Facelift
Repositions sagging tissue of the lower face and jawline. It does not change skin texture or volume on its own.
Editorially researched, not medically reviewed. Updated August 30, 2026.
Start with the essentials
General planning ranges for China—not a hospital quote or a personal recovery promise.
Planning range
$6,000–$18,000
Typical downtime
About 2–4 weeks
Result settles
3–6 months
Common anesthesia
Sedation or general anesthesia
Not sure what applies to you? Review it with a coordinator online.
Free online consultationWhat to review before you decide
Procedure details & recoveryUnderstand what it involves, common approaches and the usual recovery stages.
A modern facelift lifts the SMAS — the fibrous layer beneath the skin that actually carries facial shape — rather than pulling skin tight. That distinction is why well-done results look rested rather than stretched. A facelift addresses sagging along the jawline and neck. It does not improve sun damage, fine lines around the mouth, or lost volume, so it is frequently combined with other treatments.
Common techniques
- SMAS plication or SMASectomy — the SMAS layer is folded or partially removed and re-secured
- Deep-plane — the SMAS is released and lifted as a unit with the skin; more extensive, longer recovery
- Mini or short-scar lift — shorter incisions for limited early sagging; correspondingly limited result
- Often combined with neck lift, fat grafting or skin resurfacing to address what a lift alone cannot
Typical recovery
Days 1–7
Dressings and sometimes drains. Swelling and bruising are substantial. This is when haematoma, if it happens, appears.
Week 2–3
Sutures out. Bruising fades enough to cover. Numbness and tightness are normal and expected.
Month 1–3
Contour settles; most patients feel comfortable in social and work settings.
Month 6–12
Scars mature and soften. Residual numbness near the ears resolves last.
Risks to understandSee the main complications to discuss with your surgeon.
- Haematoma — the most common early complication, sometimes needing an urgent return to theatre
- Facial nerve injury causing weakness; usually temporary but permanent injury is possible
- Skin necrosis, disproportionately in smokers
- Visible scars, widened scars, or altered hairline position in front of and behind the ear
- Persistent numbness around the ears and cheeks
This is not a complete risk list. Risk changes with technique, anesthesia, treatment extent and your health.
What should I tell the expert?Medical conditions, medication and previous treatment can change your plan.
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea or other lung conditions
- Diabetes, liver or kidney disease, immune disorders, bleeding or clotting problems
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection, severe allergies or a history of difficult scarring
- Any previous reaction to anesthesia, surgery or an implanted medical product
- All prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, blood thinners, vitamins, herbal supplements, nicotine, alcohol and recreational drugs
- Previous facelift, threads, energy-device treatment, fillers or facial nerve weakness
Do not stop medication on your own. Any change must be directed by the prescribing expert, surgeon or anesthesiologist.
Questions for your consultationSave six practical questions for your expert.
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This is a general overview, not medical advice. Technique, price and recovery can only be confirmed after a expert evaluates you.