Facelift – Regain Your Youth While Maintaining a Natural Look!

The skin and tissues of the face change over the years—collagen levels decrease, the tissues become less elastic, and they sag. Volume is lost in the cheek area, the nasolabial folds become more pronounced, “bulldog cheeks” form, and the neckline loses its firmness. Initially, these changes can be minimized with injections or cosmetic procedures, but over time, these are no longer effective enough. In such cases, a facelift may be the solution. Plastic surgeons ANDA GAILE and NONNA TOMIŠEVA explain when a facelift is an appropriate solution and what to expect after the surgery.

Is this the right time to think about a facelift?

Facial plastic surgery is not limited to a specific age.

Everyone ages differently, and changes in the face are influenced by genetic factors, lifestyle, skincare habits, weight fluctuations, sun exposure, and overall health. That is why signs of aging become noticeable as early as age 40 for some people, while others retain distinctly youthful facial contours even later in life.

Plastic surgeon Anda Gaile emphasizes that the main goal of a facelift is not to create a new face, but rather to restore its natural harmony: «The goal of a facelift is not to transform a person’s face. We strive to restore the position or volume of the tissues to what they were before—to return the tissues to where they were in youth.» The specialist explains that, in the aging process, patients can be divided into two broad groups.

In some people, facial tissues sag downward with age, which is particularly noticeable in the lower third of the face, —the cheeks become more pronounced, so-called «bulldog cheeks” form, and the jawline and neck contours become less defined. For the second group of patients, aging manifests differently—tissue volume decreases over the years. The cheeks become hollower, the face loses its youthful fullness, and takes on a more tired appearance. “In one case, the main problem is tissue sagging; in the other, it is loss of volume.”.

»As a result, surgical techniques may also vary. Sometimes it is enough to lift the tissue and remove excess skin, but in other cases, volume restoration is also necessary," explains the doctor.

She emphasizes that a natural look is particularly important in modern plastic surgery. Patients are less and less likely to want radical changes—much more often, they want to look well-rested, more youthful, and more balanced: «These days, people don’t want to become someone else.”.

»They want to look like themselves, only younger, fresher, and with more defined facial contours." That’s why the first step is always a consultation with a plastic surgeon, during which the patient’s facial anatomy, skin quality, and wishes are assessed. Often, it is precisely this conversation that helps determine what changes are possible and which solution will be most appropriate in a given situation.

Consultation – The Most Important Step Before Surgery

Before deciding on facial plastic surgery, a detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon always takes place. During this consultation, the patient’s facial anatomy, skin quality, and overall health are assessed, and their expectations and the anticipated outcome are discussed. The consultation helps determine what changes can be achieved in the specific situation and which method will be most appropriate.

Plastic surgeon Anda Gaile explains that a mirror is often used during consultations because it helps patients understand the expected results much more clearly.

In front of the mirror, the doctor points out exactly where the facial tissues have sagged, how the facial proportions have changed, and what can be corrected through surgery. In addition, photographs from your younger days are very helpful, as they allow for a more precise analysis of what your facial contours and proportions used to be like and help you understand how they can be restored.

An important part of the consultation is also discussing the patient’s expectations and perceptions. Nowadays, many people get information about cosmetic procedures online and on social media, but it is not always complete or objective.

As the doctor points out, people often get the impression that quick and simple methods can bring about very significant changes, but in reality, every method has its own potential and limitations.

The doctor notes: the less invasive the method, the more modest the results will be; therefore, during the consultation, it is important to discuss what outcome the patient hopes to achieve and which solutions will be most effective in that particular situation. Equally important is mutual trust between the patient and the surgeon, as well as a clear understanding of the surgery’s possibilities, the procedure itself, and the recovery process.

It is precisely this consultation that helps patients make a well-considered and safe decision regarding the next steps in their treatment.

How is a facelift performed?

