Understanding Facelift Surgery

A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to improve visible ageing changes in the face and, depending on the surgical plan, portions of the neck.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes concerns commonly addressed by facelift surgery as facial skin relaxation, deeper facial folds, changes in facial fat, jowls and loose skin or excess fat around the neck.

A facelift is not simply a procedure to stretch the surface of the skin.

Facial ageing can involve several anatomical changes at the same time:

• skin becomes looser
• soft tissues may descend
• jowls may become more visible
• jawline definition can change
• facial volume distribution can change
• the neck may develop laxity
• forehead and brow position may descend

Because these changes occur differently between patients, the appropriate surgery should be selected after examining the face as a whole.

Some patients may be suitable for a more limited mini facelift.

Others may have significant neck ageing and require a neck lift.

For another patient, descent of the forehead or eyebrows may be more important than lower-face laxity, making a forehead or brow lift a separate consideration.

Who May Consider Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery may be considered by adults experiencing visible facial or neck ageing who are medically suitable for elective surgery and have realistic expectations.

Common concerns include:

• early or moderate jowling
• loose skin around the lower face
• reduced jawline definition
• deeper facial folds
• sagging around the cheek or jaw
• loose neck skin
• ageing changes affecting both face and neck
• lowered eyebrow position
• forehead laxity

Age alone does not determine whether someone needs a facelift.

Two patients of the same age may have very different skin quality, facial structure, soft-tissue descent and surgical needs.

General medical guidance also considers overall health, smoking status and realistic expectations when evaluating facelift candidates.

Dr. Maris will assess whether facial surgery is appropriate after reviewing your anatomy, concerns, medical history and intended result.

Common Concerns We Address

Jowls and Loss of Jawline Definition

One of the common reasons patients begin researching facelift surgery is increasing heaviness or laxity around the lower face.

As facial tissues change, the transition between the cheek, jaw and neck can become less defined.

The appropriate surgery depends on where the laxity originates. A limited lower-face procedure may be considered in some cases, while more extensive facial or neck aging can require a different approach.

Loose Facial Skin

Visible laxity cannot always be evaluated by looking at skin alone.

Underlying tissue position, skin elasticity, previous procedures and facial structure can all affect the surgical plan.

Neck Laxity

The neck often ages differently from the central face.

Mayo Clinic describes neck lift surgery as a cosmetic operation addressing excess skin and fat around the jawline and notes that it is frequently performed as part of facial rejuvenation surgery.

When significant neck laxity is present, treating only the face may not adequately address the patient's concern.

Brow and Forehead Descent

A low or descending brow can contribute to a tired or heavy appearance around the upper face.

A brow lift—also called a forehead lift—is a separate surgical procedure from a facelift. It addresses the forehead and brow region rather than primarily treating the lower face and jawline.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is generally used to describe a more limited facial lifting procedure than a traditional full facelift.

It may be considered when ageing changes are relatively localized and a full facial rejuvenation operation is not required.

The term “mini facelift,” however, does not describe one universally standardized surgical technique.

Incision length, tissue dissection and the anatomical areas treated can differ between surgeons.

For this reason, the important question is not simply:

“Can I have a mini facelift?”

It is:

“Which areas actually need surgical correction?”

A patient with moderate lower-face laxity may have very different needs from someone with extensive jowling and neck laxity.

Dr. Maris therefore assesses:

• facial skin laxity
• location of tissue descent
• jawline
• jowls
• neck condition
• skin quality
• previous facial procedures
• hairline and scar considerations
• overall facial proportions

before determining whether a limited procedure is appropriate.

Mini Facelift vs Full Facelift

Patients frequently search for a mini facelift because they expect smaller scars, less surgery or faster recovery.

The distinction should instead begin with anatomy.

A Mini Facelift May Be Considered When

Ageing changes are relatively limited and concentrated in specific parts of the face.

A More Extensive Facelift May Be Considered When

There is greater facial laxity, more significant jowling or ageing changes involving broader areas of the face.

A Neck Lift May Also Be Required When

The neck has substantial loose skin, fat distribution changes or underlying tissue laxity that will not be sufficiently addressed through facial surgery alone.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recognizes traditional facelift, limited-incision facelift and neck lift as different surgical approaches selected according to the degree of correction required.

A smaller operation is not automatically better.

The appropriate operation is the one that matches the anatomical problem while maintaining acceptable surgical risk.

Neck Lift Surgery

The neck can remain a significant concern even when the upper and middle face have relatively limited ageing changes.

A neck lift is designed to improve selected ageing changes affecting the jawline and neck.

Depending on individual anatomy, concerns may involve:

• loose neck skin
• excess tissue around the jawline
• reduced jaw-neck definition
• vertical neck banding
• localized fat
• laxity of underlying structures

Cleveland Clinic notes that neck lift planning may involve different incision approaches depending on the degree of aging and the tissues that require correction.

