Frequently asked questions: Facelifts, neck lifts, and chin lifts

What is a facelift?

A facelift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that tightens the skin around the face, neck, and chin to create a tighter and more youthful appearance. 

Patients will be put under general anaesthetic before one of our surgeons removes the excess skin from the areas of concern. The procedure takes between 2-4 hours, after which patients are required to stay in the hospital for around 2 nights so the MYA team can monitor their healing. 

Patients can return to work 2-3 weeks post-op and can expect to be fully healed after 3 months.

How long does it take to heal from a facelift?

While healing is different for every patient, it takes around 3 months to fully heal from a facelift.     

We use dissolvable stitches here at MYA, so you don’t need to come back to have them removed. 

However, after your procedure, you will be invited back for a post-op appointment to check on your healing progress. At your post-op appointments our expert Nurses will monitor your scarring, deliver wound care and answer any aftercare-related questions you may have.

Is there scarring after a facelift?

To reduce visible scarring around and on the face, any scars will be hidden behind the back of the ears or around the hairline, for a natural, almost invisible lift. 

It’s important that you attend your post-operative appointments scheduled by your surgeon, so they can ensure your healing is proceeding as expected.

Every patient is different, including how much they scar after surgery, but scars will start to fade a few weeks after the procedure and continue to diminish over time. 

Keeping the area moisturised and protected from the sun (using a broad spectrum SPF daily) can also help to reduce the appearance of scarring. Patients are advised to avoid sunbeds for at least 1 year post-op, as this can enhance the pigment in the scars, making them more noticeable.

Do I need a chin lift?

A chin lift is used for those who are self-conscious about their double chin and excess skin around the chin area. 

Non-surgical methods like losing weight, facial massage, and injectables can make a difference, but a chin lift offers a more long-term solution. 

If this is something you’re interested in, book a FREE consultation online today.

How long does a chin lift last?

As a chin lift has the ability to address problems in the muscle structure of the chin, the results can last between 10 and 15 years. 

While there’s nothing a surgeon can do to guarantee how long the results of a chin lift will last, there are things you can do as a patient to prolong the results, like maintaining a healthy lifestyle and an appropriate skincare routine.                                        

Is a chin lift painful?

Chin lifts are done under general anaesthetic, so patients won’t feel a thing during the procedure. 

Post-op, it’s normal to experience some tightness, as well as bruising on and around the chin. 

When discharged, you will be given painkillers to ease any discomfort caused by the procedure, so you can rest and recover.

Is a neck lift uncomfortable?

After undergoing a neck lift, you may experience some tightness and mild discomfort around the neck and lower part of the face. 

This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.      

If you have any major concerns about the discomfort caused by your facelift, neck lift, or chin lift, contact your MYA nurse at your local clinical hub.

Does a neck lift get rid of jowls?

Jowls usually develop as a result of ageing, but they can also be caused by lifestyle factors like drinking alcohol, smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and dehydration. They appear on the jawline, around the cheeks and neck area. 

A neck lift is used to tighten the skin on the jawline and the neck, making it an effective way of reducing the appearance of jowls. 

It’s important to note that jowls cannot necessarily be removed, only the loose muscles causing them can be tightened to reduce their overall appearance.

At what age should you get a neck lift?

As long as you’re over 18 years old, and presenting with signs of excess sagging skin, you are eligible for a neck lift. 

The majority of our patients are over 40 and struggle with loose skin due to ageing, menopause, and reduction of collagen in the skin, causing deep lines and wrinkles. 

If you are over the age of 55, you may be required to have an ECG before undergoing the procedure. This is to check the patient’s heart health to see if they are at risk of heart issues. 

How much does a facelift, neck lift, and chin lift cost?

The starting cost of a facelift, neck lift, and chin lift is £9,145.

The total cost is dependent on the patient’s individual requirements and desired outcome. It also covers post-operative appointments and compression garments needed to ensure an effective recovery.                                                                                      

Learn more with MYA

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery and would like to learn more, check out our other blog posts. 

You can also check out the MYA Forum for tips and tricks from our past patients, who can give you details of their first-hand experience with the procedures. 

Book a FREE e-consult today to learn more, where you can speak to one of the MYA team for a procedure overview and receive advice on the best procedure for you and your requirements.