Most Common Facial Surgery Procedures and What They Treat

Key Takeaways

• The most common facial surgeries in the UK include rhinoplasty, facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift and chin surgery.
• These popular cosmetic surgery procedures mainly treat ageing signs, drooping skin, puffiness, nose shape concerns and weak jawline or chin definition.
• At Sunion Health on Harley Street, facial plastic surgery is tailored to individual anatomy, with free consultations and structured aftercare.
• Good candidacy, realistic expectations and choosing an accredited London clinic are crucial for safe, natural-looking results.
• Many procedures can be combined for comprehensive facial rejuvenation in a single operation, this will be subject to the patient’s health.

Introduction: Facial Surgery in the UK Today

Cosmetic surgery focused on the face continues to grow in the UK, with 2024 recording a 5% increase in surgical procedures and strong demand for natural-looking rejuvenation. In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity and technological advancements in cosmetic surgery procedures, reflecting evolving societal acceptance. This article from Sunion Health in Central London focuses on the most common facial surgery procedures and what specific concerns each one treats. Sunion Health use some of the most cutting edge technology in facial surgery.

The information here is educational and does not replace a personalised consultation with a GMC-registered consultant plastic surgeon. Many patients benefit from combining procedures, for example a facelift with a neck lift or eyelid surgery, to achieve more comprehensive results.

As skin ages over time, it naturally loses elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging, which increases the demand for facial rejuvenation procedures.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping Surgery)

Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, remains one of the most requested facial surgeries in London and across the UK. This surgical procedure reshapes nasal bones, cartilage and soft tissues to improve both appearance and, in some cases, breathing function.

What rhinoplasty commonly treats:

• Dorsal hump (nose bump on the bridge)
• Wide nasal bridge
• Bulbous or drooping tip
• Crooked nose after injury
• Wide or flared nostrils
• Breathing difficulties linked to a deviated septum

Aesthetic and functional rhinoplasty can sometimes be combined in a single operation. The open approach uses a small incision on the columella for better visibility, while closed rhinoplasty uses internal incisions with no external scars.

Surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and takes 1.5 to 3 hours. Most patients return to desk work within 1 to 2 weeks as initial swelling and bruising settle.

Patients can realistically expect improved profile harmony, frontal symmetry and overall facial balance. The goal is subtle refinement rather than dramatic change maintaining an enhanced but natural look. Pricing in London varies depending on complexity, and Sunion Health offers transparent quotes after assessment.

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A facelift is surgery to lift and tighten sagging facial tissues rather than simply pulling the skin. Modern techniques address the underlying tissues and muscle layers for longer lasting, more natural results.

What a facelift treats:

• Jowls along the jawline
• Deep nasolabial folds
• Loss of jawline definition
• Mid-face sagging and drooping skin

Contemporary facelifts target the SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), which provides around 12 years of improvement on average. The procedure mainly addresses the lower two-thirds of the face and is often combined with a neck lift or blepharoplasty.

Ideal candidates are typically in their 40s to 70s, in good health, and bothered by sagging rather than fine lines alone. Surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia over 2 to 4 hours, with bruising and swelling expected for the first couple of weeks.

Scars are placed around the ear and hairline, and skilled surgeons use careful technique to keep them discreet. At Sunion Health, facelift planning and other facial plastic surgery options include pre-operative photography and discussion of realistic longevity, often around a decade depending on lifestyle and genetics. Sunion Health will provide aftercare guidance to get the most out of your facelift.

Neck Lift (Lower Face and Neck Rejuvenation)

A neck lift is often performed together with a facelift but can be a standalone cosmetic procedure for patients whose main concern is the neck area.

What a neck lift treats:

• “Turkey neck” platysma muscle bands
• Loose skin and excess tissue on the neck
• Excess fat under the chin
• Poorly defined jawline

Surgery may involve tightening the underlying platysma muscle, fat removal through liposuction, and trimming extra skin for a smoother contour. Small incisions are placed around the ear and sometimes under the chin for discrete placement.

A neck lift suits moderate to severe laxity. For mild fullness in younger patients, submental liposuction or non-surgical devices may be appropriate. Recovery involves wearing a supportive garment initially, with most patients resuming desk work in around 10 to 14 days.

Sunion Health surgeons focus on a natural transition between face and neck to avoid an over-tightened appearance, reflecting the clinic’s broad expertise in cosmetic and plastic surgery in London.

Blepharoplasty (Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery)

Eyelid surgery is one of the most popular procedures for both women and more men seeking facial rejuvenation. In 2024, blepharoplasty ranked third among all cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK with over 3,100 cases.

Incisions for upper lids are placed in the crease line; for lower lids, just below the lash line or inside the eyelid. Scars are usually subtle once healed. Surgery takes 1 to 2 hours under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, with swelling and bruising lasting one to two weeks.

The result is brighter, less tired-looking eyes rather than a change in eye shape when performed conservatively. At Sunion Health, eyelid surgery is often combined with dermal fillers or a brow lift for full upper face rejuvenation, delivered within an award-winning cosmetic and plastic surgery clinic.

