What Exactly Is a Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)?
Restore your natural contours—not someone else’s face.
A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reposition deeper facial structures, counteracting visible signs of aging. It doesn't "freeze" time or alter your identity; instead, it restores harmony, balance, and definition by addressing sagging skin, jowls, and facial descent.
Today's facelift techniques aim for natural-looking rejuvenation with long-lasting results and discreet scars. Gone are the days of windblown or overly tight skin. Modern facelift surgery is customized, subtle, and strategic.
Facelift surgery primarily addresses structural aging, not surface texture. It lifts and tightens the SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), repositions facial fat pads, and redefines the jawline and neck.
A well-performed facelift significantly improves:
- Jowls and lower-face drooping
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Neck laxity ("turkey neck")
- Hollow or sagging cheeks
However, wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin texture issues require additional treatments like laser resurfacing or injectables.
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Facelift Techniques & Types
Facelifts vary by depth, incision design, and the specific areas they target. Here are the main types used in modern facial rejuvenation surgery:
1. SMAS Facelift
A reliable, classic method that lifts both the skin and the underlying fibrous layer (SMAS). This technique allows deeper structural repositioning without pulling the skin, resulting in natural-looking outcomes and smoother healing.
- Success rate: ~93.7%
- Complication rate: ~4.2%
- Ideal for: Patients under 70 with moderate aging signs
- Longevity: Approximately 6–8 years (varies by skin quality and lifestyle)
2. Deep Plane Facelift
An advanced approach that lifts the skin, SMAS, and deeper fat pads as a single unit. By releasing key facial ligaments, this technique allows vertical repositioning of the midface and jowls — making it especially effective for more advanced aging.
- Success rate: ~92.4%
- Complication rate: Slightly higher (~12.1%) due to deeper dissection, though most issues are minor or temporary (e.g. swelling, bruising, or short-term nerve weakness)
- Ideal for: Patients aged 45–65 with significant midface descent
- Longevity: Around 10–15 years, with especially long-lasting midface rejuvenation
3. Subperiosteal Facelift
A less commonly performed technique that lifts the midface by detaching tissues from the bone (periosteum), often with an endoscopic approach. It is used selectively for younger patients with volume descent but minimal skin laxity.
- Ideal for: Younger patients with midface drooping
- Note: Rarely performed today outside of specific endoscopic procedures; requires advanced surgical skill
4. Short-Scar / MACS / Mini Facelift
These less invasive techniques use shorter incisions and limited dissection to gently elevate facial tissues. The MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) lift uses vertical sutures to reposition the SMAS layer without a full lift.
- Ideal for: Patients aged 40–55 with mild to moderate signs of aging
- Longevity: Typically 3–5 years (shorter due to limited lift depth)
- Note: Best for early intervention or those not ready for a full facelift
5. Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)
Often performed alongside a facelift or as a standalone procedure, a neck lift tightens the platysma muscles, removes excess fat under the chin, and improves jawline and neck definition. A well-executed facelift often includes some degree of neck correction.
Choosing the Right Technique
There is no one-size-fits-all facelift. The best approach depends on your age, anatomy, goals, and — most importantly — the surgeon’s experience. Always choose a provider who can explain why a particular technique suits your face and not just what’s trending.
Choosing the Right Facelift
There’s no single “best facelift technique”—only the one that’s right for you. Whether you’re considering a mini lift or a deep plane facelift, the ideal choice depends on your age, skin quality, facial structure, and goals. Some people want a subtle refresh with minimal downtime, while others are ready for a comprehensive lift that redefines the jawline and midface.
A skilled surgeon doesn’t just evaluate loose skin. They assess how your facial fat is distributed, how your muscles support your features, and how your face is likely to age. Limited-incision techniques heal faster but may offer shorter-lasting results. Deep plane and SMAS lifts take longer to recover from—but often deliver more dramatic, longer-lasting changes.
In the end, the success of facelift surgery in Belgium—or anywhere—comes down to choosing a qualified surgeon who can match the right technique to your unique anatomy. Marketing terms like “ponytail lift” or “vertical facelift” may sound appealing, but real results come from personalized planning, not buzzwords.
Pros and Cons of Facelift Surgery
Pros:
- Significant and long-lasting rejuvenation
- Customized to individual needs
- High satisfaction rate with natural-looking outcomes
- Discreet scarring, usually hidden in natural skin folds
Cons:
- Surgical risks, such as temporary nerve injury or hematoma
- Longer recovery for deeper procedures
- Does not address surface skin texture or fine wrinkles (requires complementary treatments)
- High initial cost, not typically covered by insurance
Cost in Belgium
Facelift costs in Belgium vary based on the type and complexity of the procedure:
- Mini Facelift: From €3,450
- SMAS Facelift: Typically €6,000–€10,000
- Deep Plane Facelift: Up to €15,000
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Explicit Recovery Timeline (General Guidelines)
Recovery can vary based on facelift type, but here's a general timeline:
- Days 1–3: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort; rest and ice packs recommended.
- Week 1: Swelling peaks and begins to subside; stitches removed.
- Week 2: Significant improvement in swelling and bruising; most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities.
- Weeks 3–4: Residual swelling decreases significantly; return to normal daily activities.
- Months 2–3: Continued subtle improvement, with final results becoming apparent.
Recovery from deeper facelifts may extend slightly longer.
Satisfaction & Modern Trends
Today, facelift patients are increasingly women in their 40s and early 50s, aiming to preserve facial definition rather than dramatically altering appearance. Patients are better informed, often familiar with techniques like the "deep plane," "vertical lift," or trendy "ponytail lift." However, a personalized consultation typically reveals the most suitable method for their anatomy.
Many report feeling refreshed, rested, and naturally rejuvenated, surprised by how subtly improved their appearance is once swelling subsides and scars fade discreetly into natural facial creases.
Increasingly, surgeons combine facelifts with procedures like fat grafting, subtle brow lifts, or eyelid surgeries to enhance overall facial harmony.
Your Face, Your Terms
Compare facelift options and connect with surgeons who prioritize tailored, subtle rejuvenation.
In Summary
Facelift surgery remains a powerful facial rejuvenation method, delivering natural, long-lasting results when performed thoughtfully. Successful outcomes depend on selecting the correct technique tailored to your unique anatomy and aging pattern, and the expertise of your chosen surgeon.
Ultimately, a good facelift isn't about pulling skin tight—it's about lifting descended structures, enhancing facial harmony, and subtly restoring your youthful essence.
