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The first signs of ageing often appear on the face, especially around the cheeks, jawline and neck. A facelift (rhytidectomy) repositions and tightens the deeper facial tissues and the overlying skin to create a smoother, more refreshed look in the mid and lower face.
Meet Mr Tariq Ahmad Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
This content has been medically reviewed by Mr Tariq Ahmad
Want to address facial ageing without the risk of looking “pulled” or artificial? At Cambridge Clear Beauty, we specialise in natural-looking facial rejuvenation that reduces sagging and restores facial contours. Mr Ahmad and his team provide personalised care, comprehensive consultations, and use advanced SMAS techniques to achieve your unique goals.
See the transformative results achieved by Mr Ahmad’s patients.
All images show actual patient outcomes.
The above pictures are authentic and unedited photos of Mr Ahmad’s patients
A facelift helps you to regain confidence, look better, and feel better. If you’re interested in viewing additional before and after results and having Mr Ahmad assess your specific case while presenting similar examples, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation.
As we age, the smile lines deepen, jowls become more pronounced, wrinkles increase, and the skin gradually loses its firmness. Sun exposure, environmental factors (eg smoking), gravity, genetics and changes in facial volume can also accelerate these effects.
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses the visible signs of facial ageing. It involves tightening the deeper facial structures, including the ‘SMAS’, a layer under the skin that in some parts of the face is inelastic, so that when hitched or tightened, the outcome is longer lasting. Loose or wrinkled skin can be improved, areas of excess fat or heaviness in the lower face refined. By repositioning these underlying tissues, a facelift can lift sagging cheeks, soften deep nasolabial folds, and create a more defined, youthful jawline.
While the procedure primarily focuses on rejuvenating the mid and lower face, many patients choose to combine it with associated complementary treatments such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or liposuction to achieve a more harmonious and balanced overall result.
A facelift offers several benefits for those seeking to address signs of facial ageing. Benefits include:
You may be a suitable candidate for facelift surgery if you’re noticing signs of ageing such as sagging skin, deep folds, jowls, or a loss of definition in the face and neck. Ideal candidates should also be in good general health, do not smoke (or are willing to not smoke before surgery), and have realistic expectations about what a facelift can achieve.
Mr Ahmad is a leading consultant plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in medical aesthetics. He works as a consultant in the NHS and is both the leading surgeon and director for Cambridge Clear Beauty.
Renowned for his artistic eye, technical precision and compassionate approach, he has also received numerous awards throughout his professional career. His commitment to patient care is reflected in his attention to detail, his dedication to safety, and the longstanding trust he has built with patients seeking plastic reconstructive and medical aesthetic surgery.
MA (Oxon) MBBChir (Cantab) FRCS FRCSEd FRCS (Plast)
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
25+ Years Experience
Specialising in facial rejuvenation
100+ Procedures
Successfully performed plastic and non-surgical procedures
From your first enquiry to full recovery, we’re with you every step of the way.
During your consultation with Mr Ahmad, he will take the time to understand your concerns, assess your facial structure and discuss the changes you would like to achieve. This individualised approach ensures that your treatment plan is tailored specifically to your needs.
A second complimentary consultation is offered after you have had time to reflect on the information provided. This follow-up appointment allows you to revisit any questions from your initial discussion and review any provided information before deciding whether to proceed.
Recovery from facelift surgery usually takes around 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure. In the early days, it is normal to experience swelling, a feeling of tightness and some bruising around the cheeks and jawline. These effects gradually improve over the first couple of weeks.
Throughout your recovery, you will attend scheduled follow-up appointments to closely monitor your progress. A team member will also contact you after your procedure to provide ongoing guidance and address any concerns.
Support continues until healing has been completed and the final outcome is balanced and established. Where appropriate, ancillary supplementary treatments such as manual lymphatic drainage or nutrition advice may be provided to optimise the healing process.
You will notice an improvement in your facial contours immediately after surgery, although this early result will be affected by swelling and bruising. These temporary effects are expected and typically resolve over the first 2 to 3 weeks as the healing process progresses.
By around six weeks, the tissues continue to soften and relax. Most patients see their final result between four and six weeks, though subtle refinements can continue for several months as the deeper layers fully settle.
While facelift surgery is generally safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the specific risks vary depending on the type of facelift, the extent of the procedure, and your individual health. Potential risks and complications may include:
Mr Ahmad will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision about your treatment.
Understanding what to expect during your recovery will help you plan ahead and ensure the best possible results.
