Facelift Surgery in Singapore
A facelift addresses age-related changes such as sagging skin, reduced tissue support, and soft-tissue descent. Over time, the deeper layers of the face can loosen, leading to visible changes along the cheeks, jawline, and neck. A facelift surgery involves working on the underlying facial structures and adjusting excess skin to address such age-related changes.
People considering a facelift in Singapore often explore it as an option when non-surgical treatments are no longer sufficient for the degree of ageing they experience. The approach is individualised, and the extent of improvement varies from person to person.
For those who wish to understand their options more clearly, AZATACA provides consultations to discuss this type of procedure.
How a Facelift Works
A facelift procedure aims to address age-related changes in the face, such as sagging skin or reduced definition along the cheeks and jawline. These changes occur naturally over time as the skin and deeper tissues lose elasticity and support.
During facelift surgery, small incisions are usually placed around the hairline and near the ears. Through these incisions, the deeper layers of tissue are gently lifted and tightened. This can provide additional support in areas such as the midface and lower face. Any excess skin may then be adjusted or removed so it lies more smoothly over the repositioned tissues.
The goal of this facelift procedure is to address facial contour by working on the underlying structures rather than simply pulling the skin tight. The extent of change differs from person to person and depends on individual facial anatomy, skin quality, and healing.
Different techniques can be used depending on which areas are most affected. Some patients may benefit from a focus on the midface, while others may need more work around the jawline or neck. These details are planned on an individual basis when discussing a facelift in Singapore with the surgeon.
Types of Facelift Procedures
Understanding the different forms of a facelift procedure can help clarify which areas of the face each method is intended to address. Ageing does not affect every person in the same way, and changes may appear more noticeably in specific regions such as the brows, eyelids, cheeks, jawline, or neck. Knowing the distinctions between these surgical approaches allows individuals to better understand which techniques may be recommended based on their facial structure and concerns.
- Brow lift – Raises the position of the eyebrows and can help reduce heaviness or low-set brows that develop with age.
- Upper eyelid lift – Removes or adjusts excess skin around the upper eyelids that may cause a hooded or tired appearance.
- Mid-cheek lift – Supports the central portion of the face, helping address flattening or sagging that can occur as cheek volume and support structures change over time.
- Lower facelift – Focuses on the lower cheeks and jawline to improve definition and reduce sagging in these areas.
- Neck lift – Addresses skin laxity or vertical banding in the neck region, which may appear as part of the natural ageing process.
- Endoscopic facelift – Uses small incisions made in discreet areas, and a thin tube with a tiny camera (an endoscope) is inserted beneath the skin. The camera provides a magnified view of the deeper facial structures, allowing the surgeon to lift and adjust the underlying tissues with precision while using smaller external openings. This approach is often used for targeted lifting in areas such as the brows or midface.
These facelift procedures can be performed individually or combined, depending on the pattern of ageing and the areas where support has changed most noticeably.

Non-Surgical Options
Many people explore non-surgical approaches when early signs of ageing begin to appear or when they prefer methods that do not involve incisions or recovery time associated with surgery. These treatments may help address mild skin laxity, early volume loss, or subtle contour changes, and can be considered before deciding whether a facelift procedure is necessary.
- Ultherapy: This uses ultrasound energy to heat deeper layers of the skin and aims to stimulate collagen, which may provide mild tightening over time.
- Fillers: Add volume to selected areas such as the cheeks or under-eye region. It may help soften the appearance of sagging caused by volume loss.
- Fat grafting: Uses a person’s own fat to restore volume to areas affected by age-related deflation. Often considered when loss of fullness contributes to a tired or sunken appearance.
These non-surgical options may be suitable for those with mild or early ageing changes, or for individuals who prefer to avoid surgery.
Choosing the Right Approach to Facial Ageing
People exploring options for sagging or ageing skin may look at a range of treatments before deciding whether a facelift or another approach is suitable. But what factors should you consider before deciding on the right approach?
