2–4 hours
General or IV sedation
2–3 weeks social recovery
Long-lasting, 10+ years
A face lift (rhytidectomy) is one of the most effective ways to restore a more youthful contour by addressing sagging skin, deep creases, jowls and neck laxity. At The Sculptique Aesthetics in Mumbai, our board-certified surgeons tailor the technique to your anatomy and goals, using modern methods that reposition the deeper layers of the face and neck—not just the skin—so results look refreshed and natural rather than tight or overdone.
Whether you are in your forties and noticing early changes or in your sixties with more significant laxity, a personalised consultation helps us recommend the right approach, including whether to combine your face lift with eyelid surgery, brow lift or fat grafting for a harmonious result.
What it is
A face lift is a surgical procedure that repositions and tightens the deeper layers of the face and neck and removes or redrapes excess skin. The goal is to restore a more youthful contour—smoother jawline, reduced jowls, a firmer neck and softer folds—without changing your fundamental appearance. Modern techniques focus on the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), a fibrous layer that supports the soft tissues of the face. By lifting and securing the SMAS (and often the platysma muscle in the neck), surgeons achieve lasting improvement that looks natural because the underlying structure is restored, not just the skin pulled tight.
Incisions are typically placed in the hairline at the temples, in front of and behind the ear, and sometimes into the hairline at the back of the neck. When closed carefully, these scars heal to be inconspicuous and are easily hidden by hair and natural creases. The procedure can be performed as a full face lift (addressing midface, jawline and neck), a lower face and neck lift, or a mini lift for those with milder changes; your surgeon will recommend the right option based on your anatomy and goals.
A face lift does not stop the clock—ageing continues—but it can turn it back by many years. It is often combined with upper or lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a brow or forehead lift, fat grafting to restore volume, or skin resurfacing. Combining procedures allows a single recovery and a more balanced, harmonious result. At The Sculptique Aesthetics, we take the time to understand your concerns and design a plan that fits your face and your expectations.
Who it's for
Ideal candidates for a face lift are generally in their forties to seventies with moderate to significant facial and neck laxity: loose skin along the jaw (jowls), a loss of definition between jaw and neck, deepening nasolabial folds, or a tired or heavy appearance that no longer reflects how they feel. Good candidates are in good general health, do not smoke (or are willing to stop before and after surgery), and have realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot do.
Skin quality, bone structure, and the distribution of fat and tissue all influence the result. Some patients benefit from a “mini” or short-scar lift when changes are mild; others need a full face and neck lift for a meaningful improvement. During your consultation in Mumbai, we assess your face at rest and in animation, discuss your goals and any concerns (e.g. scars, downtime, longevity), and explain which technique we recommend and why. We also discuss whether adding eyelid surgery, brow lift or fat grafting would improve the overall outcome.
A face lift is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Results last longest when you protect your skin from the sun, maintain a stable weight and avoid smoking. We are happy to discuss the best timing for your procedure and how to prepare so you can enjoy a smooth recovery and long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Benefits
- Smoother jawline and reduced jowls for a more defined contour
- Tighter neck and improved neck angle (submental and neck laxity addressed)
- Softer nasolabial folds and restored midface volume when combined with fat grafting if needed
- Natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation that does not look overdone
- Customised to your anatomy: full, mini or extended lift depending on your needs
- Option to combine with eyelid surgery, brow lift or skin treatments for a harmonious result
Recovery & results
Swelling and bruising are normal after a face lift and peak in the first few days. Most patients feel more comfortable with the head slightly elevated and may wear a soft bandage or garment for a short period. Drains, if used, are usually removed within a day or two. Stitches may be removed in stages over the first week to ten days. We will give you detailed instructions on wound care, activity and when you can wash your hair and resume light activities.
Most patients return to light daily activities within 10–14 days and to normal social and work life within 2–3 weeks. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and anything that significantly raises blood pressure are usually avoided for 4–6 weeks to protect healing and minimise swelling. The face continues to refine over several months as swelling subsides and scars mature. Many patients are presentable in public by two to three weeks, though the final contour may not be fully apparent for three to six months.
Results typically last a decade or more. You will still age, but you will usually look years younger than you would have without surgery. A healthy lifestyle, sun protection and good skincare help maintain your result. Some patients choose a secondary or “touch-up” procedure years later if they wish to refresh the outcome; we can discuss this at follow-up or at a future consultation.
Before & after
Drag the slider left and right to compare before and after. Results may vary.
Frequently asked questions
A well-performed face lift often lasts 10 years or more. How long you enjoy your result depends on your age at surgery, skin quality, genetics and lifestyle. Ageing continues, but you will typically look years younger than you would have without surgery. Many patients are still happy with their result 15 or more years later. A secondary lift may be an option if you wish to refresh the outcome in the future.
Yes. Our surgeons use techniques that reposition the SMAS and underlying tissues and remove excess skin without over-tightening. The goal is a refreshed, natural appearance—you should look like a rested, younger version of yourself, not stretched or “done.” We tailor the degree of lift and the incision plan to your face so the result is in proportion and in harmony with your features.
Light walking is encouraged early to support circulation. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and activities that raise your blood pressure are usually avoided for 4–6 weeks to protect healing, reduce swelling and lower the risk of bleeding or fluid collection. We will give you a clear timeline at your post-operative visits based on your progress.
A full face lift addresses the midface, jawline and neck with longer incisions and more extensive lifting of the SMAS and skin. A mini or short-scar lift uses shorter incisions and is suited to patients with milder laxity, often at a younger age. Your surgeon will recommend the right option after examining your face and discussing your goals. For significant jowling or neck laxity, a full lift usually gives a more lasting and complete result.
Yes. A face lift is often combined with upper or lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a brow or forehead lift, fat grafting to the cheeks or lips, or laser or peel for skin texture. Combining procedures allows one recovery and a more balanced result. We will discuss which combinations are safe and appropriate for you during your consultation.
Incisions are placed in the hairline at the temples, in the natural crease in front of the ear, around the earlobe and behind the ear (and sometimes into the hairline at the back of the neck). With careful closure and healing, these scars become inconspicuous and are hidden by hair and the ear. We use techniques to minimise tension and support optimal healing so scars fade well over time.
Choose a surgeon who is trained in plastic or facial plastic surgery, has extensive experience in face lifts, and shows you before-and-after photos of real patients. At The Sculptique Aesthetics, our surgeons are board-certified and focus on facial rejuvenation. We encourage you to come for a consultation so we can discuss your goals, show you our work and explain our approach in person.
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