A modern facelift doesn’t “stretch the skin” — it repositions deep tissues that descended over the years. The difference between a great and a poor result lies in technique: working the SMAS or deep plane, not just the skin envelope.

Quick essentials

  • Three technical levels: mini-lift, SMAS and deep plane. Each suits a different age/laxity grade.
  • Result lasts 10–15 years with a properly performed deep-plane facelift.
  • Frequently combined with blepharoplasty and facial fat grafting.
  • Pricing in Medellín: USD 4,400 – 7,800 depending on technique.

Why does the face age?

Three factors act simultaneously:

  1. Bone loss: facial skeleton resorbs, especially cheekbones and jaw.
  2. Fat atrophy: facial fat compartments empty and descend.
  3. Skin laxity: skin loses elasticity and accumulates along jawline and neck.

A modern facelift addresses all three. Pure skin-pulling techniques are obsolete — they look unnatural and don’t last.

Technical levels

Mini-lift (limited facelift)

Pre-auricular scar only, work limited to the jaw-neck area. Indicated for patients 40–50 with early laxity. Modest result, lasts 5–7 years.

SMAS facelift (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System)

Pre- and retro-auricular scars, dissection and repositioning of the SMAS layer. Indicated for patients 50–60 with moderate laxity. Harmonious result lasting 8–12 years. Most-requested technique in Medellín.

Deep-plane facelift

Dissection between SMAS and deep facial muscle plane. Repositions deep fat compartments. Indicated for patients 55+ with advanced laxity and cases seeking maximum durability. Result lasts 10–15 years. Same scar as SMAS.

Common combined procedures

We rarely perform a facelift alone. Common combinations:

  • Upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelids age differently from the rest of the face).
  • Facial fat grafting to cheeks and grooves to restore lost volume.
  • Necklift (platysmaplasty) if neck bands are visible.
  • Brow lift in selected cases.

What age should I get a facelift?

There’s no magic age. Indication depends on laxity grade, not birth year. Some patients benefit at 48 (genetic predisposition to early laxity); others wait until 65. Consultation with digital facial analysis decides case by case.

2026 facelift pricing in Medellín

  • Mini-lift: USD 3,200 – 4,500.
  • SMAS facelift: USD 4,400 – 6,000.
  • Deep plane: USD 5,400 – 7,800.
  • Full facelift + 4-lid blepharoplasty: USD 6,800 – 9,800.

Realistic recovery timeline

  • Days 1–7: marked bruising and swelling. Compression dressing. Mild-to-moderate pain.
  • Day 10: suture removal. Swelling and bruising start to subside.
  • Week 3: social life feasible with makeup.
  • Month 1: back to work and full social activity.
  • Month 3: 90% of result visible. Skin “settles”.
  • Month 6: definitive result. Scars barely visible.

Risks to know

  • Facial nerve injury: < 1% with experienced surgeons, almost always transient.
  • Hematoma: 2–5%, requires immediate surgical drainage.
  • Visible scars: rare with proper care protocol.
  • Mild asymmetry: almost inevitable since no face is 100% symmetric.

For international patients

Recommended stay in Medellín: 14–18 days for facelift. We coordinate airport pickup, partner-hotel rates and remote follow-ups.

Questions about your case? Digital facial analysis in consultation. Schedule your consultation →