- Location of ageing changes: The first consideration is where the most noticeable changes are occurring. If ageing is limited to specific regions such as the brows, eyelids, or midface, a localised procedure may be discussed. When changes extend to the cheeks, jawline, or neck, a facelift procedure or neck lift may be more suitable.
- Degree of tissue laxity: Mild skin laxity may be managed with non-surgical methods, especially when the deeper tissues remain well-supported. More significant sagging, particularly when the soft tissues have shifted downward, often requires facelift surgery to reposition the underlying structures.
- Volume loss vs. structural descent: Some individuals experience hollowing or reduced fullness rather than prominent sagging. In these cases, treatments that restore volume, such as fillers or fat grafting, may be considered. When the underlying support tissues have descended, lifting techniques are generally more appropriate.
- Personal considerations: Preferences regarding downtime, recovery, and comfort with surgical or non-surgical approaches also play a role. Some people prefer gradual changes through non-surgical treatments, while others opt for surgical procedures for more comprehensive adjustment.
- General health and suitability: A person’s overall health, medical history, facial anatomy, and healing capacity influence which options can be safely recommended.
These factors guide the discussion when considering a facelift in Singapore or alternative approaches. You will discuss all these options and considerations during your consultation so that your plastic surgeon can plan an approach suited to your clinical assessment.

Choosing the Right Approach to Facial Ageing
Recovery after facelift surgery differs from person to person and is influenced by the extent of the procedure, individual healing, and overall health. Most people notice the initial signs of recovery within the first few weeks, with gradual improvement as swelling settles.
Typical recovery milestones may include:
- Mild swelling or bruising that can last for 1–2 weeks
- The ability to use makeup after about 1 week, if advised
- Returning to work within 1–2 weeks, depending on the nature of the job and the surgeon’s recommendations
Initial recovery usually occurs over several weeks. Final changes continue to develop as the deeper tissues heal and the swelling reduces further. Careful adherence to aftercare instructions helps support comfort and healing during this period.
Book Your Consultation
Each facelift consultation focuses on understanding your goals and explaining available options in detail.
If you want more information, contact AZATACA to schedule a consultation about your desired plastic surgery with one of our surgeons or fill out the form below.
*Disclaimer: Results vary according to individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will people be able to see my scar?
Scars are usually discreet because incisions are placed along natural lines or within the hairline. As they heal, they tend to blend with surrounding skin, though visibility varies from person to person. With endoscopic techniques, there are often no visible scars on the face.
How long is the recovery for a facelift?
Most people recover within one to two weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually improve during this time, with continued refinement over the following weeks. You can apply makeup after 1 week. If sutures need to be removed, they will be taken out after 1 week
When can I return to work after a facelift?
Most individuals return to work after one to two weeks. The exact timing depends on the extent of the procedure and the nature of the person’s job.
What are the risks of a facelift?
Complications can occur with any surgical procedure. Necrosis of the skin can occur, especially if you are a smoker. You should stop smoking at least 1 month before your surgery. Damage to the nerves controlling your facial muscles can occur in 1% of patients. If it does happen, it is usually temporary. Any additional risks will be discussed during the consultation.
Will my face look natural?
The goal of your surgery is to make you look like a younger version of yourself. The outcome depends on individual facial structure, skin quality, and healing. In the end, a facelift aims to maintain natural proportions while improving contour.
How long will results last?
Results can last for several years, but natural ageing continues. Nothing is permanent. Skin elasticity, lifestyle factors, and anatomy all influence how long changes remain noticeable.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure usually takes between two and six hours. The duration varies depending on the areas being addressed and the surgical approach.
Is a facelift permanent?
No, a facelift is not permanent because ageing continues. However, many individuals notice lasting changes for several years.
When is a mini facelift considered?
A mini facelift is often considered when tissue laxity is mild to moderate. It focuses on smaller areas of sagging, usually around the lower face.

