There is no single facelift, but different techniques depending on the area and the degree of sagging, from the SMAS or deep plane to the mid-face lift or neck lift. During your consultation we assess which one is right for your case.
From: 12.000 €
Surgery duration:
Approx. 4 hours
Recovery time:
2 to 4 weeks
Synapta® protocol:
Included in Barcelona
Anesthesia:
General
Hospital stay:
Usually 1 night
Social life:
10 to 15 days
Full recovery:
4 to 6 months
A facelift repositions the muscle and aponeurotic tissues beneath the skin: the ones that, over the years, drop, drag the skin down and distort the face. Once they have been repositioned, the skin is adjusted and the excess is removed, which leaves the face looking natural. Tightening the skin alone, as was done in the past, can produce a forced look, because skin is lax in order to allow expression.
There are several types of facelift, with different techniques and scars, and each case calls for its own.
"One key does not open every lock."
Dr. Javier de Benito
Types of facelift
This is the most complete facial rejuvenation technique. It corrects sagging of the face and neck by repositioning the deep tissues and redefining the facial contour. It is indicated when the signs of aging are more pronounced and the goal is an overall, natural and long-lasting rejuvenation.
It works on the deep planes of the face, repositioning muscles, ligaments and fat compartments as a single unit. It lifts the cheeks, softens folds and restores facial volume with a natural-looking result. There are techniques similar to the Deep Plane, since it is not always necessary to use the most aggressive one.
This technique focuses on rejuvenating the middle area of the face, especially the cheekbones and cheeks. It lifts the tissues of the middle third that have descended and improves the nasolabial folds, making it an excellent option when aging is concentrated mainly in this area.
A facelift is a surgical procedure in which strategic incisions are made around the ear and in the scalp to access the deep structures of the face. Instead of simply stretching the skin, the surgeon repositions and tightens the underlying muscles and tissues, removes excess fat and trims the surplus skin before closing with fine sutures. The goal is to restore a firmer, more youthful contour to the cheeks, jawline and neck, achieving a result that looks natural and not "operated on".
Before a facelift, the consultation takes place with the surgeon who will perform the procedure. In this visit, the degree of sagging, the quality of the skin and the facial structure are analyzed in order to define the most suitable treatment and a natural result. To book the appointment, a prior payment of €80 is required. If you cannot travel, the first visit can also be done by video call with the surgeon who would operate on you: it costs €50, which is deducted if you decide to have surgery.
A complementary ultrasound analysis is carried out with NESAI®, which adds an extra layer of safety and precision to the planning of the procedure. Available for €90 (optional).
Before surgery, the procedure is planned on a personalized basis, your medical history is reviewed and you are given all the medical instructions needed to ensure the operation takes place under the best possible conditions.
Facelift surgery is performed in a safe, controlled surgical environment by the Institute's facial surgery team, with the aim of achieving a natural, harmonious result.
Discomfort is usually moderate and is controlled with medication. In Barcelona we also apply the Synapta® protocol to ease the pulling sensation of the first few days, and the Net Lift technique helps reduce bruising. Social life resumes between 10 and 15 days.
After surgery, a recovery process begins, closely supported by our medical team, with regular check-ups to ensure proper progress and a stable, natural and long-lasting result.
Traditionally, a facelift has been associated with a recovery involving swelling, a feeling of tightness and some discomfort in the face. At Instituto de Benito we have evolved this experience with Synapta®, an approach developed by specialists to support the body during recovery.
Unlike approaches focused solely on medication, Synapta® works on the body's response after the procedure. Using specific techniques applied at key points, the aim is to make the post-op process more manageable and gradual, especially in an area as visible as the face.
Every facelift is unique, as it depends on the condition of the skin, the facial structure and the patient's goals. A personalized consultation is essential. Protocols of this kind are part of an approach that seeks not only to rejuvenate the face, but also to offer a more comfortable recovery tailored to each person.
Carlos Alsina
*Synapta® is included in surgeries performed in Barcelona.
As a guide, the result of a facelift lasts between 5 and 8 years. It is an average: in each patient it may be more or less.
How long it lasts does not depend on the technique. Deep plane, high SMAS, plication and MACS lift work on the deep tissues in different ways, but none of them lasts longer than another in itself. What makes the difference is the quality of the skin and tissues, genetics and how each person heals.
There is a published study, with 10 years of follow-up, that compares several facelift techniques. Its conclusion: from 5 years on, a little maintenance is advisable, whichever technique is used.
That is why the technique is chosen according to what each face needs, not according to how long it lasts.
“One key does not open every lock. Some cases call for one technique and some call for another.”
Dr. Javier de Benito
A facelift at Instituto de Benito starts from €12,000. The final cost depends above all on the surgical technique and the extent of the area treated.
You can finance this procedure at 0% interest for up to 12 months, with options that can be extended up to 48 months. See the terms on our financing page.
*Prices valid in 2026. The exact price is given after the visit, once the surgeon has assessed your case.
Surgery is recommended in the following cases:
A facelift firms the face and neck, repositioning the tissues and restoring a more defined, younger-looking facial contour.
Surgery helps correct the visible signs of aging, such as drooping cheeks, loss of the facial contour and sagging of the neck.
It redefines the jawline and the neck, restoring structure and harmony to the face.
Ideal for those who want an elegant, discreet result without changing their features, always respecting facial expression and identity.
Beyond the aesthetic change, many patients want to look better and younger, and to feel more confident and comfortable with their appearance.
A facelift gives a result that is stable over time because it acts on the deep structures of the face, not just on the skin.
Facelift ✨
Face and neck lift ✨
Facelift ✨
Facelift ✨
Deep plane facelift ✨
Deep plane facelift ✨
Live outside Barcelona or Madrid?
