Full Facelift London | Jonathan Britto Clinic

As we age, the skin loses elasticity, facial muscles begin to relax, and the natural volume of the face diminishes. These changes result in sagging skin, deeper folds, jowls, and a tired or drawn appearance. Facelift surgery is a highly effective procedure designed to address these signs of ageing, helping to restore a more youthful and refreshed look.

At Jonathan Britto Clinic, our approach to facial rejuvenation is bespoke and refined. We offer a range of facelift techniques, from targeted mini-facelifts to advanced deep plane procedures, tailored to the unique needs of each patient.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions the underlying structures of the face, such as skin, muscle, and fat, to reduce sagging and create smoother, firmer contours. It may involve the lower face, jawline, and neck, or it can be extended to include the midface and brow.

In some cases, a facelift may be combined with procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or fattransfer to achieve a more complete rejuvenation. Your surgeon will provide personalised recommendations based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Why Consider Facelift Surgery?

Facelift procedures aim to:

• Lift sagging facial tissue
• Tighten loose skin
• Soften deep lines and folds
• Improve definition along the jawline and neck
• Rejuvenate facial proportions while maintaining a natural appearance

While the results are long-lasting, it is important to maintain stable body weight and avoid smoking to preserve the outcome and support skin health. With appropriate care, the results of a facelift may last seven to ten years or more.

Types of Facelift Techniques

There are several techniques used in facelift surgery, each with distinct advantages. The most suitable approach depends on the degree of ageing, the areas of concern, and your overall aesthetic goals.

SMAS Facelift

The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift is a well-established technique that addresses both the skin and deeper connective tissue. By repositioning the SMAS layer, the procedure achieves more comprehensive and longer-lasting results than skin-only facelifts.

• Ideal for moderate to advanced signs of ageing
• Targets jowls, nasolabial folds, and sagging in the neck
• Provides natural, structural lift by adjusting deeper facial layers
• Ideal for patients with particularly saggy skin excess

There are various approaches within SMAS facelifting, including superficial and sub-SMAS techniques. These techniques allow the facial fat which shapes the face, and the skin which is lax, to be separated and lifted in different directions as required on a bespoke basis.

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift is one of the most advanced techniques in modern facial surgery. It involves working within the anatomical space between the SMAS and the deeper structures of the face and neck. This method allows for the complete release and repositioning of facial tissues without placing tension on the skin.

• Suitable for significant midface descent and neck ageing
• Allows for natural re-suspension of the cheeks, jowls, and platysma
• Avoids the overly pulled or tight appearance associated with older facelift styles
• Particularly useful where there is minimal excess skin laxity

This technique is especially effective for restoring volume and definition to the midface, jawline, and deep neck, offering long-lasting and graceful results.

Short Scar vs. Full Scar Deep Plane

Depending on your needs, the deep plane facelift can be performed through:

• Short scar incision, which runs from the temple to behind the earlobe. This is appropriate for patients with lower face ageing and minimal neck laxity. It offers excellent results with discreet scarring, making it ideal for individuals who wear their hair up.
• Full scar incision, which extends into the posterior hairline to address more substantial neck laxity. This approach provides a greater ability to manage excess skin and sculpt the neck and jawline comprehensively.

Deep Neck Lift

For patients with prominent platysma bands, deep neck fat, or visible submandibular glands, a deep neck lift can be performed in conjunction with a facelift. Through a small incision under the chin, this procedure allows direct access to the deeper neck structures.

• Tightens the neck floor by addressing the digastric muscles and deep fat
• Allows for reduction or repositioning of enlarged submandibular glands
• Complements facelift surgery by enhancing the neck and lower face contours

This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients with neck heaviness that is not improved through standard facelift techniques or liposuction alone.

What to Expect from Surgery and Recovery

Facelift surgery is typically performed under Jonathan’s celebrated Twilight technique. Depending on the technique and whether additional procedures are included, the surgery may take several hours, which fly by under Twilight conditions. Jonathan will discuss the recommended approach and explain your specific plan during the consultation.

Following the procedure, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness. These effects gradually subside over the first two weeks. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light social and professional activities within two to three weeks, with ongoing improvement over the following months as the tissues settle and the final results become apparent.

Is Facelift Surgery Right for You?

Facelift surgery is well suited to individuals who are beginning to see facial sagging, loss of volume, and a change in the jawline and neck definition. Most patients considering a facelift are in their 40s to 80s, although suitability depends more on facial anatomy and skin condition than age alone.

At Jonathan Britto Clinic, each facelift journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. We assess your facial structure, lifestyle, and personal goals to design a treatment plan tailored precisely to you.

A Thoughtful Approach to Timeless Rejuvenation

A facelift is not just about lifting the skin. It is about restoring structure, balance, and harmony to the face in a way that respects your natural identity. Whether you are seeking a subtle refresh or a more transformative result, we offer a range of techniques designed to rejuvenate the face while maintaining an authentic appearance.

To begin your journey with confidence, contact Jonathan Britto Clinic to arrange your personal consultation. Our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way, offering precision, professionalism, and artistry in facial surgery.

Book Your Consultation Today

Book a consultation or request a quote online here.

Email: consultations@jonathanbritto.com

Call: 020 3752 1566

Your journey begins with a conversation. Let’s take the first step together.

The journey begins with the “analysis phase” which is your opportunity to get to know us and our opportunity to welcome you, inform you, and understand what you want to achieve. There will be information that you want from us and information that we need from you, and the more complete and comprehensive this is the better the results will be. In short, we want to build trust so that we can be open with each other about the various aims and indications for your request, the alternatives we can propose so that you can compare the various risks and responsibilities, the recovery phase and the expectations of the results.

As part of our holistic philosophy we will offer you a complimentary lifestyle medical plan – ‘Prepare and Repair’ – with advice for things you can effectively do to improve your pre-operative health and post-operative recovery.