of a facelift is to refresh the face, and the most important aspect is achieving a natural and subtle result with nearly invisible signs of surgery. Today’s facelift can turn back the clock 10–15 years without producing the artificial or tight appearance that was once common with outdated techniques.
While the procedure cannot stop aging, it can significantly rewind time. Most clients are satisfied with a single facelift, but as facial tissues continue to age, it is possible to repeat the procedure after a few decades. With regular use of additional non-surgical rejuvenation methods, facelift results can be extended.

Facelift Techniques

There are many techniques to lift the lower face and neck. The most appropriate approach is chosen after a thorough examination and in-depth consultation, during which we clearly define possibilities and expectations.

The most common method is SMAS lifting, where we tighten the superficial musculoaponeurotic system of the face. With age, facial soft tissues become lax and sag due to gravity and loss of quality, creating jowls and deepening wrinkles. Surgical facelift repositions the deeper tissues and then re-drapes the skin over the newly refreshed facial structure. That’s why the face doesn’t appear tight after this type of lift, and results last longer compared to a subcutaneous lift that only removes excess skin.

Recently, at Višnjar Clinic we introduced the "deep plane" facelift and neck lift technique. By accessing deeper facial layers, we successfully reverse aging on multiple anatomical levels, resulting in a very natural and refreshed appearance with well-hidden scars.

A minilift involves various limited-incision techniques suitable for patients showing early signs of aging, typically in their 30s or 40s. Although the results are more subtle, the procedure is ideal for certain clients. The less invasive the procedure, the shorter and more limited the outcome.

The S-lift is a classic facelift named after the S-shaped incision made along the hairline at the temples and in front of the ear. Since the incision does not extend behind the ear, this technique is suitable for individuals with minimal neck laxity or early aging signs who desire mild rejuvenation of the lower face without extensive incisions.

Facelift Procedure and Recovery

A facelift is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure lasts about 4 hours, and may take longer if additional corrections are requested. After surgery, the patient remains under observation and stays overnight at the clinic. Our professional team ensures comfort and is prepared to act in case of hematoma.

Postoperatively, antibiotic ointment is applied to the wounds, covered with gauze, and wrapped with a bandage that also covers the neck area. The first dressing is changed the day after surgery. Gauze and bandages are replaced, drains are removed, and the patient can return home.

Hair is washed in the operating room before applying the bandage, as washing hair during the first week after surgery is not allowed. Showering is permitted the day after surgery. Opening the mouth may be difficult at first, so we recommend bringing a child-sized toothbrush or mouthwash to help maintain oral hygiene.

Physical activity, lifting weights, and housework are strictly prohibited until the surgeon allows it. Overexertion too soon can slow healing and cause complications. Any trauma to the surgical area can lead to hematomas, suture failure, infections, or even tissue necrosis.

Swelling can range from mild to so significant that the patient barely recognizes themselves. It is crucial to prepare both the patient and their caregivers for this temporary appearance. The surgeon can be contacted at any time—patients receive his personal phone number. While stress and worry are understandable, it’s important to stay calm as these reactions are normal and temporary.

Swelling typically peaks during the first three days due to the body's natural healing response. Alternating cold compresses (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) helps reduce swelling and discomfort. Never apply ice directly to the skin to avoid frostbite. Resting with your head and shoulders elevated is also important. Swelling may increase slightly again once daily activities resume.

Firm swelling in the cheeks or under the chin is normal. However, if the area turns reddish and continues to grow, contact the clinic immediately, as it may indicate a hematoma requiring surgical drainage. Bruises gradually change color and fade (red → purple → green → yellow). Arnica, bromelain, and vitamin K can help but should be used only after consulting your surgeon.

Gravity can cause blood to pool lower in the tissue layers, so bruising may appear on the neck as well. Swelling and bruises usually subside within 1–2 weeks. The full effect of the facelift becomes visible in 4–6 weeks, though slight swelling may persist for a few months.

The sutures used are self-absorbing and do not require removal. The incision from the facelift and neck lift typically heals well within two weeks, although the scar may remain pink for several months. Scars are discreetly hidden in natural skin folds and the hairline to ensure minimal visibility. Once the wound has healed, it can be easily concealed with makeup and hairstyle.

After the procedure, some areas may feel less sensitive or even completely numb. Sensation usually returns gradually over several weeks or months. During this period, caution is advised when using cold compresses, hot rollers, or a hairdryer. As sensation returns, you may experience tingling or itching in the affected areas. These sensations are completely normal.

Recovery after a surgical facelift is not painful; most patients report a feeling of tightness and pulling behind the ears. Over time, as the skin relaxes and swelling subsides, the discomfort gradually fades.

You can return to work as early as five days after the procedure, provided that swelling and bruising do not interfere with your job. You can usually resume full social activities within 2 to 3 weeks. For faster recovery and reduced swelling, we recommend guided physiotherapy and facial lymphatic drainage.

It is important to avoid direct sun exposure for at least six months after the procedure. If sun exposure cannot be avoided, it is essential to use a high-protection sunscreen.

Some Signs That Reveal a Facelift

The greatest satisfaction and confirmation that the surgery was the right decision is felt by both the patient and the surgeon when others notice that something has changed – a fresh, youthful look – but cannot quite tell what it is. This is the result all surgeons strive for. However, there are times when the outcome is not ideal and the procedure leaves recognizable signs that are characteristic of a poorly performed facelift. At Višnjar Clinic, we are well aware of these signs and do everything possible to avoid them.

A flattened and attached earlobe is a common and telltale sign of a facelift. This can happen when too much skin is removed in the area around the earlobe and the healing skin is under excessive tension.

A “Joker” smile is another unnatural appearance caused by a rigid and deepened nasolabial fold that does not move when smiling. This look may also develop many years after a technically flawless facelift, as facial tissues thin again with aging. In such cases, injecting the patient’s own fat into the affected area can help restore a more natural appearance.

It is normal for the ear canal to be partially covered by cartilage in humans. If too much skin is removed during surgery in the area in front of the ear, tension occurs, which can displace the cartilage and open the ear canal, resulting in an unnatural appearance. A tight-looking face is often the result of incorrect skin tension due to improperly tailored skin or a lack of support in the underlying tissues.

In some facelift techniques, the hairline in front of the ear shifts upward and backward. If the procedure is repeated, the sideburns may gradually disappear. With proper technique adjustments (incision placement, skin tailoring), they can be preserved — though this carries the risk of a more visible scar. This is where the surgeon's sense of judgment is crucial, carefully weighing all options and using various techniques to ensure the best possible outcome.