Learn the differences between endoscopic vs traditional facelift surgery, including suitability, recovery and longevity, to choose the right approach.
A patient-focused article from 101 Harley Street
Facelift surgery has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Advances in technique now allow surgeons to tailor facial rejuvenation more precisely to an individual’s anatomy and stage of ageing. Two commonly discussed approaches are the endoscopic facelift and the traditional facelift. While both aim to restore facial balance and definition, they differ in scope, technique and the areas they are best suited to address.
At 101 Harley Street, the choice between an endoscopic facelift and a traditional facelift is guided by careful anatomical assessment and an understanding of each patient’s goals. This article explains the differences between the two procedures, when each is most appropriate and how to decide which option offers the most effective and natural outcome.
An endoscopic facelift is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses small, discreet incisions and a camera to reposition facial tissues. It is most commonly used to rejuvenate the mid face and upper face, particularly when early tissue descent affects cheek position or creates a sense of heaviness around the eyes.
During the procedure, an endoscope is inserted through small incisions hidden within the hairline. This allows the surgeon to clearly visualise the deeper facial structures and elevate them with precision, while minimising disruption to surrounding tissues. By working at this deeper level, the face can be refreshed without placing tension on the skin.
An endoscopic facelift can lift and reposition mid facial tissues, improve cheek contour and support, and reduce heaviness beneath the lower eyelids. It is also effective for addressing early signs of facial ageing while preserving natural expression and leaving minimal visible scarring.
This approach is particularly suited to patients with good skin elasticity and early to moderate facial descent who are seeking subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation rather than more extensive surgical correction.
A traditional facelift is a comprehensive surgical procedure designed to address more advanced signs of facial ageing. It focuses on repositioning deeper facial layers, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), to correct tissue descent in the lower face, jawline and neck.
By working at this structural level, the surgeon can restore facial support across multiple regions. This makes the traditional facelift the gold standard for individuals with moderate to significant ageing changes who require more than subtle lifting.
A traditional facelift can restore jawline definition, correct moderate to severe jowling, lift descended mid facial tissues and improve neck laxity or banding. The emphasis is on achieving balanced, natural looking rejuvenation rather than simply tightening the skin.
The procedure involves carefully placed incisions around the ear and within the hairline, allowing access to deeper tissues while keeping scars discreet. When performed with precision, this approach delivers long-lasting structural rejuvenation and a refreshed, harmonious appearance.
Although both endoscopic and traditional facelifts aim to rejuvenate the face, they are designed for different stages of facial ageing and achieve results in distinct ways. An endoscopic facelift is a minimally invasive option that focuses on repositioning deeper tissues in the mid face and upper face, making it well suited to patients with early to moderate tissue descent and good skin elasticity. By avoiding skin excision and using small hairline incisions, it offers subtle rejuvenation with a shorter recovery period.
A traditional facelift, by contrast, addresses more advanced ageing changes across the lower face, jawline and neck. It allows the surgeon to reposition deeper facial layers while also removing excess skin, making it the most comprehensive option for individuals with significant laxity or jowling. While recovery is longer, the structural nature of the correction means results are typically more dramatic and longer lasting.
Choosing between these procedures is not about which is better, but which is most appropriate. A detailed surgical assessment ensures the technique selected aligns with anatomy, ageing pattern and long-term aesthetic goals.
Selecting the wrong facelift technique can lead to suboptimal results. A less invasive procedure may fail to address deeper structural issues, while a more extensive procedure may be unnecessary for early ageing changes.
At 101 Harley Street, surgeons focus on choosing the procedure that best aligns with facial anatomy rather than defaulting to the least invasive option. This approach ensures balanced, natural outcomes and long-term patient satisfaction.
| Endoscopic Facelift | Traditional Facelift |
|---|---|
Primarily treats the mid face and upper face | Treats the lower face, mid face and neck |
Limited impact on the neck | Corrects neck laxity and banding |
Best suited to early or moderate tissue descent | Designed for moderate to advanced facial ageing |
Focuses on repositioning tissues rather than removing skin | Allows removal of excess skin and tightening of deeper layers |
Small incisions hidden within the hairline | Longer incisions placed discreetly around the ear and hairline |
Minimal visible scarring | Scars designed to heal subtly within natural contours |
Shorter recovery, often 10 to 14 days | Longer recovery, typically two to three weeks |
Results are meaningful but may be less long lasting | Results are long lasting and often endure for many years |
An endoscopic facelift may be appropriate for individuals who are beginning to notice early signs of facial ageing. This often includes subtle mid face descent, flattening of the cheeks or a sense of heaviness around the lower eyelids. Patients typically have good skin elasticity and are seeking a less invasive approach that focuses on repositioning tissues rather than removing excess skin.
This technique is well suited to those who want subtle, natural enhancement and are not yet ready for a full facelift. It is often chosen by patients who wish to address changes early, before ageing progresses further, while maintaining natural expression and minimal visible scarring.
A traditional facelift is usually recommended for individuals with moderate to advanced facial ageing. This may include significant jowling, loss of jawline definition and visible laxity or banding in the neck. In these cases, ageing changes are structural and cannot be adequately corrected with minimally invasive techniques alone.
Patients who desire comprehensive and long-lasting rejuvenation, or who have previously tried non-surgical treatments with limited effect, are often better suited to a traditional facelift. This approach allows deeper tissue repositioning and removal of excess skin, providing a level of correction that an endoscopic facelift would not be able to achieve.
Yes. Both techniques can be combined with additional procedures to enhance overall facial harmony, including:
Combining procedures is often recommended when multiple anatomical changes contribute to ageing.
Non-surgical treatments available at L’Atelier Aesthetics can support facial rejuvenation in specific situations.
These may include:
While these treatments can enhance skin quality and maintain results, they cannot replicate the structural correction achieved by either an endoscopic facelift or a traditional facelift.
The decision between an endoscopic facelift and a traditional facelift should be based on a comprehensive assessment rather than age or recovery time alone. Factors such as tissue descent, skin quality and long-term expectations all play an important role.
At 101 Harley Street, patients are supported through a clear consultation process that prioritises education, safety and confidence in the chosen approach.
An endoscopic facelift is effective for early to moderate ageing but cannot address advanced tissue descent like a traditional facelift.
Results vary but typically last several years, depending on anatomy and lifestyle.
When performed correctly, a traditional facelift produces natural and balanced results by repositioning deeper tissues rather than tightening the skin.
Yes. Many patients choose an endoscopic facelift earlier and progress to a traditional facelift as ageing advances
Recovery is shorter with an endoscopic facelift, but both procedures are well tolerated with appropriate aftercare.
In some cases, non-surgical treatments can delay surgery, but they cannot correct structural descent once it occurs.
