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London Facial Plastic Surgeon Facelift, Blepharoplasty, Rhinoplasty - Harley Street
Facelift in London, Harley Street | Dr Julian De Silva image 1

Facelift in London

A Facelift in London by Dr De Silva combines facial-only expertise, minimally invasive techniques and over 20 years’ experience to restore facial harmony with natural, long-lasting results.

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What Is a Facelift?

A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a specialised facial rejuvenation procedure designed to lift and reposition underlying facial structures. It smooths deep folds and restores definition to the face and neck while preserving a natural, refreshed appearance. Subtle adjustments to deeper tissues, rather than surface skin alone, create lasting improvements in facial harmony.

In addition to performing traditional facelifts in London, Dr Julian De Silva is an expert in the Vertical Deep Plane facelift technique. This advanced approach lifts and repositions the deeper facial tissues, delivering a more natural and longer-lasting rejuvenation.

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Facelift at a Glance

Surgery Time Icon

Surgery Time

2-5 Hours
Hospital Stay Icon

Hospital Stay

Outpatient
Anaesthetic Icon

Anaesthetic

Twilight Sedation
Time Off Work Icon

Time Off Work

2 Weeks
Shower Icon

Shower

1 Week
Return To Routine Icon

Return To Routine

3-5 Days
Exercise Icon

Exercise

6 Weeks
Sexual Activity Icon

Sexual Activity

6 Weeks
Driving Icon

Driving

2 Weeks
Recovery Icon

Recovery

6-8 Weeks. Fully at 12 months

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Are You a Suitable Candidate for a Facelift?

Answer 30 KEY questions (take less than 5 mins) and receive free customised results and advice.

World Class Facial Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery

Discover Our Facelift Patient Results

Browse the before and after galleries of our facelift patients

Patient face, before and after Facelift treatment, front view, patient 1

A more youthful natural appearance was restored by Dr Julian De Silva’s using his signature Vertical Deep Plane Facelift Restore.

A refreshed, natural transformation. This lovely patient underwent Dr. Julian De Silva’s signature facelift, neck lift, and fat transfer to restore youthful volume, smooth loose skin, and redefine her jawline—achieving a beautifully rejuvenated look witho

A refreshed, natural transformation. This lovely patient underwent Dr. Julian De Silva’s signature facelift, neck lift, and fat transfer to restore youthful volume, smooth loose skin, and redefine her jawline—achieving a beautifully rejuvenated look without changing her unique features.

Facelift and Neck Lift 82 Ba2

This lovely patient in her 50s wanted a fresher look. Dr. De Silva performed a deep plane facelift and neck lift to restore her jawline, lift her cheeks, and smooth her neck. She looks rejuvenated—and most importantly, natural.

Why Choose Dr De Silva  for Rhinoplasty in London?

Why Patients Choose Dr De Silva for a Facelift in London

Unlike general plastic surgeons, Dr De Silva practises facial surgery only, allowing for a deeper understanding of facial anatomy, ageing patterns, and structural balance. Over the last 20 years, he has pioneered signature techniques helping to restore youthful contours while avoiding an over-pulled or unnatural appearance. His custom approach combines advanced structural lifting with cutting-edge technologies rarely available in conventional UK practice.

Dr De Silva is internationally recognised for his work in facial aesthetics and is the creator of the Centre for Advanced Facial Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery on Harley Street, London. His board-certified status and expert-level training place him among an elite group of facial plastic surgeons in the United Kingdom. This expertise ensures highly specialised care with natural, refined results designed to age gracefully over time.

"My focus has and always will be to be the very best at what I do, to continually innovate to provide world-class leadership to all my team, all my patients and all my associates. My mission is to help every patient be the very best version of themself with World-Class services, life-long follow-up with complimentary facial aesthetic procedures."

— Dr Julian De Silva

Tissue Glue For Reduced Bruising and Swelling

Dr De Silva has also pioneered the use of tissue glue (ARTISS) in facelift and neck lift surgery, completing a randomised controlled trial to demonstrate its benefits. This technique seals tissue planes rapidly, reduces bruising and swelling, avoids the need for drains or extensive stitching, and helps minimise complications.

Advanced Recovery Methods

Recovery is further enhanced through an integrated programme of regenerative medicine, including the use of the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP), alongside in-house hyperbaric oxygen therapy. These measures help accelerate healing, reduce bruising, and support skin viability following surgery.

Long-Lasting, Enhanced Results

To address skin quality and volume as well as structure, Dr De Silva incorporates CO₂ laser resurfacing, radiofrequency microneedling (Morpheus8), and microcannula fat transfer into facelift procedures when appropriate. These techniques improve skin texture, fine lines, and laxity while restoring natural facial volume without the puffy appearance associated with synthetic fillers.

Harley Street Expert Care

All facelift procedures are performed discreetly and safely in Dr De Silva’s CQC-accredited Harley Street clinic, eliminating the need for general anaesthetic or inpatient hospital care, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and discretion.