The exact surgical technique used by Dr. Maris should be determined after examination.

Facelift and Neck Lift: Do I Need Both?

Not necessarily.

Some patients have predominantly facial laxity.

Others have a significant neck concern but relatively limited facial ageing.

Some have both.

The face and neck should therefore be assessed together rather than automatically sold as a combined package.

A combined surgical plan may be considered when treating one area alone would leave a visible imbalance between the face, jawline and neck.

The decision depends on:

• location of laxity
• neck anatomy
• skin quality
• facial proportions
• medical suitability
• extent of surgery required

Dr. Maris will assess whether one procedure or a combined approach is appropriate.

Forehead Lift / Brow Lift

A forehead lift, also commonly called a brow lift, addresses ageing changes in the upper face.

It is different from a lower-face facelift.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes brow lift surgery as a procedure used to reduce forehead wrinkles, improve frown-line concerns and reposition the eyebrows.

Patients may consider a forehead or brow assessment when they are concerned about:

• lowered eyebrow position
• heaviness around the brow
• forehead laxity
• upper-face ageing
• asymmetry of brow position

It is particularly important to distinguish brow descent from excess upper-eyelid skin.

In some patients, the apparent heaviness around the eyes involves the brow, the eyelid, or both.

This is one reason Dr. Maris evaluates the relationship between the forehead, eyebrows and eyelids before recommending surgery.

Dr. Maris's Approach to Facial Rejuvenation

Facial rejuvenation should not begin by choosing a procedure name from a menu.

It begins by identifying where the ageing change is occurring.

Dr. Maris / Dr. Tran Minh Huy has 6+ years of cosmetic surgery experience and personally participates throughout the surgical pathway.

Dr. Maris personally:

• conducts the consultation
• examines facial and neck anatomy
• discusses the patient's concerns and intended outcome
• develops the surgical plan
• performs the operation
• participates in postoperative follow-up

The practice intentionally limits surgical volume to support more individualized care.

For international patients, preliminary consultation may begin before travelling to Vietnam.

How Facelift Surgery Is Planned

Facelift surgery involves repositioning and managing facial tissues through surgically planned incisions.

The exact technique can vary substantially according to anatomy and the extent of correction.

Professional plastic-surgery guidance recognizes that facelift surgery may involve different approaches to the skin and deeper supporting tissues.

A surgical plan may need to consider:

Incision Placement

Incisions are planned to provide access to the tissues requiring correction while considering scar position and surrounding anatomy.

Skin and Underlying Tissue

The face should not simply be treated as a loose layer of skin.

Deeper supporting tissues may also require surgical management depending on the selected technique.

Neck Anatomy

When neck ageing contributes significantly to the overall appearance, separate or combined neck surgery may be considered.

Brow Position

Lower-face surgery does not automatically correct a descending brow. Upper-face concerns may require separate evaluation.

Existing Asymmetry

Natural facial asymmetry should be identified before surgery. Surgery may improve certain asymmetries but cannot guarantee perfect symmetry.

Why We Do Not Advertise One Facelift Technique for Everyone

Terms such as:

• SMAS facelift
• deep-plane facelift
• mini facelift
• limited-incision facelift
• lower facelift

are increasingly common in online searches.

However, naming a technique does not establish whether it is suitable for a particular patient.

Published plastic-surgery literature describes several approaches to treating facial supporting tissues, and no single approach should automatically be assumed to be superior for every patient.

DR. MARIS AESTHETICS therefore should not advertise an unverified technique simply because it is currently popular online.

Revision or Complex Facial Surgery

Some patients seeking a facelift consultation have already undergone facial surgery elsewhere.

Previous surgery can alter:

• scar tissue
• skin mobility
• hairline
• incision placement
• tissue planes
• facial symmetry
• blood supply to previously operated tissues

Revision planning may therefore differ considerably from first-time facial rejuvenation.

If you have undergone previous facial surgery, Dr. Maris may ask for:

• date of previous surgery
• previous procedure name
• previous operative report where available
• photographs before and after previous surgery
• current concerns
• history of healing problems
• information about previous implants, threads or other procedures if relevant

Not every unsatisfactory result can be completely corrected.

The possibilities and limitations should be discussed after direct examination.

Surgery at Hong Bang International Hospital

Facial rejuvenation surgery with DR. MARIS AESTHETICS is performed in a hospital environment at Hong Bang International Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City.

DR. MARIS AESTHETICS does not represent itself as the owner of Hong Bang International Hospital.

Performing cosmetic surgery in a hospital environment provides access to hospital infrastructure, including emergency and resuscitation support when required.

