Treatments / Face / Facelift
Facelift in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London
A natural, refreshed you. Not a different one.
Facelift surgery with consultant plastic surgeon Mr Siva Kumar. Deep plane and SMAS techniques that lift the deeper tissues of the face and neck, so you look rested and like yourself.
At a glance
What is a facelift?
Lifting the face from the inside, not just the skin
A facelift (rhytidectomy) treats the visible signs of ageing in the lower face and neck. With time the skin loses elasticity and the deeper supporting layer, known as the SMAS, slackens. That is what causes jowls, a softer jawline and loose skin under the chin.
Pulling the skin tight can look unnatural. Instead, Mr Kumar repositions the deeper tissues so they carry the lift, then re-drapes the skin without tension. The incisions follow the natural creases around the ears and into the hairline, so the scars are well hidden.
Every face ages differently. Your consultation starts with what bothers you, and you will get an honest view of what surgery can and cannot achieve.
A facelift can help with
- Jowls and a less defined jawline
- Loose skin and bands in the neck
- Deep lines from the nose to the mouth
- Sagging of the mid-face and cheeks
- Looking tired when you don’t feel it
What it won’t do
- Stop the face from continuing to age
- Remove fine lines or improve skin texture
- Change the shape of your eyes or brow on its own
Techniques
The right lift for your face
There is no single facelift. Mr Kumar will recommend an approach based on your anatomy, skin quality and goals.
Deep plane facelift
The deeper layer of the face is released and lifted as one unit together with the skin. This repositions the cheeks, jowls and neck for a natural, long-lasting result.
- Best for: moderate to advanced ageing of the face and neck
- Scars: around the ear and into the hairline
SMAS facelift
The SMAS layer is tightened and secured with stitches, then excess skin is removed. A reliable approach for jowls and a softening jawline.
- Best for: early to moderate jowling
- Scars: around the ear and into the hairline
Short scar facelift
A shorter incision in front of and around the ear lifts the lower face and jawline, with less surgery than a full facelift. Recovery is usually quicker, but it does less for the neck.
- Best for: early jowling with good skin quality and little loose skin in the neck
- Scars: in front of and around the ear, shorter than a full facelift
Neck lift
Tightens loose neck skin and muscle bands and can remove fat under the chin. It is usually performed with a facelift for a balanced result.
- Best for: loose skin, bands or fullness under the chin
- Scars: behind the ear and a small one under the chin
Watch the filmDocumentary
Dee Anderson: My Facelift Journey
Dee Anderson, daughter of Thunderbirds creators Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, decided to have a facelift ahead of the show’s 60th anniversary. This short documentary, directed by Simon Withington, follows her from first consultation to the final reveal, with her surgery performed by Mr Siva Kumar.
It is an honest look at what the journey is really like: the decision, the day itself and the weeks of recovery.
Streams on Relay and opens in a new tab.
Watch & read
Everything you need to know, in one place
Patient guide
Facelift: your patient guide
A detailed booklet written by Mr Kumar. It explains the procedure in depth, how to prepare, every risk and complication, and how to look after yourself afterwards.
Opens as a booklet you can flick through. Your copy is also given to you at consultation.
Your journey
Your step-by-step journey
Your journey starts the moment you get in touch. From your first enquiry to your final check-up, you deal with the same small team, and you will always feel listened to, informed and never rushed.
Get in touch
Call, email or send an enquiry. Our team replies promptly and personally, and finds a time and clinic that suit you.
There is no pressure and no sales script. Tell us a little about what prompted you to get in touch, and we will make sure your consultation is with the right person for you.
Consultation
An unhurried, face-to-face appointment with Mr Kumar himself, who will be your surgeon from start to finish.
He listens to what you would like to change, examines you, explains every option, including non-surgical ones and doing nothing, and gives you an honest view of the likely result.
Time to decide
You receive a written plan, a clear quote and your patient guide, then take as long as you need.
A second consultation is included before surgery, and there is a cooling-off period of at least two weeks. Bring someone with you, ask anything, and change your mind at any point.
Day of treatment
Surgery takes around three and a half hours under general anaesthetic. You stay in hospital for one night so your comfort and dressings can be checked.
He will see you beforehand to go through the plan and answer last-minute questions, and you will have clear instructions and a number to call once you go home.
Aftercare and follow-up
Reviews at each stage of your recovery, with support 24 hours a day whenever you need it.
Follow-up appointments are included in your package price, and continue until you have healed and are happy with how things have settled. Stitches are removed after about a week.
Recovery
Healing, week by week
Everyone heals at their own pace. This is a typical recovery, and Mr Kumar will give you a personal plan.
One night in hospital. Any drains are usually removed the next morning before you go home.
Swelling and bruising peak at around two to three days. Rest with your head raised and take gentle walks.
Stitches are out and most bruising has faded. Many people feel comfortable being seen in public.
Most people return to desk work. Driving is usually possible at two to three weeks.
Return to exercise and normal sleeping positions. The face feels less tight.
Remaining swelling settles and the scars soften and fade. You will see your final result.
Patient results
Before & after
Photographs are shared only with each patient’s written consent. Everyone is different, so individual results vary.
More patient results coming soon
In the meantime, Mr Kumar can show you results for patients with similar concerns during your consultation.
