Face Lift and Neck Lift Surgery in Bangalore
Medically reviewed by Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MCh (Plastic Surgery)
A face lift tightens sagging skin and the muscle layer beneath it (the SMAS) in the lower face and neck. It softens jowls, deep folds and a loose neck. At Contura Clinic, Bangalore, it is usually done under general anaesthesia in 1–5 hours, with up to one night in hospital. The scars are hidden in the hairline and around the ears, and most people return to work in about 2 weeks.
Face lift at a glance
| Technique | SMAS face lift, with optional neck lift |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia (local with sedation is possible) |
| Surgery time | 1–5 hours, depending on the areas treated |
| Hospital stay | Same day or 1 night (overnight is advised) |
| Scars | Temple hairline, in front of and behind the ear. Sometimes a small cut under the chin |
| Bandage | 1–2 days. Drains, if used, come out in 1–2 days |
| Stitches | Removed at 7–8 days |
| Back to work | About 2 weeks |
| Cost | ₹2,00,000 plus GST |
Who is a face lift for?
The best candidates have a face and neck that have started to sag, skin that still has some elasticity, and good bone structure. Most patients are in their 40s to 60s, but people in their 70s and 80s can also have good results.
A face lift works on the lower face, jawline and neck. Other treatments suit other concerns:
- Drooping brows or forehead lines: an endoscopic brow lift
- Fine wrinkles, freckles or rough skin: peels or CO2 laser resurfacing
- Mild sagging without surgery: HIFU or a thread lift
How is a face lift done?
- The cut starts in the hair at the temple, runs in front of the ear and continues behind the earlobe into the hairline.
- The skin is lifted, and the SMAS muscle layer is tightened and stitched towards the ear.
- Extra skin is trimmed, and the cuts are closed so the scars sit in natural creases.
- For the neck, a small cut under the chin may be added, with liposuction if needed.
A face lift can be combined with chin or neck liposuction, eyelid surgery, brow lift, cheek or chin augmentation and lip enhancement.
How to prepare
- Reach your target weight before surgery.
- Stop aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers at least 2 weeks before.
- Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin.
Recovery after a face lift
- Days 1–2: the face feels puffy and stiff. Keep your head raised. Mild pain is controlled with paracetamol.
- First week: bruising moves down from the cheeks to the neck as it fades.
- Days 7–8: stitches are removed.
- 2 weeks: most people return to work and social life. Make-up can cover remaining bruising.
- 2 weeks or more: avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and massage.
- Weeks to months: numbness in the cheeks and ears gradually goes away.
What are the risks of a face lift?
- Bruising, swelling and temporary numbness
- Slight thinning of hair at the temples, mainly with thin hair or repeat face lifts
- Poor healing of the skin behind the ears, mainly in smokers
- Bleeding, which is why aspirin and similar painkillers must be stopped first
Frequently asked questions
How long does a face lift last?
A face lift doesn't stop ageing, but it turns back the clock. You will keep looking younger than you would have without it, even as you continue to age.
Will face lift scars show?
The scars sit in the temple hair, in the natural crease in front of the ear and behind the ear. Women can usually hide them with their hair. Men may need to shave closer to the ear.
What is the right age for a face lift?
Most patients are in their 40s to 60s. Age matters less than skin elasticity and how much sagging you have. People in their 70s and 80s can also benefit.
When can I go back to work after a face lift?
Most people return to work and social activities in about 2 weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 2 weeks.
Related pages: Thread lift · Eyelid surgery · Chin liposuction · HIFU
About the doctor
Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic Surgery, CMC Vellore), DNB (Plastic Surgery). Karnataka Medical Council Reg. No. 68989. Plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Contura Clinic, Kalyan Nagar. Best Paper Award at the IMCAS conference, Taipei, 2016, for his gynecomastia technique. Author of The Male Breast and over 40 papers in indexed journals. Member of IAAPS, IMA and the European College of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Every procedure carries risks, which your surgeon will explain at your consultation.