Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Procedure Overview

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift aims to reverse the effects of ageing, including wrinkles, loss of facial fat, and sagging skin. Targeted facelifts include the deep neck lift, lower face lift, and brow lift, addressing specific regional facial aesthetics. A whole face lift is a more extensive procedure that targets all facial zones. At Truffel Healthcare, minimally invasive facial rejuvenation is also offered, including Botox, dermal fillers, and fat grafting, as standalone or complementary treatments.

Dr. Matwa performs a comprehensive assessment to plan an approach that restores facial volume, tightens the jaw, and smooths the neck without producing an unnatural pulled appearance. The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) technique repositions descended facial tissues to their more youthful anatomical position rather than relying solely on skin tension.

A facelift can be combined with a neck lift, brow lift, blepharoplasty, or fat grafting for complete facial rejuvenation addressing all zones simultaneously.

Indicative Cost

From Ksh 300,000 to Ksh 1.2 million for a whole face lift.

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Facelift procedure - Truffel Healthcare Kilimani

Why Patients Choose This Procedure

Key Benefits

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Comprehensive Rejuvenation

A facelift addresses the mid and lower face and neck simultaneously, providing a level of rejuvenation that cannot be achieved with non-surgical treatments alone.

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Restores Contour

Sagging jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and loose neck skin are all addressed, restoring the crisp facial contours of youth including the jawline and neck angle.

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Natural Results

Dr. Matwa's SMAS-based technique repositions tissues rather than simply pulling skin, delivering a natural, rested appearance rather than the tight look associated with older techniques.

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Long-Lasting

A facelift provides the most durable results of any facial rejuvenation procedure, typically lasting 10 years or more. The ageing process continues after surgery, but the clock is effectively set back significantly.

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Combinable

A facelift can be combined with neck lift, brow lift, blepharoplasty, or fat grafting for complete facial rejuvenation addressing all zones simultaneously.

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Discreet Scars

Incisions are placed within the hairline, around the ear, and in the natural creases of the face, healing discreetly and becoming virtually undetectable at maturity.

How It Works

The Surgical Process

Consultation & Design

Dr. Matwa assesses facial anatomy, skin quality, volume loss, and degree of laxity to plan the appropriate technique. Patient goals and the degree of rejuvenation desired guide the surgical approach.

Incision Placement

Incisions follow the contour of the ear from the temporal hairline, continuing around the ear lobule and into the posterior hairline. These positions allow full access while ensuring scars are concealed within natural anatomy.

SMAS Lifting

The SMAS layer is elevated, tightened, and secured in a more youthful position. This deep layer work is the foundation of lasting, natural-looking results and takes the tension off the skin closure.

Skin Redraping & Closure

Redundant skin is trimmed and redraped without tension over the lifted deep tissues. Fine sutures close the incisions and drains may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid accumulation.

Facelift surgical steps - Truffel Healthcare Kilimani

Dr. Matwa Christopher

Founder & Lead Plastic Surgeon · KMPDC Licensed

What to Expect

Recovery Timeline

Day
1-7

Drains & Dressings

Drains (if placed) are removed at 24-48 hours. Light dressing protects the incisions. Significant swelling and bruising are normal and expected. Head elevation is important throughout.

Wk
1-2

Suture Removal

Sutures and staples are removed in stages. Most patients are comfortable going out with light coverage. Bruising is predominantly resolved by 2 weeks. Tightness and numbness are normal.

Wk
2-6

Gradual Resolution

Swelling continues to reduce. Most patients return to work and social activities by 3-4 weeks. Exercise is resumed gradually from week 4-6 as advised by Dr. Matwa.

Mo
3-6

Final Result

All residual swelling has resolved and the final rejuvenated contour is apparent. Scars have matured and faded. The full benefit of the procedure is now visible and long-lasting.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Matwa's technique prioritises repositioning the underlying SMAS layer rather than relying on skin tension, which produces the natural, rested appearance characteristic of a modern facelift. The goal is that you look refreshed and well, not operated. Colleagues and friends will typically notice that you look better without being able to identify why.

A mini facelift uses shorter incisions and addresses more limited laxity, typically in younger patients with early jowling and mild neck laxity. A full facelift provides more comprehensive correction of the mid and lower face and neck, is more appropriate for patients with moderate to significant facial sagging, and delivers longer-lasting results. Dr. Matwa will recommend the appropriate procedure based on your specific anatomy and goals.

A facelift is one of the most long-lasting of all cosmetic procedures, typically providing 10 years or more of visible rejuvenation. The ageing process continues after surgery, but the improved baseline established by the procedure means patients continue to look younger than they would have without surgery throughout that time.