Brow Lift (Forehead and Eyebrow Lift)

The brow and forehead area ages alongside the eyelids, and drooping brows can exaggerate upper eyelid hooding, creating a tired or stern expression.

What a brow lift treats:

• Low or asymmetric eyebrows
• Deep horizontal forehead lines and wrinkles
• Frown lines between the brows
• Perpetually tired or stern appearance

The main approaches include endoscopic brow lift using small incisions behind the hairline, or more traditional open techniques. The aim is restoring the brow to a natural, youthful position rather than an unnaturally arched look.

Some patients considering upper blepharoplasty may benefit more from, or in addition to, a brow lift. This is assessed during consultation. Recovery involves bruising around the forehead and upper eyelids, temporary numbness, and gradual improvement over several weeks.

Sunion Health surgeons discuss non-surgical options like injectables for mild descent versus surgery for more advanced drooping brows as part of the wider cosmetic and plastic surgery services in London they provide.

Chin Surgery and Jawline Contouring (Genioplasty and Implants)

The chin and jawline are crucial for overall facial balance when viewed from both front and side. A weak chin can make the nose appear larger and affect profile harmony.

What chin surgery treats:

• Weak or recessed chin
• Lack of jawline definition
• Imbalance between nose, lips and chin profile

The main options include chin implants using pre-shaped silicone or similar biocompatible materials, sliding genioplasty that repositions bone, and fat grafting to contour the jawline. These procedures are often combined with rhinoplasty or vaser liposuction of the neck to harmonise the lower face.

Surgery is performed under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia, typically lasting around one hour. Most patients return to non-strenuous work in about one week, with swelling settling over several weeks. Implant materials are designed for long-term placement.

At Sunion Health, 3D imaging or careful profile photography may be used to plan proportions before recommending chin augmentation.

Non-surgical Treatments That Complement Facial Surgery

While this article focuses on surgery, non-surgical treatments at Sunion Health often support or maintain surgical results.

Common options include:

• Dermal fillers to restore mid-face volume and fill lines
• Anti-wrinkle injections for dynamic wrinkles
• Skin boosters for hydration and texture
• Laser or light-based treatments for pigmentation

These treatments can be used before surgery as a “test” of volume changes or after surgery to refine and maintain results. Non-surgical options are not a substitute for lifting operations when there is significant sagging skin, but they are ideal for early signs of ageing and fine-tuning.

Sunion Health offers tailored treatment plans combining surgical and non-surgical approaches over time to help patients achieve their desired look.

Choosing a Facial Surgeon and What to Expect at Sunion Health

Choosing a fully accredited, experienced facial surgeon is essential, particularly in a hub like Harley Street where concentration of specialists is high, and patients benefit from understanding how to choose the right cosmetic surgeon.

Key safety checks for patients:

• GMC-registered
• Specialist training in plastic surgery or relevant specialty
• Membership of recognised UK professional bodies (BAAPS, BAPRAS)
• Operating in CQC-regulated facilities

At a Sunion Health consultation, patients discuss their concerns, medical history, and undergo examination with clinical photography. The surgeon reviews realistic options including potential risks to ensure patients have appropriate expectations.

The clinic offers free initial consultations, transparent pricing, and finance options via partners such as Kandoo Finance. Located in Central London, Sunion Health provides both day case and overnight care depending on the procedure as an award-winning plastic surgery clinic. Comprehensive aftercare is part of every surgical package, including follow-up appointments and access to the clinical team during recovery.

Whether addressing thighs, body contouring or facial concerns, the same commitment to patient safety applies. For conditions like gynecomastia surgery or breast reduction involving glandular tissue and fat cells, the same rigorous approach to candidacy and aftercare is followed.

FAQ

How do I know if I am a good candidate for facial surgery?

Good candidates are generally healthy adults, non-smokers or willing to stop, with stable weight and realistic expectations. The right surgeon will assess whether you seek subtle, natural-looking improvements rather than perfection. Self esteem benefits most when expectations align with achievable outcomes.

What is the typical recovery time for common facial procedures?

Most patients return to desk work in 7 to 14 days after rhinoplasty or blepharoplasty. Facelift and neck lift recovery requires 2 to 3 weeks of social downtime. Final results develop over several months as swelling settles and the face achieves a smoother appearance.

Can multiple facial procedures be done at the same time?

Combining procedures like facelift with neck lift or eyelid surgery is common and can reduce overall recovery time. Suitability depends on health status and the surgical plan discussed at Sunion Health during your consultation. The Sunion Health Team have worked with many patients who have had multiple facial procedures. It is important that the Sunion Health’s patients have a clear understanding of every step of the way.

Are the results of facial surgery permanent?

Surgery permanently removes or repositions excess tissue, but the face continues to age naturally. Results are long-lasting but not immune to future ageing, lifestyle factors and sun exposure. Many patients enjoy their desired results for a decade or more.

How much do facial surgery procedures cost at a Harley Street clinic?

Costs vary by procedure and complexity. Most surgical facial procedures in London range from several thousand pounds upward. Sunion Health provides itemised quotes and finance options after consultation, ensuring transparent pricing before any treatment is performed.