Patient reviews
In their own words
194 verified reviews on Doctify
90 verified reviews on Top Doctors
90 reviews on Top Doctors
I cannot recommend Mr Kumar highly enough. From the first consultation, to the procedure and aftercare. His attention to detail was everything I could have hoped for, and his total honesty explaining the achievable results. He not only is a fabulous surgeon, but takes such pride in his work and invests time and interest in the person. …
The difference is amazing and I’m very happy with the results. I can’t thank Mr Kumar enough for giving me my self confidence back, I felt very down and always looked tired before my op.
Mr.Kumar is very approachable,he goes through all you need to know about your procedure and after care,would recommend him and will definitely will be back if I need any more cosmetic procedures
Safety
Scars, risks and staying safe
All surgery carries some risk. Mr Kumar will go through these with you in detail, and the patient guide covers them in full, so you can make an informed decision.
Possible risks
- Bleeding or a collection of blood (haematoma)
- Infection
- Temporary numbness or weakness
- Rarely, longer-lasting nerve injury
- Visible or thickened scarring
- Some asymmetry
- Hair thinning near the incisions
- Blood clots and anaesthetic risks
Lowering your risk
- Stop smoking and vaping at least six weeks before and after surgery
- Keep your blood pressure well controlled
- Tell us about all medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners
- Stop smoking and vaping well before and after surgery
- Follow your aftercare plan and attend every follow-up
- Call us at any time if something does not feel right
Fees
Guide price from£7,000
- Short scar facelift£7,000
- Facelift£12,000
- Face and neck lift£15,000
Self-pay consultations £250.
One package price. No hidden surprises.
If you go ahead, you receive a single package price covering your whole journey, so you know exactly what you are paying before you commit. It usually includes:
- Your surgeon’s fee
- Anaesthetist’s fee
- Hospital and theatre fees
- Follow-up consultations
- Aftercare, with 24/7 support
- A clear written quote
FAQs
Your questions, answered
How long does a facelift last?
Most people enjoy the benefits for many years, often around ten. Your face will keep ageing naturally, but you will continue to look younger than you would have without surgery. Sun protection, not smoking and a stable weight help the result last.
Will I look natural?
That is the aim. By lifting the deeper tissues rather than pulling the skin, the result looks rested and like you, not tight or windswept. Mr Kumar will be honest if he thinks a smaller procedure would suit you better.
What is the best age for a facelift?
There is no ideal age. Most patients are in their late forties to seventies. What matters more is how much laxity you have, your general health and your expectations.
Is a facelift painful?
Most patients describe tightness and discomfort rather than severe pain. This is usually well controlled with simple painkillers for the first few days.
When can I go back to work?
Most people return to desk-based work after two to three weeks. If your job is physical, you may need a little longer.
Where are the scars?
The incisions sit in the natural creases in front of and behind the ear and run into the hairline. Once healed, they are usually difficult to see.
Can I combine a facelift with other procedures?
Yes. A facelift is often combined with a neck lift or eyelid surgery for a balanced result. Combining procedures can mean a single anaesthetic and recovery period.
Is a short scar facelift the same as a mini facelift?
The names are often used for similar operations. A short scar facelift uses a shorter incision and suits earlier signs of ageing in the lower face. It is not suitable for marked loose skin in the neck, which needs a fuller facelift or a neck lift.
Facelift: what is the guide price?
The guide price starts from £7,000. Your final fee depends on your treatment plan and choice of hospital, and is confirmed in a written quote after consultation. Self-pay consultations cost £250.
Is it covered by insurance?
Cosmetic treatment is not usually covered by health insurance. Where there is a medical reason, it may be. Insurers will need Mr Kumar’s full name, Siva Kumar Veeramani, and GMC number 6114710.
Ask the expert
Questions answered
Longer answers from Mr Kumar to questions patients often ask about this treatment.
Deep plane vs SMAS facelift: what is the difference?
How the two most common facelift techniques work, who each one suits, and why the plan matters more than the name of the technique.
Read the answer →
When can I drive after a facelift?
Most people can drive again two to three weeks after a facelift. Here is why it takes that long, and how to tell when you are ready.
Read the answer →
Locations
Where to have your facelift in Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Your consultation and follow-up appointments with Mr Siva Kumar are at The Ü Clinic in Sevenoaks, Kent, or The Ü Clinic in Oxted, Surrey. Your surgery takes place at one of his partner hospitals: The McIndoe Centre in East Grinstead, West Sussex, KIMS Hospital in Maidstone, or North Downs Hospital in Caterham.
Both clinics are within easy reach of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, West Malling, Westerham, Swanley, Dartford, Gravesend, Orpington, Bromley, Redhill, Reigate, Caterham, Coulsdon, Purley and Croydon. KIMS Hospital in Maidstone is close to Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Aylesford and Ashford, and The McIndoe Centre in East Grinstead is close to Crawley, Horley, Haywards Heath and Edenbridge.
Facelift cost: guide prices start from £7,000. Your fee is confirmed in a written quote after your consultation. Read the full facelift cost guide.
Thinking about facelift?
Start with an unhurried consultation with Mr Siva Kumar at The Ü Clinic in Sevenoaks or Oxted. Self-pay consultations cost £250.