Facial plastic surgery, or a facelift, can vary in scope—from minor corrections to a complete facelift and neck lift. The type of surgery is selected on an individual basis, taking into account the patient’s facial anatomy, skin quality, signs of aging, and desired outcome.

Plastic surgeon Nonna Tomiševa explains that sometimes a minor correction is sufficient, while in other cases more extensive surgery is required: «When it comes to facial plastic surgery, it can range from a mini-facelift—when a patient wants minor changes and a facial refresh—to a full facelift. During a more extensive procedure, it’s possible to correct not only the face but also the eyelids and the neck area. Each case is unique, so the extent of the surgery is always assessed during a consultation.» During the procedure, sagging facial tissues are repositioned and the deeper tissue layers that form the facial support structure are reinforced. Excess skin may be removed and facial contours restored to give the face a more harmonious and youthful appearance.

In some cases, a facelift can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as eyelid surgery, neck lift, or lipofilling —the transplantation of the patient’s own fat tissue into the facial area to restore lost volume. «Our goal is not to change a person’s face, but rather to restore its natural harmony.”.

During the procedure, we lift the tissues and secure them in such a way that a natural appearance is preserved and the patient can still recognize themselves in the mirror.

»A well-done facelift allows you to look younger without losing your individuality, and you look well-rested," explains the doctor.

RECOMMENDATION!

Before the surgery, arrange for one colleague to take over your urgent work responsibilities and one close friend to help out at home! That way, you’ll be able to focus entirely on making a speedy recovery.

Recovery and Results

After a facelift, the patient usually stays in the hospital for one day, during which the medical staff monitors the patient's overall well-being and the condition of the facial tissues.

Further recovery takes place at home, but this period requires patience and careful adherence to the doctor’s recommendations. There may be some mild discomfort in the first few days after surgery, but most patients report that the pain is not severe.

Plastic surgeon Nonna Tomiševa explains that swelling and bruising are much more common after surgery, which is the body’s normal reaction to the procedure: «The face usually doesn’t hurt, but keep in mind that there may be swelling and bruising after surgery, which lasts for about two to three weeks. This is a completely normal healing process, and the appearance of the face gradually improves with each passing day.» During recovery, patients are usually required to wear a compression cap, which helps stabilize the tissues and reduce swelling. It is usually worn for about two weeks.

During this time, you should also avoid saunas, intense physical activity, and direct sunlight, and you should see your doctor regularly for checkups to monitor the healing process. Most patients can resume their daily activities after about three weeks, once the swelling and bruising have subsided.

However, the final result is not immediately visible—it takes 4–6 months for the tissue to fully heal and for the facial contours to stabilize.

It’s important to remember that a facelift does not stop the aging process. It restores facial tissues to their former position and visually restores a more youthful contour. On average, a person can look 10 to 15 years younger after such a procedure, but the natural aging process continues, the doctor explains.

The specialist emphasizes that the final result also depends largely on the patient’s lifestyle—skin care, a balanced diet, a stable body weight, and healthy daily habits are all important.

With proper self-care, the results of a facelift can last for many years, preserving the face’s youthful appearance and harmonious contours.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR READERS OF “IEVAS SKAISTUMS” MAGAZINE Schedule a consultation for facial plastic surgery during the spring months (April and May), mention the code “Ievas Skaistums,” and receive a 50% discount on the consultation, as well as a 10% discount on facial plastic surgery (provided the surgery is performed by the end of June 2026).

mikrokirurgija.lv Riga, Brīvības gatve 332 Tel. 679 698 30

SIGNS THAT INJECTIONS ARE NO LONGER ENOUGH 

– A sagging jawline

– Pronounced bulldog cheeks 

– Deep nasolabial folds

– Neck skin sagging

– Volume has decreased in the cheek area

WHAT CAN BE CORRECTED WITH A FACELIFT?

– Improve the facial contour 

– Reduce sagging cheeks 

– Firm the skin on the neck 

– Reduce a double chin 

– Reduce deep nasal folds

The magazine ‘Ieva’s Beauty’