Face Lift
Refine, lift, and restore youthful balance to the face with bespoke facelift surgery at Cranley Clinic, led by world-renowned surgeon Mr Ali Ghanem.
Return to work Usually within 10-14 days (desk-based)
Facelift Overview
As we age, the face changes in subtle but complex ways. Collagen levels drop, fat is lost, and the skin begins to loosen, leading to sagging in the cheeks, jowls, and neck. These changes can impact the harmony of your features, especially around the mouth and jawline, in ways that non-surgical treatments often can’t fully correct. A facelift (or rhytidectomy) is a tailored procedure that lifts and repositions the deeper facial structures, tightens the SMAS layer (underlying facial muscles), and redrapes the skin to restore youthful contours. At Cranley Clinic, every procedure is performed on-site by our expert team using a refined, discreet approach designed entirely around your anatomy and goals.
This treatment is ideal for patients looking for long-lasting facial rejuvenation, particularly in the lower face and neck. It’s not about changing who you are — it’s about restoring softness, definition, and natural harmony in a way that still looks like you. We begin every journey with a detailed consultation to understand your goals, facial structure, and lifestyle, allowing us to build a plan that feels uniquely yours. For the right candidates, facelift results typically last 8 to 10 years, with minimal scarring and a refreshed, confident appearance.

The Cranley Difference: Why Our Facelifts Stand Out
- Tightens sagging skin across cheeks, jawline and neck
- Lifts and repositions facial tissue for natural structure
- Defines the jawline and softens deep folds
- Reduces visible signs of ageing by 5–10 years
- Long-lasting results with minimal visible scarring
Led by Mr Ali Ghanem, one of only 15 craniofacial plastic surgeons in the UK, our facelift procedures combine anatomical expertise with aesthetic artistry. Each surgery is individually planned to preserve your identity while restoring youthful balance.
Located in London’s prestigious Harley Street medical district, Cranley Clinic provides discreet, concierge-level care in a clinical environment trusted by professionals, public figures, and private clients alike.
The Cranley Clinic Process
Consultation & Planning
Your journey begins with a private appointment with a consultant doctor. We confirm candidacy, review photographs, map hairline entry sites, and discuss goals, downtime and timing. You’ll then be booked with the recommended surgeon whose expertise best suits your anatomy and objectives.
Pre-Operative Preparation
You’ll receive clear guidance on medications, smoking cessation, skincare and hairline care. Pre-assessment checks and medical photography are arranged in advance so surgery day is seamless.
The Procedure
Facelift surgery is performed at Cranley Clinic using either traditional or advanced minimally invasive techniques depending on your needs. The procedure lifts and repositions the deeper layers of the face to restore youthful contours. All procedures are carried out in a safe, hospital-grade environment with your chosen surgeon and support team.
Aftercare
Following surgery, you’ll receive discreet dressings, head-elevation guidance, and direct contact details for the team. Early reviews check comfort and healing progress. Tailored scar-care and grooming advice are provided to ensure optimal healing and appearance.
Recovery Timeline
Most patients are comfortable at home from day one. Swelling and tightness gradually subside over the first 1-2 weeks, with return to work typically within 10-14 days. Light activity can resume at 2 weeks, and unrestricted training usually by 4-6 weeks. Results continue to refine over 3-6 months, yielding a lifted, natural result.
Clinical Insight
Facelift Considerations, Clinically Addressed
If a facelift right for me?
Ideal candidates are in good health with visible facial laxity or volume loss and realistic expectations.
Will I look pulled or overdone?
No. Our techniques prioritise natural, elegant results by working with your facial structure.
What is the typical recovery time?
Most clients return to normal activities in 10–14 days, with swelling subsiding gradually over 3–4 weeks.
How long do results last?
Facelift results typically last 7-12 years depending on lifestyle, skin quality, and maintenance.
Does a facelift treat skin quality or fine lines?
Not directly. A facelift addresses sagging and deeper structures, but not skin texture, pigmentation, or fine wrinkles. For these concerns, we may recommend non-surgical options such as chemical peels or laser treatments as part of a holistic rejuvenation plan.
Carefully Considered Feedback
If I could give 10 stars to Mr. Ghanem and his entire team, I would. Mr. Ghanem is meticulous, combining an expert eye for detail with the latest advancements in medical and aesthetic treatments and technology. His kindness and generosity make every visit a positive experience. I feel completely confident and well cared for with him, and I recommend him to all my friends
Fantastic clinic - I have been coming here for years. The best machines and care - lovely staff. Mr Ghanem treats each client like a VIP celebrity. I’m 65 and my skin is very good and people always comment. I have been seeing Ali for 9 years. I am a truly satisfied customer.
I had a great experience at The Cranley Clinic. They have professional staff all the way from the receptionist to the doctor's. I was highly satisfied with my treatment and would recommend to a friend.
First impressions are important and I was greeted with a warm welcome. The clinic was immaculate and the service I received was faultless. Loved the results of my treatment, I will be back. Thank you!
The staff are warm friendly and professional. I am completely delighted with the treatments. Going to the Cranley Clinic always makes me feel invigorated.
I was so pleased with my experience at the Cranley Clinic. All staff were friendly and made me feel comfortable during my treatment. I am very happy with my results. Will definitely be returning for another visit. Thanks!
I rarely write reviews, however, I can't recommend the Cranley Clinic enough. I was nervous initially enquiring but the staff were amazing at putting me at ease before my appointment. The clinic it's self feels like a 5* hotel coupled with amazing care and service.
The treatment I had at the Cranley Clinic was excellent. Mr Ali Ghanem is clearly an expert in his field. He also has an exceptionally warm personality which puts you at ease straight away. The treatment is amazing but subtle. Everyone on the Cranley team, whom I met and spoke with at various times, were really lovely; I can highly recommend both the Clinic and of course Mr Ghanem.
I’ve been seeing Dr. Ali regularly, and I cannot recommend him enough! He is truly incredible – not only is he very skilled, professional, and also has the latest technology to ensure that all procedures have minimal pain and downtime but he also takes the time to listen to my concerns and ensures I always leave feeling confident and natural. His precision and expertise are unmatched, and his friendly demeanour makes every visit a pleasure.
Amazing Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon I had an Endolift procedure with Professor Ali recently. I am over the moon as the results has surpassed my expectations. My lower face is now rejuvenated, lifted and firm. I have no hesitation to recommend Professor Ali. He is a fantastic plastic and aesthetic surgeon.
I had an upper blepharoplasty with Dr. Ghanem. It turned out beautifully. He and his staff were so caring and supportive throughout and he never failed to check up on me repeatedly to make sure I was recovering well. Highly recommended.
I cannot speak highly enough of Mr. Ghanem. He is professional while also being very empathetic and kind. He has helped me transform my skin and I am utterly grateful to have found him. I would highly recommend him and his practice.
He listened to my concerns and took on board exactly what I wanted I enjoyed every moment spent with Ali. He made me feel very comfortable, listened to my concerns and took on board exactly what I wanted. Overall it was a really great experience and I will never be going to anyone else again!
I Would Recommend Dr. Ali My experience with Dr. Ali was really pleasant and great, he took his time to explain everything to me and to answer all my questions, and I really felt taken care of and his work is outstanding. I'm really pleased with the results. What I really love about his work is that he enhanced my natural beauty. He's very honest and he's very talented.
Dr Ghanem is incredible! He totally tailor made my treatment plan, taking time to ensure I understood all of the options available to me. He took into consideration my lifestyle and balanced this against my aesthetic concerns. I have a completely natural result.