Facelift Surgery in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is a facelift?
A facelift, known medically as a rhytidectomy, is an operation that repositions the layer of tissue beneath the skin of the lower face, then redrapes the skin over it and trims the excess. The deeper layer is called the SMAS, a sheet of fibrous tissue and muscle that holds the cheeks and jowls in place. Lifting and securing the SMAS, rather than pulling on the skin alone, is what gives a firmer and more natural result than a skin-only lift, because the skin sits over a supported foundation instead of carrying the tension itself.
The incisions usually run within the hairline at the temple, in the natural crease in front of the ear and around behind it, so the scars follow lines the eye tends to pass over. A facelift works on the jowls, the jawline and the deep folds between the nose and mouth. The forehead and eyelids are separate areas, treated with procedures such as eyelid surgery, and loose skin and bands lower down the neck are the focus of a neck lift. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah performs facelift surgery within its Plastic Surgery department.
Who needs it
A facelift suits adults in good general health who want to address loose skin and sagging along the jaw and lower face, who are non-smokers or willing to stop, and whose goals match what surgery on the lower face can achieve. Good skin elasticity and a stable body weight both support a lasting result.
Your first appointment is a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Hamid Esmaeil, Specialist General & Cosmetic Surgeon. He examines the skin, the position of the cheeks and jowls and the angle of the jaw, and explains which approach fits your face. Early laxity often responds well to skin tightening treatments, and a combined face and neck operation suits people whose neck has changed along with the jawline. You take time to decide, and a second visit to confirm the plan is common before a date is booked.
What happens
On the day of surgery you are admitted to Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, where the anaesthetist reviews your health and explains the anaesthesia planned for you. A facelift is usually performed under general anaesthesia, or under local anaesthesia with sedation for a more limited lift. The surgeon marks the incision lines on your face while you are sitting up, because the pull of gravity shows the direction of lift more clearly than when lying down.
Through the incisions the surgeon lifts the skin, then tightens and repositions the SMAS layer upward and backward, securing it with stitches. The skin is redraped over the lifted foundation, the excess is trimmed, and the incisions are closed with fine stitches. A small drain may be placed behind the ear for the first day, and a soft dressing supports the face. Many patients stay overnight so the nursing team can check the face, the dressing and comfort before going home.
Preparing for it
Stopping smoking and nicotine products well before surgery is one of the most important steps, because nicotine narrows the small blood vessels that feed the lifted skin. Pre-operative blood tests, and a heart tracing where your age or health calls for one, are carried out at the hospital. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines and supplements to pause, since some thin the blood. Do not stop any prescribed medicine without advice from your doctor.
Bring a few photographs of yourself from ten or fifteen years ago, which help the surgeon see how your face has changed and plan a natural lift. Arrange for someone to drive you home and to help at home for the first days. Many patients in the UAE schedule surgery in the cooler months and away from Ramadan fasting, weddings, Eid gatherings and travel, so that the early recovery falls in a quiet period.
Afterwards
Swelling and bruising are expected in the early weeks, and the face continues to settle over the following months as the tissues soften into their new position. Keep your head raised on pillows when resting, avoid bending and heavy lifting at first, and follow the wound-care instructions you are given. Follow-up visits at Dar Al Kamal Hospital check the incisions, remove the stitches at the right time and track your healing.
In Sharjah's heat, stay cool and well hydrated, keep the healing scars out of direct sun, and protect them with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat once they have closed. Desk-based work usually resumes sooner than roles that involve heavy lifting or long hours outdoors, and your surgeon gives you a timeline for your own recovery.
Contact the hospital promptly if one side of the face swells rapidly or becomes very painful, if a wound leaks pus or the skin turns dark, or if you develop a fever. If you have difficulty breathing or chest pain, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
Cost and insurance
A facelift for cosmetic reasons is usually excluded from health insurance in the UAE and is self-funded. The cost depends on the extent of the lift, whether it is combined with a neck lift or eyelid surgery, the anaesthesia and the length of stay. A full breakdown is given at your consultation, and you can call Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah on 06 599 7777 with questions about fees and payment.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Is facelift surgery performed at Dar Al Kamal Hospital?
Yes. Facelift surgery is performed in-house at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah by Dr. Hamid Esmaeil, Specialist General & Cosmetic Surgeon. The consultation, pre-operative tests, operation and follow-up visits all take place at the hospital.
What are the risks of a facelift?
The risks of a facelift include bleeding and a collection of blood under the skin, infection, visible or thickened scars, numbness, temporary or rarely lasting weakness of facial muscles from nerve injury, hair loss near the incisions, skin healing problems that are more common in smokers, asymmetry, and the general risks of anaesthesia. Results vary between people and a further procedure is sometimes needed.
How long does a facelift last?
A facelift sets the clock back rather than stopping it, so the face continues to age naturally after surgery. How long the improvement lasts depends on skin quality, genetics, sun exposure, smoking and weight changes, and your surgeon can discuss what is realistic for you.
Will a facelift remove wrinkles around my eyes and forehead?
A facelift mainly treats the lower face, jowls and jawline, so wrinkles around the eyes and forehead usually need a separate procedure such as eyelid surgery, a brow lift or skin treatment. It also leaves fine surface lines and sun damage largely unchanged. Your surgeon will explain which areas each option addresses.
What is the difference between a facelift and a neck lift?
A facelift targets sagging of the lower face and jowls, while a neck lift targets loose skin, fat and muscle bands in the neck. The two are often combined in one operation, and your surgeon will advise whether one or both suit your concerns.
Is a facelift covered by insurance?
A facelift performed for cosmetic reasons is usually excluded from health insurance in the UAE and is paid for by the patient. Contact Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah on 06 599 7777 for details of fees.
Will the scars be visible?
Facelift scars sit within the hairline and in the natural creases around the ear, so they are usually well concealed once healed. They are red and firm at first and fade gradually over many months; how they mature varies with skin type, and darker skin can be prone to thickened scars.
What should I bring to my facelift consultation?
Bring a list of your medicines and supplements, details of any medical conditions, and records of earlier facial surgery, fillers or injections. A few photographs of yourself from ten or fifteen years ago can help the surgeon understand the changes you want to address.
Departments
Book an appointment
Tell us your preferred day and time. Our team calls you back to confirm.