24th May 2026
You want to look your best in 2026 and beyond. At Kensington Medical we are experts in the face. In fact that's all we do. Our expert GMC Specialist Registered Plastic Surgeons can help you decide the best facelift options so you can make an informed choice.
Our facial cosmetic procedures can taget general facial ageing, including sagging skin, muscle droop, jowls, volume loss such as drooping cheeks, naso labial lines and marionette lines. Weight loss medications, such as GLP-1 drugs, can also contribute to facial sagging and we are helping many patients following large weight loss look and feel more rejuvenated and refreshed.
Our facelft options include the mid-facelift, lower facelift or jowl lift with a neck lift, advanced SMAS lift, Deep Plane facelift and deep neck, full facelift, vertical restore facelift and mini facelift. Which one is right for you? There are pros and cons of each option which we explain for you. A traditional facelift is a more comprehensive and invasive procedure involving extensive incisions and longer recovery, while newer techniques often use minimally invasive approaches. Advanced options like the SMAS and Deep Plane facelifts specifically target the deeper facial structures, creating natural and long lasting rejuvenation.
In the UK, facelift surgery can range from £8,500 to £30,000 + depending on the type of procedure. For more information on facelift cost visit our facelift cost page.
Introduction to Facial Rejuvenation
Facial rejuvenation has evolved dramatically in recent years, offering individuals a wide range of options to address common signs of aging such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. Modern approaches now focus on the comprehensive, multi-layered treatment of facial ageing, ensuring that all aspects of the ageing process are addressed for natural, long-lasting results.
Thanks to innovative techniques and advancements in medical expertise, patients can now achieve a refreshed appearance that looks both natural and youthful. Facial plastic surgeons are highly skilled in a variety of facelift techniques, including surgical facelifts, the deep plane facelift, mini facelift, and non surgical facelift options, ensuring that each patient receives a personalised approach tailored to their unique needs and goals. Modern facelift techniques go beyond simply tightening skin by repositioning deeper tissue layers and targeting specific muscle structures, resulting in more natural-looking and long-lasting results. Whether you are considering a full facelift surgery or exploring less invasive procedures, understanding the latest options in facial rejuvenation can help you make informed decisions about your appearance and overall confidence.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that can significantly improve the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin and overall droop and other signs of ageing on the face. It can tighten underlying muscles below the skin to make your jawline more defined and change fat deposits along your cheekbones or in your chin area. In 2026, face lift surgery at Kensington Medical is about finding the best technique to fit your facial structure and characteristics to give you a rejuvenated and natural looking facelift result. This can mean combining different facelift techniques.
Advanced facelift techniques often target deeper tissue layers, such as the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS), to reposition not just the skin but also the underlying fat, muscle, and connective tissue. Addressing these deeper tissue layers helps achieve more natural and longer-lasting results. Deep plane techniques are an advanced facelift method that works beneath the SMAS layer, releasing ligaments to reposition facial tissues as a single unit, which offers more natural movement and longer-lasting results compared to traditional superficial facelift methods. A facelift can give you a more toned and tighter neck. At Kensington Medical our expert cosmetic surgeons may suggest a specific technique they think will work best for you, depending on your needs.
What are the Different Types of Procedures, including Deep Plane Facelift?
You have several options in 2026 for a facelift. The main options are the mid-facelift, lower facelift with a neck lift, SMAS lift, full facelift, vertical restore facelift, deep plane facelift and mini facelift. Each option has its pros and cons, which you can discuss with the surgeon during your consultation.
Mid-Facelift
A Mid facelift, also known as a cheek lift, targets the mid face, improving sagging near the cheeks and the jowl and chin area. It can remove fat deposits below the cheekbones or reposition them. This procedure is best for patients with moderate sagging or loose skin.
The best candidate for a mid facelift is a healthy nonsmoker in their 40s, 50's and 60's. Recovery is relatively quick, and the downtime is about 2 weeks.
For more comprehsive information visit mid facelift.
Lower Facelift with or with out Neck Lift
The lower facelift or jowl lift is a procedure that helps sagging tissue in the neck and lower face, addressing jowls and mid to lower face droop, helping to lift the cheek area as well as the jawline.
Neck lift surgery may be recommended by our plastic surgeons in addition to a lower facelift if they feel there will be a mismatch between the face looking refreshed but the neck looking more aged. The neck lift addresses the appearance of jowls and loose neck skin, it can address fatty deposits and loosening neck muscles due to ageing called neck bands.
Downtime lasts about 1-2 weeks. We do have patients who go back to work after the first week of a lower facelift, however it is worth considering that you may still have some bruising and swelling.