First Week
Get plenty of rest during the first few days. Expect a follow-up appointment sometime during the week. Swelling and bruising typically peak and begin to resolve by the week’s end. Most patients no longer need prescription pain meds by days 4-6.
Week 2
Expect lingering bruising and swelling in the lower face. Numbness, tingling, and a sensation of tightness are all normal. By the end of the second week, many patients feel well enough to resume normal day-to-day activities.
Weeks 3 to 4
Facelift patients can return to non-strenuous jobs at the beginning of week 6. Some signs of surgery likely will remain but often can be camouflaged with makeup. As swelling decreases, you should begin to see your results. You can gradually resume exercising during this time.
30 Days and Beyond
By now, most signs of facelift surgery have faded and there are no restrictions on physical activities. Most patients feel comfortable attending social events, work conferences, and so on. For important events, such as weddings or class reunions, we recommend planning your surgery 2 or more months before the date of the event.
Please note
Recovery times vary between individuals. Mr Ahmad and the team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your specific procedure.
When it comes to facial rejuvenation surgery, choosing the right clinic and surgeon is essential. Here’s why patients trust us.
Mr Ahmad brings over 25 years of experience in facial surgery and medical aesthetic procedures. His extensive surgical background, combined with advanced training and a deep understanding of facial anatomy, allows him to deliver high-quality facelift procedures using modern, refined techniques.
Every patient receives a fully personalised treatment plan, created after careful assessment and honest discussion about their goals, concerns and expectations. Mr Ahmad’s approach is transparent and informative, ensuring you understand your options and feel empowered in your decision-making. Many patients speak highly of their experience, and the clinic’s testimonials reflect the trust and confidence placed in Mr Ahmad and his team.
At Cambridge Clear Beauty, you will be listened to without judgement and supported throughout every stage of your journey. From your initial consultation to your final follow-up, the team is dedicated to ensuring you feel safe, respected and fully informed.
We provide complimentary Skinaid drinks for 45 days before your procedure, helping you to prepare for surgery.
We provide ongoing support including complimentary lymphatic drainage massage after surgery, follow-up appointments, and dedicated care to ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results.
With a 4.9/5 patient rating and over 179 verified reviews, our results speak for themselves.
The cost of facelift surgery varies depending on several factors, including the type of facelift performed, the complexity of your procedure, whether it is combined with treatments such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery, and the length of your hospital stay. A detailed quotation will be provided after your consultation.
Finance Options Available
We offer flexible finance options to help make your procedure more affordable. Speak to our team during your consultation to discuss payment plans tailored to your budget.
Find answers to common questions about facelift surgery. For more specific enquiries, please contact us.
The results of a facelift are long-lasting, with many patients maintaining a more youthful facial contour for 10 to 15 years. While the procedure does not halt the natural ageing process, it significantly rejuvenates the facial structures, meaning patients typically continue to appear more youthful than they otherwise would as ageing progresses.
A facelift addresses both the deeper facial structures and the overlying skin. During the procedure, the SMAS layer (the supportive tissue beneath the skin) is carefully lifted and tightened to restore facial definition. The skin is then repositioned, with any excess gently removed. This layered approach creates natural, long-lasting rejuvenation without a pulled or overstretched appearance.
Most patients require approximately two to three weeks to recover from facelift surgery. Swelling, bruising and tightness are expected during the initial phase and steadily improve over this period. Many people feel able to resume work and social activities after about three weeks, although the final result continues to refine for several months as tissues settle fully.
A facelift is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Discreet incisions are placed around the ear and, in some cases, within the hairline. Through these incisions, the deeper facial layers are repositioned and tightened, and the skin is carefully redraped with excess removed. The procedure is completed with fine sutures and appropriate dressings.
A facelift improves visible signs of facial ageing by lifting sagging tissues, reducing jowls, softening deep folds and restoring definition to the mid and lower face. When combined with a neck lift, it can also improve neck contour. The goal of surgery is to create a rejuvenated and refined appearance while maintaining your natural facial character.
We generally recommend allowing at least six weeks between your procedure and any important event, such as a wedding, special celebration, or planned holiday. This gives your body sufficient time to heal and allows swelling or bruising to settle, so you can feel confident and comfortable.
If you are planning to travel, particularly long-haul or overseas, we also advise waiting a minimum of six weeks before flying. This helps ensure a smooth recovery and reduces the chance of travel disruption should you require any additional post-operative care. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate timing for your procedure during your consultation to help you plan ahead with confidence.
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