Facial Aging and the Case for Surgery
Non-surgical treatments — fillers, botulinum toxin, lasers — can address early signs of facial aging effectively. But there comes a point where surgery is the only option that produces meaningful, lasting improvement. Sagging jowls, deep nasolabial folds, loose neck skin, and significant volume loss require surgical correction. At Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, the facelift programme combines modern surgical technique with the hospital's deep reconstructive expertise to deliver natural, durable results.
Types of Facelift Performed at Ninth Hospital
SMAS Facelift
The gold standard in facelift surgery. The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) is the fibromuscular layer beneath the skin of the face. A true SMAS facelift addresses this deeper layer rather than simply pulling the skin — producing results that look natural and last significantly longer than skin-only techniques. Ninth Hospital's surgeons routinely perform SMAS facelifts for patients with moderate to significant facial laxity.
Deep Plane Facelift
A more advanced technique that releases and repositions the deeper facial tissues, including the malar fat pad. Produces the most comprehensive rejuvenation, particularly in the midface and nasolabial fold area. Recommended for patients with significant aging changes who want the most durable result possible.
Mini Facelift
A less extensive procedure using shorter incisions, suitable for patients with early to moderate jowling and neck laxity. Recovery is faster than a full facelift, but the results are less comprehensive and may not last as long. Best suited to patients in their 40s and early 50s with relatively mild changes.
Neck Lift
Addresses loose neck skin, platysmal banding (the vertical cords that appear in the neck with age), and submental fat. Often performed in combination with a facelift for comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation.
Combining Procedures
Facelift surgery is frequently combined with other procedures for a more complete result:
- Upper and lower blepharoplasty — addresses eyelid aging simultaneously
- Fat grafting — restores volume lost to aging, particularly in the cheeks and temples
- Brow lift — corrects brow descent that contributes to a tired appearance
- Laser resurfacing — improves skin texture and fine lines not addressed by lifting alone
Combining procedures in a single anaesthetic session is efficient and reduces overall recovery time. Your surgeon will advise on what combinations are safe and appropriate for your situation.
What Makes Ninth Hospital's Approach Different
Many cosmetic clinics in China offer facelifts, but few have the reconstructive background that Ninth Hospital brings to the procedure. Facelift surgery involves working around the facial nerve — the nerve that controls facial movement. Injury to this nerve can cause temporary or permanent weakness. Surgeons trained in reconstructive surgery have an intimate understanding of facial nerve anatomy that reduces this risk.
The hospital also has access to advanced imaging and intraoperative nerve monitoring for complex cases, resources that private cosmetic clinics typically do not have.
Costs
- Mini facelift: ¥30,000 – ¥50,000 (approx. USD 4,200 – 7,000)
- SMAS facelift: ¥50,000 – ¥80,000 (approx. USD 7,000 – 11,000)
- Deep plane facelift: ¥70,000 – ¥110,000
- Neck lift (standalone): ¥25,000 – ¥45,000
- Combined facelift + blepharoplasty: ¥70,000 – ¥120,000
Recovery
- Days 1–3: Dressings in place, significant swelling and bruising. Rest essential.
- Days 5–7: Drains removed (if used), dressings changed. Most patients feel more comfortable.
- Weeks 2–3: Bruising fades. Swelling still present but manageable. Many patients feel comfortable in public.
- Weeks 4–6: Return to most normal activities. Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Months 3–6: Final result visible as residual swelling resolves and tissues settle.
Realistic Expectations
A facelift turns back the clock — it does not stop it. Most patients can expect results to last 7–10 years before significant re-aging occurs. The procedure addresses laxity and sagging but does not improve skin texture, pigmentation, or fine lines — these require separate treatments. Your surgeon will give you an honest assessment of what surgery can and cannot achieve for your specific situation.
For patients seeking genuine, lasting facial rejuvenation, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital offers facelift expertise grounded in reconstructive surgery principles — producing natural results that stand the test of time.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Costs and availability are subject to change. Always consult a qualified surgeon before making decisions about surgery.
Contact Us
For help arranging a facelift consultation at Shanghai Ninth Hospital, email wuguopeng1989@gmail.com.