SMAS Lift, deep plane facelift and vertical restore facelift
Deciding on a SMAS facelift, Deep Plane facelft or Vertical facelift depends on a number of factors. At Kensington Medical your plastic surgoen will discuss timelines, facial ageing characteristics and what you want to achieve before suggesting one of these 3 options.
All three are more comprehensive than the Mini or lower facelift. This means you will require a longer recovery time.
SMAS facelift tightens and lifts the middle and lower parts of your face.SMAS stands for the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a key layer of tissue beneath the skin that plays a crucial role in facial structure and expression. Lifting and tightening the SMAS layer provides the greatest amount of facial rejuvenation. It will tighten muscles in your face and neck. There are incisions behind your ear and hair line.
Downtime about 2 weeks following the SMAS facelift. Maybe a better option than a Deep plane of you need to get back to work.
The deep plane facelift is considered the gold standard in facial rejuvenation for 2026. Generally our surgeons recommend this facelift for more extensive facial ageing including the neck. Unlike traditional facelift techniques that primarily tighten the skin, the deep plane facelift goes further by targeting the deeper facial structures inclusing the SMAS and releasing key retaining ligaments along with repositioning facial tissue and fat pads.
The deep plane facelift is effective for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Patients can achieve a 10 year younger natural look, lasting up to 10-15 years.
Downtime can be more than 2 weeks. There is generally a longer recovery period as the surgery is more comprehsive than a SMAS facelift.
A Vertical Restore facelift achieves natural-looking rejuvenation with long lasting results through a vertical lifting of the deep facial tissues. At Kensington Medical we use advanced surgical techniques, similar to a deep plane facelift technique to achieve this result . It can last up to 10-15 years.
Downtime can be more than 2 weeks.
Full Facelift
The Full facelift procedure involves tightenening the lower face, neck, and scalp to achieve longer lasting results. This traditional facelift involves extensive incisions around your ear, hairline and under your chin.
It provides dramatic improvements but does require longer recovery periods compared to newer techniques of 3 weeks. Generally a neck lift will be included with this type of facelift for a more natural looking result.
Mini Facelift
The mini facelift is the least invasive. The discreet incisions are made near your ear. It is a good choice for those seeking subtle improvements with minimal intervention. The mini facelift will not help more comprehensive sagging including the neck. This procedure targets minimal sagging around your cheeks or jowls.
We have many patients who want a refreshed look, are at the start of the ageing process and who cannot afford more than a week to 10 days off work. Our patients are generally aged around 45 to 55-60 years of age who have this procedure.
Non-surgical Facelift Options in 2026
Non-surgical options such as dermal fillers or radio frequency tightening treatments for facial rejuvenation can provide subtle improvements and there is a shorter downtime. We do find that many of our patients feel there is a stage at which they feel the non surgical treatments are no longer working.
What non surgical treatments are worth exploring before you decide on a facelift:
- Dermal fillers a temporary treatment that can smooth out facial lines by adding volume to your skin.
- Our cosmetic surgeons may also recommend laser procedures to help rejuvenate the skin on your face and reduce wrinkles.
- Minimally invasive techniques, such as thread lifts and HIFU or Ultherapy, are alternatives that tighten the skin with minimal recovery time.
- Fat transfer although it is not a non surgical treatment is less invasive than a facelift and it can help restore facial volume to the face, under eyes and temples. This is a popular procedure in 2026 at Kensington Medical. We find patients are wanting to use their own fat because it lasts a lot longer than dermal fillers and looks more natural.
If you are interested in learning more about the best facelift options in 2026, our expert GMC Specialist Registered Plastic Surgeons at Kensington Medical can discuss what you are hoping to achieve. Phone to find out more about our facial cosmetic surgeons. For more information fill in the contact us form.
Facial Rejuvenation Trends: fat transfer
At Kensington Medical we focus on customised solutions in our facial plastic surgery. Advanced technologies and techniques enable our facial plastic surgeons to create highly personalised treatment plans.
Fat grafting are being used as the second stage of a facelift to enhance and balance facial features. The latest facelift techniques are also designed to preserve natural facial expressions, ensuring facial rejuvenation looks authentic and maintains individual character.
What should you do before getting a facelift in 2026?
Be sure to do your homework on your surgeon. At Kensington Medical our GMC specialist registered plastic surgeon are best placed to help you decide on the best facelift for you.
Schedule a consultation with Kensington Medical to learn more about what you can expect during and after surgery.
To find out more about Kensington Medical, our expert plastic surgeons, our values that we work very hard to achieve, our quality aftercare and our 5 star hospitals, visit about us.
