One Stitch Facelift

One stitch facelift is a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedure designed to address early signs of ageing in patients below 50. One stitch facelift surgery can produce results that can last up to 5 years. Compared with a full facelift or a mini facelift, A one stitch facelift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure with much shorter incisions and often involves only one stitch to lift areas of facial sagging. The procedure’s popularity has surged due to the lack of visible scarring, reduced risks and minimal downtime compared with traditional facelift surgery.

A one-stitch facelift is designed to rejuvenate the mid-face, which is located just beneath the lower eyelids involves the cheeks and extends down to the upper lip. Many people often develop early signs of ageing, which affects the middle part of the face. Typical signs of ageing in this area include prominent nasolabial folds, sunken cheeks, and loss of volume in the lower eyelids. One stitch facelift can enhance the contour of the cheeks, leading to natural-looking results and increased youthfulness. The procedure is commonly combined with other facial cosmetic surgery procedures, including eyelid surgery, neck lift and fat transfer to the face for even more powerful anti-ageing effects. Patients may have developed lower eyelid entropion from previous surgery, and this may be corrected with a mid-facelift to revert the lower eyelid.

The natural ageing process cannot be reversed with any type of facelift procedure, including a one-stitch facelift. However, skilfully undertaken facelift surgery can reduce the need for more extensive surgery further down the line as we continue to age. A mini or traditional facelift can supplement a one-stitch facelift 10 to 15 years later to maintain the anti-ageing benefits of facial rejuvenation surgery. Compared with a non-surgical facelift using dermal fillers, a one-stitch facelift produces longer-lasting results without needing annual top-up treatments.

One-stitch facelift surgery is an excellent treatment option for people with early signs of ageing affecting the face. Certain factors may exacerbate facial ageing, including poor diet, lack of sleep, smoking, excessive stress and prolonged exposure to the sun. Collagen is a natural protein in the skin that confers elasticity and firmness. With increasing age, the rate of new collagen production begins to decline, which leads to a reduction in skin elasticity, leading to the formation of lines, wrinkles, skin folds and sagging skin. Loose skin can result in the face starting to sag, and patients may develop loss of cheek volume due to atrophy of the fat pads, leading to flattened cheeks, which may appear sunken in severe cases. Other consequences include the development of a tear trough deformity and a prominent skin crease between the upper part of the cheek and the lower eyelid. Nasolabial folds are prominent skin folds which extend from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth and become more obvious with increasing age.

Significant signs of ageing can result in reduced self-confidence, which may lead to lower self-esteem. People often feel self-conscious when in the company of others and may avoid certain social situations. A one-stitch facelift can effectively tackle early signs of ageing for a refreshed and useful look while restoring self-confidence.

RELATED: Facial Skin Ageing Over Time: What to expect at 30, 40, 50

Premature ageing may occur when people make poor lifestyle choices, including smoking tobacco or spending large amounts of time in the sun. Being constantly stressed and going to bed late can also exacerbate signs of ageing affecting the face. A one-stitch facelift can effectively address typical features such as lines, wrinkles or skin sagging affecting the middle part of the face. One-stitch facelift results can be maintained for a longer time if you modify your lifestyle, including stopping smoking. Many people find this procedure highly attractive due to its short incisions and scars, minimal risks and very short downtime, with most patients back to their normal activities the next day.

RELATED: Can I have a mini facelift?

A mini facelift may be a better option than a one-stitch facelift for several reasons:

More comprehensive results

A mini facelift typically provides more extensive and longer-lasting results compared to a one-stitch facelift. While both procedures address early signs of ageing, the mini facelift involves more extensive tissue manipulation and skin tightening, leading to a more noticeable improvement in the lower face and jawline.

Better for moderate sagging

The mini facelift is more suitable for individuals with moderate sagging or laxity in the lower face, as it can provide a more significant lift and tightening effect compared to a one-stitch facelift, which is better suited for very mild sagging.

Longer-lasting results

Mini facelift results tend to last longer than those of a one-stitch facelift. While a one-stitch facelift can provide subtle improvements, the results may last only 1-2 years, whereas a mini facelift can yield results that last between 5-10 years, depending on individual factors.

More predictable outcomes

Mini facelifts are performed by experienced plastic surgeons using well-established surgical techniques. This can result in more predictable and consistent outcomes compared to one-stitch facelifts, which rely on the placement and tension of threads to achieve the desired lift.

Customisable approach

A mini facelift can be more easily customised to address specific concerns or areas of the face, allowing the surgeon to tailor the procedure to the individual patient’s needs.

One stitch facelift, also known as a “lunchtime lift” is an appropriate treatment for patients aged below the age of 50 with early signs of ageing affecting the face. Patients not keen on the idea of more invasive surgery and looking for subtle improvements may find a one-stitch facelift to be the ideal procedure.

