What is a facelift?

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens sagging facial tissues to restore a naturally youthful, refreshed appearance. Dr. Saba Al Marush performs facelifts in Dubai using advanced deep-plane and SMAS techniques that reposition the underlying muscular layer rather than simply pulling skin, producing results that look natural and last 8–12 years. The procedure addresses jowls, nasolabial folds, mid-face descent, and loose neck skin through carefully placed incisions along the hairline and around the ears. Surgery takes 3–5 hours under general anaesthesia, with initial recovery requiring 10–14 days before most social activities can resume. Sutures are removed at one and two weeks post-operatively. Combining a facelift with complementary procedures such as eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or fat grafting can enhance overall facial rejuvenation. A detailed consultation includes facial analysis, skin assessment, and discussion of realistic expectations.

FACELIFT · DUBAI

Facelift — restore
what time has changed.

A facelift (rhytidectomy) lifts and tightens sagging facial tissues for a naturally younger, refreshed appearance — without looking “done”. Dr Saba Al Marush performs advanced facelift techniques in Dubai that restore structure, not just skin.

Advanced TechniquesNatural ResultsLong-LastingFemale Surgeon

THE ESSENTIALS

What is a facelift?

A facelift addresses the visible signs of ageing in the lower two-thirds of the face and neck: sagging jowls, deep nasolabial folds, loss of jawline definition and neck laxity. Modern facelift techniques lift the underlying SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) — not just the skin — for results that look natural and last.

Dr Saba’s approach focuses on restoring youthful facial structure while maintaining your natural identity. The goal is refreshed — never overdone.

FACELIFT TYPES

Finding the right approach.

Different facelift techniques address different degrees of ageing. Dr Saba recommends the optimal approach during consultation.

  • Mini facelift — Addresses early jowling and mild laxity. Shorter incisions, faster recovery.
  • SMAS facelift — The gold standard. Lifts the deeper tissue layer for natural, long-lasting results.
  • Deep plane facelift — Advanced technique releasing and repositioning deep tissues. Maximum rejuvenation.
  • Face and neck lift — Comprehensive correction including neck bands, turkey neck and jawline.
YOUR JOURNEY

The facelift process.

Consultation

Dr Saba examines your facial anatomy, skin quality and degree of ageing. Goals and technique discussed.

Pre-operative Planning

Detailed surgical plan, medical clearance, pre-operative photography.

Surgery Day

3–5 hours under general anaesthesia. Incisions concealed around the ears and hairline.

Recovery

Head elevation, gentle care. Sutures removed at 1 week. Final results visible at 3–6 months.

RESULTS

What to expect.

A well-performed facelift delivers dramatic yet natural rejuvenation. Results are visible immediately and continue improving as swelling resolves.

7–10+Years of rejuvenation
3–5hSurgery duration
2wkBack to social activities
3–6moFinal results
RECOVERY

What to expect after your facelift.

Days 1–3: Swelling and bruising at their peak. Head elevated, cold compresses, prescribed medication. Rest is essential.

Week 1: Sutures and dressings removed. Bruising begins to fade. Most patients feel comfortable at home.

Weeks 2–3: Most patients return to social activities with makeup covering residual bruising.

Months 1–6: Progressive improvement as deep tissues settle. Final results visible at 3–6 months. Scars continue fading for 12+ months.

COMBINE WITH

Enhanced facial rejuvenation.

Many patients combine a facelift with complementary procedures for comprehensive rejuvenation:

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) — Refresh tired, heavy upper eyelids or under-eye bags. Fat transfer — Restore facial volume lost with ageing. Botox — Smooth dynamic wrinkles not addressed by surgery. Laser resurfacing — Improve skin texture and pigmentation.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Your questions, answered.

How long does a facelift last?

A well-performed SMAS or deep plane facelift delivers 7–10+ years of rejuvenation. You’ll continue to age, but always look younger than without surgery.

What is the best age for a facelift?

Most patients are 45–70, but suitability depends on skin quality, not age. Some patients benefit from a mini facelift in their early 40s.

Will a facelift look natural?

Dr Saba’s technique lifts deep tissue structure — not just skin — creating natural results that avoid the “windswept” look.

What about non-surgical alternatives?

Thread lifts, fillers and Botox can delay but not replace a facelift. They address different concerns and complement rather than substitute surgery.

How visible are facelift scars?

Incisions are placed around the ears and along the hairline where they heal to near-invisible. Dr Saba’s closure technique minimises scarring.

Facelift vs fillers — which is better?

Fillers address volume loss; a facelift addresses sagging and laxity. Many patients benefit from both for comprehensive rejuvenation.

What is recovery like?

2 weeks before returning to social activities with makeup. Most patients return to work at 2–3 weeks. Full recovery at 4–6 weeks.

EXPLORE MORE

Related procedures.

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TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Your consultation is where it begins.

A private, unhurried assessment with Dr Saba — your anatomy, your goals, your options, honestly discussed.

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