Surgical vs Non-Surgical Options
Repositions deeper tissue (SMAS) and removes excess skin for the most significant, long-lasting result. Best for moderate-to-advanced sagging. Performed by a plastic surgeon.
Thread lifts, HIFU and radiofrequency give modest lifting and tightening with little downtime, but cannot match a surgical result. Suited to early or mild sagging.
Types of Surgical Facelift
- Full (SMAS) facelift: Addresses mid-face, jowls and neck — the most comprehensive.
- Mini facelift: Shorter incisions for early jowling; less downtime.
- Neck lift: Targets neck banding and 'turkey neck', often combined with a facelift.
- Deep plane facelift: Releases deeper ligaments for a natural, longer-lasting lift in suitable candidates.
Recovery Timeline
- Weeks 1–2: Swelling and bruising; most take 2 weeks off and avoid public events.
- Weeks 3–6: Bruising resolves; suitable to return to social activities.
- Months 1–6: Final natural result as tissues settle; scars fade over months.
Choosing a Surgeon
A surgical facelift should be performed by an MOH-accredited plastic surgeon in a licensed facility. Review the surgeon's facelift portfolio, ask which technique suits your degree of sagging, and have realistic expectations — a facelift addresses sagging, not skin texture or pigmentation, which need separate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
See who practises in this field: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
Browse plastic surgeons →A surgical facelift at a private hospital typically ranges from S$20,000 to S$40,000+ depending on the extent (mini vs full vs deep plane) and whether a neck lift is included. Non-surgical thread lifts cost roughly S$2,000–S$6,000 but give a more modest, temporary result.
A well-executed surgical facelift typically lasts around 7–10 years, though ageing continues. Non-surgical options like threads last roughly 12–18 months.
For moderate-to-advanced sagging, a surgical facelift gives a far more significant and durable result. Thread lifts and energy-based treatments suit early, mild laxity or those not ready for surgery, accepting a subtler, temporary effect.
No. A facelift is a cosmetic procedure and is not Medisave-claimable or covered by medical insurance.
General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.