Consultant plastic surgeons at Centre for Surgery will take the following factors into account when determining suitability for surgery:

• Patients in good physical and mental health with no chronic medical conditions.
• Early signs of ageing affecting the middle part of the face are present.
• Are keen to explore a less invasive option compared with a full facelift.
• Have realistic expectations of what the procedure can achieve and are committed to following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions in full.
• Below the age of 50

Many younger patients often prefer a one-stitch facelift because it is less surgically invasive than a mini facelift or a full facelift. Both a full facelift and mini facelift involve making incisions in front of and behind the ear extending into the hairline. Only one incision is required for a one-stitch facelift, which is barely noticeable three months after the procedure. Patients below 50 are ideally suited to having a one-stitch facelift, especially if they have early signs of ageing. Mini facelift surgery is suitable for those with moderate features of ageing and those aged above 45. A traditional full facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is designed for much older patients over 55 with extensive signs of facial ageing, often due to smoking and excessive sun exposure. Modern cosmetic treatments undertaken earlier with zero downtime have often reduced or eliminated the need for a full facelift in later life.

Compared with a mini and full facelift, A one-stitch facelift is designed to tackle signs of ageing affecting the middle part of the face, and this is where signs of ageing often first appear. Mini facelift surgery is ideal for treating the lower part of the face to get rid of loose skin and sagging jowls for a better-defined jawline. The beauty of one-stitch facelift surgery involves its ability to be combined with other types of facial treatments, including blepharoplasty, facial fat transfer, neck lift and browlift. Non-surgical treatments can also be combined, including dermal fillers, Morpheus8 and laser resurfacing.

One stitch facelift is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery treatment easily carried out under a local anaesthetic, often combined with tablets sedation. If you prefer, the procedure may be undertaken under a general anaesthetic. In most cases, the procedure takes no more than 45 minutes to carry out, and you can go home once the procedure is complete. Once you are lying comfortably on the operating table, the surgeon will clean and drape the area before carrying out a series of measurements, followed by marking the area. A local anaesthetic will then be injected to numb the areas. An incision will then be made no more than 2 cm in length, followed by gentle mobilisation of the underlying soft tissues of the face. Sagging skin is lifted before being secured with a stitch. The skin is then closed with dissolvable stitches. Any scarring is virtually invisible, and patients can look forward to achieving natural-looking results with little or no downtime. Pain and discomfort are not typically associated with a one-stitch facelift. Bruising and swelling are minor and will resolve fully after one week. It’s important to bear in mind that surgery cannot prevent the natural ageing process from occurring. Many patients choose to combine a one-stitch facelift with fat transfer to the face to enhance areas that have lost volume, including flattened or sunken cheeks.

Facial fat transfer involves removing fat with liposuction from the upper thighs or lower abdomen. This fat is then purified before injected into the cheeks, chin, temples or lips to enhance facial features and restore soft tissue volume. Our surgeons are trained in using nanofat to improve skin quality and optimise the appearance of facial scars. Recovery after a one-stitch facelift is much quicker than a mini or full facelift, with most patients returning to their normal activities the next day.

The cost of a one-stitch facelift will be determined once you have had a face-to-face consultation with a consultant plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery in London. Your patient coordinator will give you a detailed quotation immediately after your consultation, and we recommend reflecting on all aspects of the consultation for the next two weeks.

One stitch facelift prices at Centre for Surgery are considered very competitive compared with other hospitals and clinics in London.

Your treatment includes:

• In-depth consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon
• 0% finance available for eligible applicants
• Your treatment will be carried out at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone
• Your own dedicated patient coordinator to act as a personal point of contact throughout your journey with us at Centre for Surgery
• Our postoperative after-care has been described as outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

RELATED: Finance Options

Centre for Surgery is fully approved to offer finance for one stitch facelift via our specialist finance partner, Chrysalis Finance. You no longer need to use your savings to pay for your treatment – you can apply to spread the cost of your procedure with Chrysalis Finance using their simple 1,2,3 application to pay for your procedure. Don’t wait until you have enough money for your treatment. Apply today and (subject to status) pay for your procedure easily in monthly instalments using one of their payment options. Chrysalis Finance is the only ethical provider focusing solely on providing specialist financing for medical procedures.

There are several alternatives to a one-stitch facelift that can help address early signs of ageing and provide subtle facial rejuvenation. Some of these options include:

Mini facelift

A mini facelift is a less invasive surgical procedure that targets the lower half of the face, focusing on areas such as the cheeks, jawline, and jowls. It involves smaller incisions and less extensive dissection compared to a traditional facelift, resulting in a shorter recovery time and reduced scarring.

Dermal fillers

Injectable fillers can add volume and lift to specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, temples, or nasolabial folds, providing a non-surgical alternative to a one-stitch facelift.

Wrinkle relaxing injections

This injectable treatment can help relax facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and providing a subtle lift in certain areas of the face.

Morpheus8

This non-invasive procedure uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production, tightening and lifting the skin over time. Morpheus8 can be an alternative to a one-stitch facelift for patients who prefer a non-surgical approach.