A facelift (English: facelift) is a surgical procedure designed to remove or reduce age-related changes in the face and neck. Sagging of the midface can create deep folds under the lower eyelids and between the nose and upper lip (nasolabial folds), making the face look tired and sad. Descent and redistribution of facial fat and a decrease in muscle tone manifest as a drooping double chin and jowls, and wrinkling of the neck. A facelift is intended to correct these signs. However, it is a procedure that must be tailored to each patient, as age-related changes develop very differently in each of us. Sometimes lifting only the midface may be recommended; in other cases, a traditional facelift is advised. Other facial procedures are often performed at the same time (e.g., eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, fat grafting, various filler injections, etc.).
Procedure Steps
At the clinic, facelift procedures are divided into three groups, each with its own surgical approach.
Performed to rejuvenate the lower part of the face. Suitable for middle-aged and older patients who have a so‑called heavy neck—when the line from the chin to the neck runs straight, there is no defined angle between the chin and neck, and the jawline appears wavy. – Goals: creation of a defined chin–neck angle and enhancement of the jawline. – Incisions are made along the hairline at the temples, behind the ears and in front of the ears, so that scars are as inconspicuous as possible.
Can also be performed at a younger age. Appropriate for patients dissatisfied with their current facial shape, fullness in the lower face, sagging, or a lack of volume in the cheeks. – An endoscope is used. – Small (about 2.5 cm) incisions are made in the hair-bearing temporal area and in the oral mucosa (between the gums and lips, at the level of the 4th tooth). – Mucosal incisions heal imperceptibly over time, and the remaining scars are hidden in the hair.
Includes a forehead lift, midface lift, and correction of the chin and neck. – The operation is performed using endoscopic techniques through incisions along the hairline on the forehead, at the temples, and around the ears, so healed scars are well concealed. – A drain is placed during surgery and is usually removed after 2 days. In some cases, at the physician’s discretion, it may be kept for up to 7 days.
When is a Facelift Performed, and for whom?
Each case is individual—consultation with a physician is essential. If you have chronic diseases, you must consult the operating surgeon and the anesthesiologist.
Procedure duration
Duration of a classic facelift
2–2.5 hours
The duration increases if the facelift is combined with other facial procedures.
Procedure duration
Duration of a classic facelift
2–2.5 hours
The duration increases if the facelift is combined with other facial procedures.
The surgery price
Includes
procedure;
general anesthesia;
2 inpatient days at the clinic with specialist care;
medications;
meals;
post-operative check-ups at Tautrimas Aštrauskas Clinic, Vičiūnų g. 24, Kaunas.
–
Price
Endoscopic mid-face lift
from 3800 EUR
Classic lower face and neck lift
From €3,800
Preparing for Facelift Surgery
– A consultation with the operating doctor is necessary. – Inform us about chronic conditions, medications, supplements, or previous surgeries. – Blood tests are required to assess your health status.
Postoperative Period
– Bruising and swelling: up to 4 weeks – Final result and scar maturation: up to 12 months – Lymphatic drainage massage and physiotherapy (laser, radiofrequency, magnetic therapy) are recommended.
Patients usually return to work after 2–4 weeks; however, after a facelift, bruising fully resolves and scars mature in about six months. Additional cosmetic products may be needed. The cosmetic effect can last for many years or even decades—it also depends on your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an endoscopic facelift differ from a conventional one?
An endoscopic facelift is performed using a special video camera. It allows the surgeon to operate very precisely and see a magnified image on the screen. For this reason, very small incisions can be used, most often in the hair-bearing scalp, making them virtually invisible. In addition, this reduces surgical invasiveness and bleeding and speeds up recovery.
How soon can I return to work?
If a combined procedure is performed, we recommend planning 2–4 weeks of leave. Recovery time depends on the scope of the operation, your individual healing rate, and whether your work involves physical exertion or public interaction (e.g., with clients). Even if you feel well sooner, it is important to allow your body to recover fully.
When can I exercise again?
After about 2 months, depending on healing. Physical activity increases blood pressure and can interfere with tissue repair, promote swelling, or even damage the sutures. For a more precise timeline, consult your doctor at the follow‑up visit.
When can I wash my hair?
On the third day after the facelift. This provides enough time for initial wound stabilization. Wash your hair gently, avoiding vigorous massaging or temperature extremes.
When can I go to a spa, swimming pool, or sauna?
After 1 month. Heat and humidity may promote swelling, slow healing, or increase the risk of infection. In addition, public water facilities (e.g., pools) can be sources of bacteria. Scars must be protected from the sun—in a solarium or outdoors, cover them with adhesive strips to prevent pigmentation or darkening.
When can eyebrow permanent makeup be applied or removed?
Not earlier than 3 months. After facial surgeries, tissues are more sensitive, may be swollen, or not fully healed, so additional irritation—such as needle punctures or laser—can affect the result or prolong healing.
When can hair be dyed?
After 3-4 weeks. Hair dyes are chemical preparations that can irritate incision sites or surrounding skin, especially if it is still sensitive. It is also important that the scalp area around scars is not touched too early.
When can makeup be applied?
Light makeup is possible, but it is important that no creams or foundation are applied on scars for about 3 weeks. Using cosmetics too early can increase the risk of inflammation or cause darkening of scars.
When is the final result visible?
Initial results are seen after a few weeks, and the final effect is after 1-1.5 years. This duration is needed not only for scar maturation but also for the recovery of internal tissues, complete subsidence of swelling, and the natural settling of soft tissues into their new position.