Twilight Sedation for Comfort and Safety

Facelift and neck lift procedures are performed under Dr De Silva’s patented twilight sedation anaesthesia. This world-leading technique enables patients to sleep naturally through surgery without the risks associated with general anaesthesia, offering exceptional safety, comfort, and faster recovery.

Watch Our Patient Video Diaries

Watch the healing journey of our real-life facelift patients and discover what life post-facelift is like.

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Facelift Surgery With Dr Julian De Silva

Facial anatomy demands precision and a safety-led approach. Dr De Silva’s method combines advanced facelift surgery with selective structural enhancement, including US-sourced medical-grade implants when required, to refine the jawline, chin, or midface with natural, long-lasting balance.

Dr De Silva’s Rhinoplasty Method
1
Approach
Dr De Silva performs facelift surgery using a range of established and advanced techniques, selected according to facial anatomy, degree of ageing, and surgical objectives. The focus is on restoring facial structure and balance rather than tightening skin alone.
2
Incisions
Incisions are positioned around the ears and within the hairline to allow access to deeper tissues while remaining discreet and well concealed once healed.
3
Surgical Technique
Facelift surgery involves lifting and repositioning underlying facial tissues to improve the definition of the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Different techniques may be used, including traditional and deep-plane approaches, depending on individual requirements.
4
Adjuncts & Recovery Support
Where appropriate, supportive measures such as tissue glue, regenerative treatments, or skin-enhancing procedures may be combined with facelift surgery to optimise healing and overall results.
The Surgical Experience, Explained

The Surgical Experience, Explained

All facelift surgery exclusively takes place at Dr De Silva’s private Harley Street clinic, under twilight sedation so that patients can return to the comfort of their homes the same day. The procedure length typically lasts 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr De Silva employs advanced imaging technology to simulate potential outcomes, allowing for a collaborative discussion of your goals. This visual tool helps in setting realistic expectations and refining your personalised treatment. He will discuss your medical history, aesthetic goals and create a personalised procedure plan catered to your desired outcome.

Day of Surgery

Dr De Silva will see you before surgery to mark your face. You will then be guided to the operating theatre where he uses a patented Twilight Sedation Anaesthesia, which eliminates the risks and side effects associated with general anaesthesia. Dr De Silva is meticulous and will ensure that he takes the time and care to complete your surgery to allow for invisible scars and minimal downtime. CO2 laser or monopolar electrocautery is used during the procedure to establish meticulous control of bleeding, which is key to preventing both bruising and preserving good vision after surgery.

Follow-up Appointment

Follow-up appointments with Dr De Silva after a facelift in London are crucial for monitoring your recovery, addressing any concerns, and ensuring optimal healing while achieving the best possible results. Dr De Silva will see you 24 hours after surgery to assess the initial stages of healing and then at various intervals throughout the recovery period.

Read Our Surgery Reviews

What Types of Rhinoplasty Does Dr De Silva Offer?

Types of Facelift Surgery Offered by Dr De Silva

While non-surgical treatments offer temporary improvements, a facelift provides a more durable solution to ageing signs, with results that can last for many years. There are a number of different types of facelifts available.

Primary Facelift

For many years, the conventional facelift has been a staple for those who want to look younger. The procedure generally starts with an incision near the temples, going down and encircling the ear, and culminating at the lower scalp. During the aesthetic procedure, the surgeon carefully adjusts the facial skin, addresses and enhances the underlying structures, removes excess skin, and arranges the remaining skin for a rejuvenated appearance.

Signature Vertical Deep Plane

The deep plane facelift is the most advanced technique, providing natural results by repositioning the facial layers to restore volume and address sagging. While this is one of Dr De Silva’s surgical specialities, this type of facelift is performed by less than 5% of facial plastic surgeons due to its complexity and the requirements for deep anatomical expertise.

SMAS Facelift

An SMAS facelift addresses the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) – the thin layer of fibres that covers the face and the neck. This procedure lifts towards the ears and adjusts sagging cheeks and jowls by excising both skin and facial tissue to produce a naturally lifted look. In some cases, fat deposits can be removed for further definition.

Revision Facelift

20-30% of the patients Dr De Silva treats have previously had facelift or neck lift surgery elsewhere and were unsatisfied with the results from their previous surgeon. There can be many reasons for this, including inadequate improvement, recurrence, loose skin and puffiness, short longevity and visible scars.

A Skin-Only Facelift

This procedure involves only lifting the skin, rather than the skin and tissue underneath. A more traditional technique is used when only some skin needs to be excised without disturbing any underlying muscles. A skin-only rhytidectomy is generally performed on younger patients who have not had any advanced ageing set in.

S-Lift, MACS Lift

The S-Lift is named after the ‘S’ shape of its incision. Both the S-Lift and MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) lift are known for their shorter incisions. They are also quicker to perform, with less downtime. These procedures focus on the middle and lower third of the face to erase jowls, wrinkles, and other sagging skin.

