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Guide price £8,200

At Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital, our team of specialist cosmetic surgeons have performed many successful facelifts.

Why choose Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital for my facelift?

At Nuffield Health Brighton, we've been providing first-class private healthcare to people in East Sussex since 1976. We specialise in cosmetic surgery treatments and pride ourselves on giving the highest standards of care to our patients. Surrounded by the beautiful South Downs, our hospital offers a relaxing and comforting environment. You'll stay in your own private en-suite bedroom and we have plenty of free parking for family and friends to visit. Our team of passionate nurses will be with you whenever you need them, providing 24-hour care.

What happens during a facelift operation?

A facelift is usually performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes two to three hours. The aim of the operation is to tighten and lift the skin and soft tissues of your lower face and neck.

The surgical technique will depend on what area of the face and neck are being lifted.

SMAS facelift - Your surgeon will make an incision on both sides of your face in the hairline around your ears. They will cut under the deeper layer of tough tissue (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system or SMAS layer), lifting and tightening it. Your surgeon will then tighten the skin towards your ears and remove any excess skin.

MACS facelift- The MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) facelift involves a smaller incision eliminating any scarring behind the ear. Your surgeon will tighten the SMAS layer with special suspension stitches to avoid cutting underneath it. MACS face lift involves less surgery but the results may not last as long as an SMAS facelift.

Mid-facelift - A mid facelift addresses the area below your lower eyelids over the cheekbone. Your surgeon will make small cuts along your hairline and either inside your mouth or in your lower eyelid. They will use special surgical instruments and stitches to lift the cheeks. Once you have recovered from the anaesthetic, you will be encouraged to sit up in bed. Sitting upright will help to reduce some of the swelling. Your face is likely to feel tight and tender around the ears. However, there should not be any severe pain and this will be controlled with simple analgesia. You may feel drowsy following surgery. Expect to wake up and doze off for the remainder of the day.

You may have a bandage around your head and under your chin after surgery. We will remove it the day after your surgery. Small, thin tubes (drains) may be temporarily inserted into the wounds. You are likely to stay in hospital overnight.

You may be given a support garment to wear after your bandages are removed. We will show you how to put this on.

What happens during a mini facelift?

A mini facelift is usually performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. Your surgeon will numb the area in front or just behind your ears. They will make a few small incisions in front or behind your ears and (depending on the extent of lift needed) along your hairline. They will extend and tighten the skin where needed. Your wounds will be closed using very fine stitches.

Going home after a facelift

You may experience swelling and bruising following your facelift. You may feel tightness when opening your mouth. Your surgeon may ask you to sleep upright for the first few days to keep swelling under control. Stitches can be removed after 10 to 14 days. Be sure and discuss your return to work with your surgeon. At around four weeks you will be feeling more like your “normal” self. However, the full effect of a facelift may not be visible for 6 to 9 months after the procedure.

This chart is a guide to stages of recovery only. Everyone heals differently so your results may vary.

Days 1 - 46 – 14 days2 weeks
4 weeks
6 - 9 months

Swelling is at its worst days 2 and 3 after surgery.


Sleep upright in bed supported by pillows. Icepacks will be soothing.

Wear any support garment as instructed.

Take things easy for now.

Gradually increase your activity but nothing too strenuous.

Light housework and gentle walks are fine.

Stitches around the ear will be removed.

Any remaining staples will be removed.

You can think About returning to work after two weeks.

Continue to Wear support garment at night.

All the visible swelling and bruising should have gone by now.

Should be able to discard any support garment.

Restart any exercise you do.

Scars will soften and fade.

Final result can begin to be judged

Every surgical procedure has a risk of complications. Be sure and discuss any concerns you might have about these risks with your surgeon.

Specific complications of a facelift may include:

  • Loss of skin or hair
  • Developing a collection of blood under the skin
  • Developing pale or dark areas on your face
  • Damage to the facial nerve
  • Cosmetic problems.
Find out more about Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) consultants at Brighton Hospital

Brighton Hospital

Warren Road, Brighton, BN2 6DX

01273 624 488
Switchboard 01273 624488
Enquiries 01273 624 488
Inpatient appointments 01273 627000
To book an appointment (outpatients) 01273 627008
Patient Ward 01273 681798

Guide price

Face Lift - Mini Fees
Initial consultation from £150
Diagnostics If needed to determine treatment plan
Treatment £8,050
Pre-assessment Included
Main treatment Included
Post-discharge care Included
Pre-assessment, Main treatment and Post-discharge care £8,050
Guide price £8,200
 What does guide price mean?

The guide price stated above is an approximation of the cost of treatment only. The final price may vary according to Consultant fees, prosthesis or drugs used and any pre-existing medical conditions which may alter your care pathway.  You will be given a fixed all-inclusive price for treatment following your initial consultation with a Consultant.

Ways to pay

Paying for yourself

There are no hidden costs in our treatment prices. The price you see is the price you pay.

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Personal medical loan

Spread the cost of your treatment with a 6, 10 or 12 month 0% personal medical loan.

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Medical insurance

We work with you and your insurance provider to get you the treatment you need quickly

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