What is a facelift, and what types are there?

The gradual decline of collagen fibers in the skin means that the first signs of aging can become noticeable as early as the age of 25. More commonly, however, a visible loss of skin density and sagging around the jawline appears in individuals over 40. Of course, this isn’t a strict rule, as the rate at which collagen and elastin break down in the skin depends on several personal factors—such as skincare habits, genetic predisposition, and sun exposure. Still, even the most meticulous skincare routine often can’t fully prevent the natural processes that lead to a change in facial contours and the appearance of increasingly visible wrinkles across all areas of the face. In such cases, many people turn to professional help and, after a medical consultation, choose to undergo either a surgical or non-surgical facelift.

The term “lifting” comes from the English verb to lift, meaning to raise or elevate. In everyday language, it’s often used to describe efforts aimed at improving the quality or appearance of something. In the context of aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery, facelifts have been around for decades. And while the methods have evolved with advances in both fields, the core idea remains the same—tightening and lifting the facial skin, sometimes including the removal of excess tissue. The goal of a facelift is to refine the facial contours, restore a more youthful and defined shape, and smooth out wrinkles in various parts of the face.

The primary way facelifts are categorized is by dividing them into invasive and non-invasive procedures. Traditionally, facelifts in plastic surgery have involved significant surgical intervention. While these procedures can produce dramatic and long-lasting results, they also require a relatively lengthy and often uncomfortable recovery period.

For this reason, specialists in aesthetic medicine have developed several less invasive facelift techniques. These alternatives can deliver impressive results without forcing patients to take extended time off from their daily routines.

Regardless of whether a procedure is invasive or not, a thorough medical consultation is essential. This evaluation helps determine the most suitable type of treatment and identifies any potential contraindications. It’s important to remember that any procedure involving the skin—no matter how minor—can place stress on the body and may carry a risk of side effects.

The procedure most commonly associated with the term facelift is the surgical lifting of the skin upward and backward. To achieve this, a plastic surgeon makes incisions along the hairline—typically at the temples and around the ears—then repositions the skin to restore a more youthful, defined facial contour. Often, any excess skin that results from this repositioning is carefully removed. To minimize visible signs of the surgery, the surgeon uses very fine sutures, placing them in areas where scars will be almost invisible once fully healed. However, it’s important to note that final results from a surgical facelift can take up to six months to appear, depending on how quickly the patient’s skin heals and how long swelling takes to subside.

One of the biggest advantages of a surgical facelift is the long-lasting results it provides. In many cases, if no complications or touch-ups are needed, the effects can last for well over a decade. Of course, this depends heavily on the individual—particularly their skin type, lifestyle, and how well they maintain a proper skincare routine post-surgery. It’s also worth knowing that a surgical facelift is performed under general anesthesia, which means not everyone will be eligible for the procedure. Additionally, the recovery period can be lengthy and somewhat uncomfortable, requiring time, patience, and proper aftercare from the patient.

Facial contouring is one of the most in-demand areas of aesthetic medicine. At a certain point, even the most diligent skincare routine is no longer enough to maintain the skin’s firmness and youthful appearance. The natural loss of collagen and skin density often becomes noticeable through changes in facial shape—most commonly, sagging around the jawline or drooping corners of the eyes, which can give the face a tired or sad look. Fortunately, aesthetic medicine offers a range of non-surgical facelift options that can effectively reverse these visible signs of aging. Some of the most popular and effective treatments include:

• PDO Thread Lift for Facial Contouring – One of the most effective non-invasive lifting treatments involves the use of PDO (polydioxanone) threads. During this procedure, fine threads are inserted under the skin using thin cannulas, usually placed symmetrically on both sides of the face or under the chin. The material used is fully bioabsorbable and has been safely used in aesthetic medicine for many years. The threads help lift and reshape facial contours, while also stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. This leads to continued improvement in skin firmness and texture for several weeks after the procedure. PDO thread lifting is performed under local anesthesia, making it a relatively comfortable experience for the patient.

• Subtle Lifting of the Eyes and Mouth with PDO Threads – A full-face lift isn’t always necessary. Sometimes, a subtle lift in specific areas—such as the corners of the eyes or mouth—can make a significant difference. These are often the first areas to show signs of aging, contributing to a tired or sad expression. To target these zones, PDO threads can also be used for gentle elevation of the brows or the corners of the lips. Just like with full-face thread lifting, this procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The most common side effects are mild bruising and swelling, which usually subside within a few days.

• Volumetric Facelift (Facial Volumizing) – This treatment involves injecting a denser form of hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin. Unlike standard fillers, this version is specifically designed to restore volume and lift sagging areas of the face. It can be used to enhance cheeks, the jawline, chin, and tear troughs, as well as to soften smaller wrinkles. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which ensures minimal discomfort. Results typically last around 18 months, and the only recovery time involves waiting for any minor swelling or bruising at the injection sites to fade.

A facelift is particularly recommended for individuals with mature skin showing visible signs of volume loss, reduced firmness, and a weakened facial contour. Common indications include the accumulation of loose skin around the jawline and/or under the chin, as well as drooping in the corners of the eyes, eyebrows, or mouth. In some cases, facelifts are also performed on post-trauma patients, including those recovering from burns or reconstructive surgeries. Every patient must undergo a thorough medical assessment, during which a qualified physician determines the most suitable type of facelift—depending on the severity of skin laxity, overall health, and desired results.

As with any procedure that involves penetrating the skin, facelifts—especially surgical ones—come with specific contraindications. Surgical facelifts, being the most invasive and performed under general anesthesia, have the strictest safety requirements. Contraindications for Surgical Facelifts Include: Pregnancy or breastfeeding, Cancer or a history of cancer, Autoimmune disorders, Diabetes ,Blood clotting disorders (e.g., thrombosis), Respiratory conditions

Contraindications for Less Invasive Procedures:

• Volumetric facelift (dermal fillers): Allergies to hyaluronic acid or any other components of the product, vitiligo, psoriasis, or epilepsy

• PDO thread lift: Active skin infections, inflammatory skin conditions, or ongoing dermatological diseases in the treatment area

Regardless of the method, a full medical consultation is essential, and the final decision on whether a patient qualifies for a procedure is always made by the attending physician.