One Stitch Facelift

The one-stitch facelift draws inspiration from old Hollywood, where celebrities used tape to pull their skin on the upper face upward. It targets the sideburn area where the skin is pulled and anchored using the patient’s own skin tissues.

Mini Facelift

The mini facelift is similar to the S-lift in that smaller incisions are used. In this case, only the SMAS muscle is altered, for a lift that provides a refreshed look but less dramatic results than more traditional or invasive surgery. This procedure is suitable for those with early facial ageing.

​Endoscopic Facelift

Keyhole surgery uses a telescope to evaluate the soft tissues and muscle layer that underlies the skin, enabling smaller incisions to be used and hidden scars within the hair. This is generally suitable for younger patients with minimal loose skin.

Male Facelift

Male facelift restores a strong jawline, tightens sagging skin, and preserves masculine features, using tailored techniques that avoid feminisation while ensuring discreet scars and natural results.

Choosing a Surgeon

Am I a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

A good candidate for a facelift is someone experiencing facial ageing with symptoms of sagging of the skin and soft tissues of the face, deepening of the nasolabial folds (a line between nose and mouth) and loose skin below the neck with loss of the angle between the chin and neck. The patient should be in good health and a non-smoker with realistic goals of rejuvenating their face. Dr De Silva will discuss your individual case in detail at your consultation to find the best solution for your condition.

What Facelift Surgery Can Treat

As we age, a combination of gravity, skin laxity, and volume loss leads to changes in facial contours. This can result in loose skin around the jawline and neck, visible bands, fine lines, wrinkles, and a more tired appearance as the skin’s natural elasticity diminishes. A rhytidectomy (facelift) addresses these concerns by restoring structure and definition for long-lasting rejuvenation.

Deep Nasolabial lines

A facelift can effectively treat deep nasolabial lines by lifting and repositioning the underlying facial tissues, smoothing these folds, and restoring a more youthful, natural contour to the face.

Deep Nasolabial lines

What to Expect From Facelift Recovery

You may experience bruising, which resolves over one to two weeks, and swelling, of which 80% will diminish within two weeks and continue to disappear. While you will have very little pain, you may experience numbness around the ears and chin, which can take six to 12 months to disappear completely.

It is important to rest and allow your body the time it needs to recover without putting it under extra pressure. You may be provided with a wrap for your face and head that helps with swelling and gently icing the area for ten minutes at a time encourages swelling to dissipate. Sleeping in a reclined or sitting-up position is recommended for five to seven days after surgery. It is also recommended not to do any heavy lifting or strenuous activities for at least two to three weeks after surgery.

A Typical Facelift Recovery Timeline

Every recovery is individual, but with Dr De Silva’s advanced surgical techniques and structured aftercare, healing is designed to be smooth, comfortable, and discreet. For a more detailed overview, see our Facelift Recovery Guide.

Days 1–3
Rest at home with the head elevated; swelling, tightness, and mild bruising are expected. Light movement is encouraged, but strenuous activity should be avoided.
Days 7–10
Dressings and sutures are usually removed. Bruising and swelling begin to settle, and many patients feel comfortable resuming light daily activities.
Week 2
Most patients feel ready to return to work and social engagements, with makeup often used to conceal any remaining bruising.
Weeks 3–4
Gentle exercise may be resumed. Residual swelling continues to improve, and facial contours become more defined.
Month 3
The majority of swelling has resolved, with results appearing more natural and settled.
Months 6–12
Final results continue to refine as deeper tissues fully heal and scars mature.
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Even the Best Facelifts Come With Risks

While facelift surgery is generally safe, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and complications. However, with the extensive experience and advanced knowledge of Dr De Silva, these risks are significantly minimised, ensuring that you’re in expert hands for a safe and successful outcome. Some potential risks include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Poor wound healing
  • Scarring
  • Facial nerve injury
  • Fluid accumulation

It is essential to discuss these risks thoroughly with Dr De Silva during your consultation to make an informed decision about your facelift surgery.

Thinking of Pairing a Facelift With Other Surgery?

Sometimes, Dr De Silva may combine additional surgical procedures with a facelift to enhance results and take a comprehensive approach to facial ageing.

Upper Third of the Face

Upper Third of the Face

Mid Face

Mid Face

  • Volume augmentation of the cheeks
  • Fat-transfer to the mid-face & cheeks
  • Skin resurfacing for lines & deep wrinkles
  • Anti-wrinkle injections for fine lines

Book a Consultation at Our Harley Street Practice

If you’re considering facelift surgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr Julian De Silva. Discover how his expertise can help you achieve the youthful, natural-looking results you desire.

Written by JULIAN DE SILVA, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Written by JULIAN DE SILVA, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Dr. Julian De Silva is a renowned facial cosmetic surgeon at Harley Street, London, specializing in facelift, blepharoplasty, and rhinoplasty. Known for natural-looking results, he has treated top celebrities and uses advanced technology for fast recovery. Dr. De Silva is also a recognized author and educator in aesthetic surgery.

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