A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to address the structural changes associated with facial ageing. Rather than simply tightening the skin, modern facelift surgery can reposition and support the deeper facial tissues while carefully redraping excess skin. The aim is to restore definition to the cheeks, lower face, jawline and, where appropriate, the neck.

A facelift is a broad term covering a number of different surgical techniques. A Deep Plane Facelift works within deeper anatomical tissue planes and is designed to reposition the underlying facial structures.The MAERCKS Lift™ is a composite deep-plane facelift that places particular emphasis on deep structural and ligamentous support rather than relying primarily on tension through the skin.

The MAERCKS Lift™ is Dr Rian A. Maercks' approach to composite deep-plane facelift surgery. It is centred around restoring the deeper architecture of the face and using structural support to reposition descended tissues.Its philosophy is captured by Structure Over Stretch™ — restoring the supporting structures of the face rather than simply pulling the surface tighter.

A facelift can significantly improve the appearance of jowling by repositioning the underlying facial tissues and restoring definition along the lower face and jawline.However, jowling does not always originate solely at the jawline. Changes in the midface can contribute to lower-face heaviness, which is why Dr Rian assesses the cheek, midface and lower face together when planning treatment.

A facelift can improve definition along the jawline by addressing the underlying tissues that have descended with age.The objective is not simply to pull the skin backwards. By restoring the deeper facial architecture, the jawline can appear cleaner and more defined while maintaining a natural facial appearance.

The aim is to make you look refreshed rather than different.The MAERCKS philosophy is based on restoration rather than reinvention. The objective is to preserve your facial identity, expression and individual characteristics while addressing the structural changes associated with ageing.

The goal is for the result to look natural rather than obviously surgical.Dr Rian's approach focuses on restoring deeper facial structures rather than relying primarily on skin tension. The philosophy is Subtle But Profound™ — a meaningful improvement that does not need to announce itself as surgery.

Yes. The midface is an important part of comprehensive facial rejuvenation.As the cheek descends with age, the central face can become heavier and this can contribute to jowling and loss of jawline definition. A deep-plane approach can address the deeper tissues of the cheek and midface as part of the overall facial restoration.

Not necessarily. The MAERCKS approach considers facial ageing as a change in the position and relationship of the facial tissues, rather than simply an excess of volume that needs to be removed.The aim can be to reposition descended tissue and restore more youthful facial proportions.

KEDGE Suspension™ is the ligament-based suspension concept at the centre of the MAERCKS Lift™.The principle is to use deeper structural support to restore the facial architecture rather than making the skin carry the tension of the facelift.

Facelift surgery can address aspects of ageing in the upper neck, depending on your individual anatomy and treatment plan.For patients requiring more comprehensive facial and neck restoration, additional procedures may be considered to address the lateral and central neck.

The duration of facelift surgery varies depending on the technique used and whether additional procedures are performed. Your individual surgical plan and expected operating time will be discussed during your consultation.

Recovery varies between individuals and depends on the extent and type of surgery performed.Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions covering wound care, activity, swelling, bruising and returning to work and social activities. Your recovery timeline will be discussed as part of your individual treatment plan.

Facelift surgery is performed with appropriate anaesthesia and pain management. Some swelling, tightness and discomfort can be expected during the recovery period.Your surgeon will discuss the approach to anaesthesia, pain management and recovery with you before surgery.

The MAERCKS approach includes a wide-awake facelift pathway for appropriately selected patients, using local anaesthesia rather than traditional general anaesthesia.Whether this approach is appropriate depends on the individual patient and their surgical plan and will be discussed during consultation.

A facelift does not stop the natural ageing process. Your face will continue to change over time, but the structural improvements created by surgery are intended to be long-lasting.The longevity of your result will depend on factors including your individual anatomy and the natural ageing process.

There is no single age at which everyone should have a facelift.Facelift surgery is considered according to the individual's facial anatomy, degree of tissue descent, skin laxity, overall health and personal goals rather than age alone.

Previous facial surgery does not necessarily prevent you from having a facelift, although revision surgery can be more complex.Patients who have previously undergone facelift surgery may have altered tissue planes, scarring, recurrent laxity or changes to the ears and hairline. These factors need to be carefully assessed during consultation.

Yes, where appropriate. Facial ageing affects multiple interconnected areas, so some patients may benefit from combining facelift surgery with procedures addressing the eyes, brow, chin or neck.Any additional procedure should be recommended based on your individual anatomy and treatment goals rather than as a standard package.

There is no single facelift technique that is right for every patient.During your consultation, Dr Rian will assess your facial structure, the areas of ageing you would like to address and your desired outcome before recommending the most appropriate surgical approach.

The central distinction is where the restorative support comes from.The MAERCKS philosophy focuses on restoring the deeper facial architecture and ligamentous support rather than relying primarily on lateral skin tension.Depth is not the destination. Support is.

The best way to determine whether facelift surgery is appropriate is through an individual consultation.Your facial anatomy, degree of tissue descent, skin quality, previous procedures, expectations and overall health will all be considered when developing your treatment plan.Book a Private Facelift Consultation