What Other Procedures Complement a Facelift?
A facelift can help reduce the signs of ageing around your face and neck. However, you may also wish to consider additional procedures that work well with a full facelift as part of comprehensive facial surgery for facial rejuvenation. Consider chin liposuction to target stubborn fat deposits that are still present even after dieting or working out.
Laser skin resurfacing can smooth out fine lines, improve skin tone and texture, and reduce the appearance of redness. Energy-based devices and laser resurfacing are often combined with surgery to improve skin texture and boost collagen production. Also, fat transfer to the cheek can help contour your face and add lost volume.
If you would like to learn more about how a facelift can help you reduce the signs of ageing contact us to find out more. Our team is waiting to answer your questions, address your concerns and guide you through the process.
Get started by booking a consultation to find out what facelift is right for you.
Facelift Surgery Costs and Considerations
When considering facelift surgery, understanding the costs and what influences them is an important part of your decision-making process. In the UK, facelift surgery can range from £8,500 to £30,000 +, depending on the type of facelift procedure, the expertise of your plastic surgeon, and the clinic’s location. Advanced facelift techniques, such as deep plane facelifts, often come at a higher price point due to their complexity and the skill required, but they can deliver longer lasting results and a more youthful appearance.
It’s essential to look beyond the initial cost and consider the long-term benefits of your chosen facelift technique. Surgical facelift options, especially those using advanced methods, can provide natural looking results that last for many years, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups. Non surgical facelift options, such as dermal fillers or neck lifts, may have a lower upfront cost, but their effects are temporary and may require ongoing maintenance.
When evaluating your options, factor in the surgeon’s qualifications, the quality of care you’ll receive, and the likelihood of achieving natural looking results. Investing in a highly skilled surgeon who uses advanced facelift techniques can make a significant difference in your overall satisfaction and the longevity of your youthful appearance.
For more comprehensive information on facelift costs or facelift procedures visit:
Cost page, or
Local Anaesthetic and Surgery: Shorter dowtimes
In recent years, facelift surgery interest has evolved, with an emphasis on patient safety, comfort, and natural outcomes. One advancement in aesthetic plastic surgery is the use of local anaesthetic for some facelift procedures such as a mini facelift. It can offer an alternative to general anaesthesia.
Minimally invasive approaches, such as endoscopic techniques and short scar surgery used in a mini facelift and sometimes lower facelift techniques, reduce downtime. These techniques have become popular especially for working people who cannot afford long downtimes. At Kensington Medical we like to discuss timelines with patients to ensure they will be looking their best for an event, or simply going back to work.
Choosing the Right Facial Plastic Surgeon
Selecting the right surgeon is one of the most crucial steps when you start your facial rejuvenation journey. To achieve natural looking results it’s important to choose a GMC Specialist Registered plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facelift surgery and advanced facelift techniques. Our aesthetic plastic surgeons specialise in facelift procedures and have done so for many decades.
To review their qualifications, experience and reputation follow our expert section.
Facelift Recovery and Aftercare
If you would like more information about facelift before you decide to book a consultation please visit our facelift page. In your consultation your Plastic Surgeon will cover recovery and aftercare.
At Kensington Medical if a general anaesthesia is recommended for your facelift, we prefer and recommend TIVA.
Instead of traditional general anaesthesia which relies on inhaled gases, Kensington Medical's GMC-registered consultant anaesthetists use TIVA, to induce and maintain your sleep solely through intravenous medications (such as propofol) delivered directly via a cannula in your hand.
The benefits:
- Swifter Recovery: TIVA clears from your system alot faster than conventional gas anaesthesia. This means you wake up quickly and feelless groggy.
- Reduced Nausea: One of the main advantages of TIVA is that it minimises post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
- Same-Day Surgery : Because you wake up faster and experience fewer side effects, you can go home to recover the same day with a friend or family member.
- Protected Airways: It does not impair natural breathing or require the same heavy gas ventilation equipment, which leaves the surgical field clear and makes it incredibly well-suited for delicate facial procedures.
Next Steps
Choosing the right facelift procedure is a highly personal decision that depends on your individual goals and skin type. With so many advanced facelift techniques and options available in 2026, having a face to face consultation with our qualified facial plastic surgeons who have extensive experience in delivering natural results and minimal scarring is crucial.
Find out more, or to book a consultation to see what facelift is best for you.
Medically Reviewed
Our experts monitor facial plastic surgery and facial treatments information and update it when it is available.
This page was medically reviewed by Mr David Gateley MA, FRCS, FRCS (Plast), GMC number 2939470 on 24 May 2026.
Author: Louise Braham