Facelift

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anastasios Strevinas, Plastic Surgeon, Strevinas Plastic Surgery in Thessaloniki.

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is the most effective surgical solution for restoring a naturally youthful face when sagging skin, deep folds and a heavy jawline can no longer be corrected with non-invasive treatments. At Strevinas Plastic Surgery in Thessaloniki, every face lift is individually planned to refresh your appearance while keeping your expressions completely natural, never looking “operated on”. The results of a facelift typically last 10 to 12 years.

Over time, the natural ageing process, gravity and sun damage gradually reshape the face and neck: the cheekbones flatten, the youthful contour is lost, the jawline sags into jowls and deep wrinkles form around the mouth. A facelift repositions the deeper tissues, tightens the supporting muscle layer (SMAS) and removes excess skin to re-create a smooth, rested and youthful outline.

Is a facelift right for you?

Ideal facelift candidates are healthy adults who want to improve:

• Sagging facial skin and loss of definition along the cheeks
• Deep nasolabial folds running from the nose to the corners of the mouth
• Sagging jowls and a poorly defined jawline
• A loose, sagging neck, often treated together with a neck lift

A facelift is most rewarding when skin laxity is moderate to advanced and you want a result that looks natural and lasts for years.

Types of facelift we perform

There is no single “best” face lift; the right technique depends on your anatomy, age and goals. During your consultation in Thessaloniki we recommend the most suitable approach:

Mini face lift

A mini face lift uses shorter incisions around the ears to lift the lower third of the face and early jowls. It is ideal for younger patients with mild sagging, offers a quicker recovery and is a popular, more affordable option for those who want subtle rejuvenation.

SMAS facelift

The SMAS facelift works on the SMAS, the muscle and connective-tissue layer beneath the skin. By lifting and tightening these deeper structures rather than pulling on the skin alone, SMAS lifting produces the most natural, long-lasting result and avoids a tight, over-pulled look.

Mid face lift

A mid face lift targets the cheeks and the area under the eyes, restoring volume and lift to the central face, where flattening and hollowing first appear.

Lower face & neck lift

A lower face lift focuses on the jawline, jowls and the transition to the neck. It is frequently combined with a neck lift through a small incision under the chin for a balanced, harmonious result.

What exactly happens during a facelift?

A facelift is a surgical operation that lifts and repositions the deeper facial tissues and removes excess skin, so the face looks younger and refreshed. With ageing, the skin not only loses its turgor (elasticity) but facial bone and fat volume are also reduced, which is why modern facelift surgery restores support as well as smoothing the surface.

Surgery is performed in a fully equipped private clinic and lasts approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on the techniques combined. Traditional facelift incisions begin in the hairline, follow the natural creases around the ears and continue into the scalp behind them, so scars remain well hidden. A mini facelift uses shorter incisions only around the ears. Through these incisions the underlying muscles are tightened, fat is repositioned where necessary and any excess skin is removed and re-draped to restore a youthful outline.

Procedures often combined with a facelift

To achieve complete, harmonious facial rejuvenation, a facelift can be combined with:

• Neck lift for sagging skin and bands on the neck
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) for tired, hooded eyes
• Forehead and brow lift (eyebrow lift) to rejuvenate the upper face
• Autologous fat transfer or fillers to restore lost facial volume
• Non-invasive skin treatments to improve skin quality and texture

Facelift for men

A facelift for men follows the same principles but is carefully tailored to preserve a strong masculine jawline and a natural hairline, and to keep the result discreet. More and more male patients choose a face lift to look as energetic and confident as they feel.

Recovery after a facelift

Recovery is faster and more comfortable than most people expect, and postoperative pain is low. The bandage is removed 3 to 5 days after surgery, after which you can gradually return to everyday activities and use makeup to conceal any bruising. Sutures are removed about 6 to 7 days later, and most patients feel confident in public within roughly two weeks.

How much does a facelift cost?

The cost of a facelift depends on the technique chosen (mini, SMAS, mid or lower face lift), whether it is combined with a neck lift or eyelid surgery, and the complexity of your individual case. After your personal assessment we provide a clear, fixed facelift price with no hidden extras. Contact us for a personalised facelift cost estimate.

Why choose Strevinas Plastic Surgery in Thessaloniki

During your consultation, our plastic surgeon discusses your goals and expectations and designs the facelift, or combination of treatments, that best suits your face. Our aim is simple: that you look relaxed, refreshed and completely natural, and feel like the very best version of yourself.

See real patient results in our before and after gallery, then book your facelift consultation in Thessaloniki.