Face and neck lift surgery
Over time, facial ageing not only affects the quality of the dermis, but also causes a displacement of the fat compartments and a loss of firmness in the muscular structures. A face and neck lift aims to reposition tissues that have descended, thereby precisely redefining key contours such as the cheekbones, the jawline and the neck, while maintaining your natural expression.
A rejuvenated face loses its harmony if the neck is not treated at the same time. For this reason, our approach focuses on eliminating neck laxity and smoothing out deep creases, achieving a natural and seamless transition.
It is important to point out that a face and neck lift is a structural repositioning procedure designed to restore the architecture of the face; it is not a weight-loss procedure, nor does it replace the effects of a balanced diet or physical exercise.
Personalised facelift techniques
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- Patient profile: ideal for people with mild or moderate laxity, where the definition of the jawline is beginning to fade and facial creases are becoming more pronounced, but the neck retains good structural integrity. It is the preferred option for those who prioritise a very rapid recovery.
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What we correct: we define the jawline and lift the midface, naturally restoring the tissues to their youthful position.
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Scarring: the incisions are minimal and strategically placed in the natural creases around the ear, making them imperceptible even when the hair is worn loose.
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Anaesthesia and surgical duration: the procedure is carried out under deep sedation or short general anaesthesia and lasts approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
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Recovery: a soft dressing is applied for the first 24–48 hours. Most patients resume their social life within 7–10 days and can gradually return to sporting activities from the third or fourth week onwards.
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Patient profile: suitable for individuals with noticeable sagging in the midface, manifested as flattened cheekbones and pronounced nasolabial folds. It is ideal when the jawline has lost its definition, but the neck shows only mild laxity.
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What we correct: we lift the cheekbones, smooth out deep folds and remove excess tissue from the jawline, achieving a much cleaner and more rejuvenated profile.
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Scarring: the incisions are placed in the natural folds of the ear; although they are slightly longer than in a minilift to allow for a greater surgical scope.
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Anaesthesia and surgical duration: it is performed under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, with an estimated surgical time of between 2 and 3.5 hours.
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Recovery: Patients typically return to daily activities within 10 to 14 days.
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Patient profile: suitable for individuals who, in addition to facial laxity, have a loose neck with the appearance of a double chin, vertical ‘bands’ on the neck (platysma muscle) and a loss of definition at the angle between the chin and the neck. It is the definitive solution for a comprehensive result.
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What we correct: we treat both areas simultaneously by lifting the midface, redefining the jawline and deeply tightening the neck structures, thereby eliminating cervical sagging.
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Anaesthesia and surgical duration: always performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure usually lasts between 5 and 6 hours.
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Recovery: a dressing or chin strap is worn for the first 24–72 hours and, occasionally, small drains are used on the first day. Patients can usually resume social activities within 10 to 14 days, while more intense sporting activities can be gradually resumed after 4 to 6 weeks.
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Complementary surgeries to a face and neck lift
Combining a face and neck lift with other procedures in a single operation allows for comprehensive facial harmony and optimises recovery times.
Facial lipofilling:
This technique involves the grafting of the patient’s own fat to restore three-dimensional features to the face and improve skin quality thanks to its regenerative properties.
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- Treatment areas: it is mainly used to enhance the projection of the cheekbones, fill sunken temples, soften tear troughs and define the chin or jawline. It is also ideal for softening deep nasolabial folds.
- Results and longevity: following a settling-in period of 3 to 6 months, between 60% and 80% of the grafted fat remains permanently. As living tissue, it evolves naturally with changes in weight and the passage of time.
Blepharoplasty:
This is the most common complementary procedure to a facelift, as it eliminates the appearance of tiredness by directly addressing excess skin and under-eye bags.
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- Surgical approach: We treat the upper eyelid to remove the hooded skin, and the lower eyelid to correct bags and creases. In many cases, this is combined with lipofilling to comprehensively treat the transition between the eye and the cheekbone.
- Benefits of combining procedures: performing both procedures together ensures harmonious rejuvenation of the upper and midface, resulting in a refreshed and radiant appearance with a single post-operative recovery period.
Face and neck lift scarring
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- Strategic placement: the incisions are placed around the ear (pre- and retro-auricular) and, if necessary, a small incision is made within the sideburn or hairline. When performing a platysmaplasty to treat a double chin, a submental incision (under the chin) is used.
- Aftercare protocol: once the skin has been closed, we recommend the use of topical silicone to smooth the texture and strict sun protection for 12 months. This is key to ensuring the scar matures until it becomes virtually imperceptible.
What to expect after a facelift
Excellence in facelift surgery does not end in the operating theatre; our team supports you at every stage to ensure a safe recovery and long-lasting satisfaction.
Although these procedures have a high success rate and complications are rare, the following may occur:
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- Haematoma: particularly during the first 24 hours. Seromas and infection may also occur.
- Delayed healing: higher risk in patients who smoke.
- Changes in sensation.
- Hair loss around the incision sites: although rare, this may occur.
- Temporary nerve injury (facial nerve branches): temporary partial weakness.
- Mild asymmetry or recurrence over the years: the natural ageing process continues.
- Following platysmaplasty: temporary neck stiffness or tightness.
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- Facial harmony: the result is a well-defined jawline, elevated cheekbones and a noticeably firmer neck. The aim is to achieve a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.
- Recovery timeline: although improvement is visible from the very first days, an excellent social appearance is achieved between 3 and 6 weeks.
- Longevity and maintenance: the effects of a facelift last for years. However, as this is a procedure involving living tissue, factors such as maintaining a stable weight, protecting the skin from the sun and avoiding tobacco are crucial for prolonging the vitality and firmness of the results over time.
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Frequently asked questions about face and neck lifts
We understand your concerns and want to provide you with all the answers. In this section, we address the key aspects of the treatment directly so that you can feel confident in your decision:
The choice depends on the degree of skin laxity and the areas where sagging is most evident (jawline, cheekbones or neck). During the diagnostic consultation, we will carry out a detailed assessment of your facial structure to recommend the technique that will offer the most natural and balanced result based on your anatomy.
Yes, provided it is medically indicated. Performing blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or lipofilling (fat grafting) during the same surgical procedure allows for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The main advantage is that you undergo a single anaesthetic procedure and only one recovery period.
There is no fixed age, as it depends on genetics and lifestyle. However, most patients are between 45 and 65 years old. The minilift is very popular among younger patients who are beginning to notice the first signs of laxity, while a full facelift is usually performed when sagging is more pronounced.
Although each recovery process is different, most patients feel comfortable resuming their social and work commitments between 10 and 14 days after surgery. From this point onwards, any mild residual swelling can be easily concealed.
With the HC seal
Every detail reflects our commitment to excellence, safety and professionalism. At HC Aesthetic, our exclusive and personalised care transforms each treatment into a unique experience.