Face & neck
lift
Rhytidectomy lifts and repositions the facial and neck tissues to restore the facial oval, soften deep folds and return a fresh, rejuvenated appearance — with natural, long-lasting results.
Redefined face,
renewed expression
The face and neck lift — also known as rhytidectomy — is the gold-standard procedure for surgical facial rejuvenation. Over time, skin loses elasticity and firmness, gravity causes the cheeks to descend and deep nasolabial folds appear, along with neck sagging and a blurred facial oval. This surgery addresses all these signs of ageing comprehensively and with long-lasting effect.
Unlike non-surgical treatments, a facelift acts on the deeper layers — the SMAS muscle — repositioning the tissues back to their original position rather than simply tightening the skin. The result is a younger-looking face that preserves the patient’s natural features and proportions.
It is worth noting that fine superficial wrinkles caused primarily by sun exposure may require complementary treatments — laser, peeling, fillers or botulinum toxin — which Dr. Vricella can recommend from the first month post-operatively to further optimise the outcome. It is frequently combined with blepharoplasty in the same session for a more comprehensive global rejuvenation.
Meet the DoctorThe right
technique for you
The choice of technique depends on the degree of ptosis, age, skin quality and the areas to be treated. Dr. Vricella determines during the consultation which approach delivers the best outcome for each individual case.
Mini Facelift
A short-incision technique placed only in front of the ear, addressing the lower face and upper neck. Faster recovery, an even more discreet scar. Indicated for younger patients or those with mild-to-moderate ptosis seeking an early, natural result.
Mild-to-moderate ptosisFull Face & Neck Lift
The gold standard of surgical facial rejuvenation. Incisions follow the hairline, circle the earlobe and extend up into the scalp. The SMAS, fat and skin are all addressed to restore the facial oval, soften nasolabial folds and fully tighten the neck.
Global rejuvenationDeep Plane Facelift
The most advanced variant, which releases and repositions the facial retaining ligaments beneath the SMAS muscle. It delivers the most complete and long-lasting results, particularly in patients with severe ptosis or very pronounced folds. Greater technical complexity and a slightly longer recovery.
Severe ptosis / maximum longevity
Benefits
Real & lasting
rejuvenation
The face and neck lift is the only procedure capable of significantly and stably correcting advanced signs of facial ageing. Unlike fillers or botulinum toxin — which act on the surface and require frequent repetition — rhytidectomy produces a structural change that endures for years, with a completely natural appearance.
- Restoration of the facial oval and jawline contour
- Correction of cheek and neck sagging
- Softening of nasolabial and marionette folds
- Scars hidden within the hairline and ear folds
- Natural-looking results: no one can tell you have had surgery
- Compatible with blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty and fat injections in the same session
The procedure
Discreet incisions,
invisible scars
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia in an operating theatre. Incisions are meticulously planned within the hairline, around the earlobe and extending into the posterior scalp. Through them, Dr. Vricella lifts and repositions the SMAS muscle, fat and skin, and removes the excess skin. The result is scars hidden within the folds and hair — virtually imperceptible.
- General anaesthesia; overnight stay or day-surgery procedure
- Duration: 2–4 hours depending on the scope of the procedure
- Dressing removed after 24 hours; sutures removed between 7 and 14 days
- Swelling and bruising subside progressively over the first two weeks
- Possible temporary numbness in areas of the skin
- Near-normal life after 10–15 days; final result visible from 3 months
A face & neck lift
is right for you if…
Ideal profile for the procedure
- Sagging cheeks, jawline and neck that affects your confidence
- Pronounced nasolabial and marionette folds
- Loss of the facial oval and jawline definition
- Good general health with no uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions
- Realistic expectations: rejuvenation, not transformation
- Non-smoker or willing to stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery
Situations requiring additional assessment
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular or systemic conditions
- Coagulation disorders or anticoagulant medication
- Active smoking (increases the risk of skin necrosis)
- Expectation of completely eliminating fine surface wrinkles
- Extensive prior facial surgeries that may affect vascularisation
- Significant pending weight loss that could affect the result
Your journey to
the ideal result
Personalised assessment
Dr. Vricella analyses your facial anatomy, degree of ptosis and skin quality. He determines the most appropriate technique and whether it should be combined with blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty or fat injections, explaining everything clearly and without pressure.
Individual surgical design
The incisions, SMAS approach and any combined procedures are planned in detail. You will receive all pre-operative information without pressure and with full transparency.
Precision procedure
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia at one of our clinics in Madrid, Marbella or Gibraltar, to the highest safety standards and using minimal-trauma techniques.
Close follow-up
Dr. Vricella’s team carries out scheduled check-ups throughout the post-operative period to ensure optimal healing. Normal life resumes after 10–15 days; the natural, definitive result consolidates at 3 months.
Everything you need
to know
We answer the most common questions about the face and neck lift. If you have further questions, we are happy to address them during your consultation.
Discuss your case
with Dr. Vricella
Book your personalised consultation in Madrid, Marbella or Gibraltar. Dr. Vricella will assess your face, recommend the most suitable technique and answer all your questions with complete clarity and without pressure.
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