For patients travelling internationally, the surgical setting should be considered together with:

• surgeon involvement
• medical assessment
• anesthesia planning
• postoperative monitoring
• follow-up
• management of potential complications

rather than selecting a surgeon based solely on the lowest advertised price.

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery varies according to whether the patient undergoes:

• mini facelift
• more extensive facelift surgery
• neck lift
• forehead lift
• combined facial procedures
• revision surgery

Swelling and bruising are expected after many facial surgical procedures.

Temporary tightness, numbness and changes in skin sensation can also occur.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that postoperative dressings may be used after facelift surgery and that temporary drains may sometimes be required. Patients receive specific instructions regarding incision care, medications, activity and follow-up.

Although ASPS notes that many facelift patients may be socially presentable at approximately 10–14 days, settling of sensation, texture and tightness can continue for substantially longer.

This general timeline should not be treated as a guaranteed DR. MARIS recovery schedule.

Recovery timing depends on the procedure and individual condition and will be discussed during consultation.

International Travel After Facial Surgery

Patients travelling from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Europe or elsewhere should not schedule surgery around the shortest possible stay.

Important considerations include:

• early postoperative reviews
• wound assessment
• swelling
• stitch or dressing management where applicable
• complications requiring reassessment
• readiness for a long flight
• ongoing follow-up after returning home

The recommended stay in Ho Chi Minh City must be determined according to the actual surgery and early postoperative progress.

Do not purchase a non-changeable return flight based only on a generic recovery article.

Risks & Considerations

All facelift and facial rejuvenation surgery carries potential risks.

Recognized facelift risks include:

• anesthesia complications
• bleeding
• hematoma or fluid accumulation
• infection
• poor wound healing
• skin loss
• unfavorable scarring
• temporary or permanent changes in sensation
• facial nerve injury or weakness
• facial asymmetry
• prolonged swelling
• hair loss around incision areas
• persistent pain
• unsatisfactory results
• possible need for revision surgery
• blood clots and cardiopulmonary complications

These risks are described in professional facelift safety guidance and should be discussed as part of informed consent.

Brow lift surgery has its own risk profile, including potential brow asymmetry, hairline changes, hair loss near incisions, sensation changes, nerve injury, unfavorable scarring and possible revision surgery.

Individual risk depends on medical history, anatomy, smoking status, procedure extent and other factors.

Results & Realistic Expectations

Facelift surgery may improve visible signs of facial aging, but it does not stop the biological aging process.

ASPS specifically notes that a facelift is a restorative procedure and cannot stop future ageing or fundamentally change a patient's underlying appearance.

Results also cannot guarantee:

• perfect symmetry
• complete removal of every wrinkle
• invisible scars
• an exact number of years of apparent age reduction
• permanent facial tightness
• a specific jawline
• identical results to another patient

A responsible goal is improvement that is appropriate to the patient's starting anatomy.

Changes after surgery continue to be influenced by:

• ageing
• skin quality
• genetics
• sun exposure
• smoking
• weight changes
• tissue characteristics

Results vary between patients.

Facelift Cost in Vietnam

The current DR. MARIS AESTHETICS International Price List includes three procedures under Facial & Neck Rejuvenation:

What About Full Facelift Pricing?

The supplied DR. MARIS international price list does not contain a separate published line item for a procedure named Full Facelift.

Therefore, a full-facelift price should not be invented or derived from the Mini Facelift price.

The supplied list also does not publish fixed combined prices for:

• facelift + neck lift
• mini facelift + neck lift
• facelift + forehead lift
• combined face + neck + brow surgery

A combined surgical plan requires assessment and an individualized quotation.

International Patients Planning Facelift Surgery in Vietnam

International patients can begin their assessment before travelling to Ho Chi Minh City.

For a preliminary online consultation, you may be asked to provide:

• recent photographs from several angles
• your primary facial concerns
• previous facial surgery history
• previous thread lifts or other facial procedures where relevant
• medical conditions
• current medications
• smoking or nicotine history
• previous problems with anesthesia or wound healing
• intended travel period

Photographs and video consultation can assist preliminary planning but cannot fully assess tissue quality, skin mobility or all anatomical factors.

A physical examination and appropriate preoperative medical assessment remain important before surgery.

Why Patients Consider Dr. Maris

The DR. MARIS model emphasizes direct involvement by the surgeon rather than a high-volume pathway where consultation and surgery may be handled by different people.

Patients can expect:

• consultation directly with Dr. Maris
• personal facial examination by Dr. Maris
• individualized procedure selection
• surgery personally performed by Dr. Maris
• postoperative follow-up involving Dr. Maris
• hospital-based surgery at City International Hospital
• preliminary consultation before international travel
• transparent discussion of surgical limitations
• published reference pricing for listed procedures

The objective is not to perform the largest possible operation.

It is to determine which areas actually require surgical correction and whether surgery is appropriate.