Start with a video consultation with our surgeons. The surgeon who will operate on you assesses your case, answers your questions and gives you an exact, personalised quote. No travel needed for the first visit.
50 €
video consultation with your surgeon
Dr. David Neagu
Facial and maxillofacial surgery
Dr. Álvaro Sada
Facial and maxillofacial surgery
A facelift is one of the most effective procedures for rejuvenating the face and neck in a lasting way. When performed by specialized surgeons, in an accredited surgical setting and after proper patient selection, it has a high safety profile and a high satisfaction rate.
At Instituto de Benito, the procedure is performed in an approved operating room, with anesthesia administered and supervised by a qualified anesthesiologist, following strict safety protocols. Post-op follow-up makes it possible to detect and treat any issue early to support an optimal recovery.
If after surgery you experience severe pain that does not improve with the prescribed medication, persistent bleeding, sudden swelling of an area of the face or neck, a fever above 38 °C, progressive redness of the wounds, discharge, difficulty breathing or any symptom that causes concern, contact the clinic immediately or go to the nearest emergency department. Early detection allows most complications to be resolved effectively.
These are expected effects during the first days or weeks of recovery:
Exceptional complications, but ones that are known in the medical literature:
Rejuvenate your face
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure intended to correct the sagging of the skin and facial tissues associated with aging. Although it can provide long-lasting, natural results, not everyone is a suitable candidate for this procedure. A thorough medical evaluation is essential to identify factors that may increase the risk of complications or compromise the expected results.
| Contraindicación | Motivo |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease | They increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. |
| Uncontrolled high blood pressure | Increases the risk of bleeding and hematoma formation. |
| Clotting disorders or use of anticoagulants that have not been adjusted | They raise the risk of bleeding and post-operative complications. |
| Poorly controlled diabetes | May delay healing and increase the risk of infection. |
| Heavy active smoking | Reduces blood circulation in the skin and promotes skin necrosis and poor healing. |
| Active infections in the face or elsewhere in the body | They must be resolved before surgery is performed. |
| Uncontrolled autoimmune diseases or immunosuppression | They may affect recovery and healing. |
| Unrealistic expectations about the results | They may lead to dissatisfaction despite a technically successful surgery. |
| Uncontrolled psychological disorders (e.g., body dysmorphic disorder) | Surgery may not resolve the underlying problem of body perception. |
| Poor general state of health | May significantly increase anesthetic and surgical risks. |
| Tendency to hypertrophic scars or keloids | May affect the aesthetic result of the incisions. |
| Severe obesity or significant weight fluctuations | They may compromise the stability and duration of the results. |
Instituto de Benito has been specializing in facial surgery for more than 40 years, with more than 7,000 facial surgeries and an active presence in ISAPS and SECPRE.
Our team combines surgical rigor, technical precision and close support, focused on natural results in keeping with each patient's facial identity.
«One key does not open every lock»
«More than tightening the skin, a facelift is about restoring the deep structures of the face to achieve a balanced»
«The goal of a facelift is to bring freshness and definition back to the face while keeping an authentic appearance»
«A facelift combines technical precision and aesthetic sensitivity to improve the signs of aging in a harmonious way»
At Instituto de Benito we have more than 40 years of experience in facial plastic and cosmetic surgery, with a strong specialization in facial surgery. Over the course of our career we have performed more than 7,000 facial surgeries, building a high level of precision, safety and natural results. In facelifts alone we have performed more than 4,000 procedures, of which more than 2,100 are endoscopic facelifts.
Our practice is backed by membership of recognized international scientific societies such as SECPRE (Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery), ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) and SCCPRE (Catalan Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery), which ensures ongoing training and the application of the most advanced techniques.
We place special emphasis on facial harmony and on personalizing each treatment, supporting the patient throughout the whole process with complete post-op follow-up to ensure an optimal recovery and satisfactory results.
The first consultation can be held by video call before you travel. It costs €50, deducted if you decide to have surgery, and it is with the surgeon who would operate on you. All our advisors and surgeons speak English.
The first step is not surgery: it is a consultation with the surgeon who would perform your procedure. They will assess your case, answer your questions and, after the visit, give you the exact price.
The first consultation costs €80, which is deducted from the cost of surgery if you decide to have your procedure with us. You can also call us.
A firmer, rejuvenated and more harmonious face, with a more defined facial contour and a younger, natural appearance. The change becomes visible gradually. As a guide, the result is already visible to others at around a month to a month and a half, and full recovery comes between 4 and 6 months, as firmness, irregularities and changes in sensation fade.
It does not usually hurt much. Discomfort is moderate and is controlled with medication. Most people return to their social life between 10 and 15 days.
No. Current techniques are designed to rejuvenate without altering your expression or features, avoiding an artificial or "stretched" look.
A facelift is a safe procedure when performed in specialized centers and by accredited surgeons, but like all surgery, it involves potential risks that should be clearly understood.
At Instituto de Benito, safety is the priority and all procedures are performed under strict medical and control protocols, keeping complications to a minimum.
As a guide, between 5 and 8 years. How long it lasts does not depend on the technique used, but on the quality of the tissues, genetics and how each patient heals. From around 5 years on, a little maintenance is usually advisable.
Gentle activity: from 10–15 days. Intense exercise: after 4–6 weeks. Sun: it should be avoided on the scar for several months, or high sun protection should be used.
Yes, it can be combined with procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), mentoplasty, lipofilling or facial rejuvenation treatments, always subject to a personalized medical assessment.
Moderate weight changes do not usually alter the result significantly, although keeping a stable weight helps maintain it better over time.
These are guide times, because each patient heals at their own pace. Social life resumes between 10 and 15 days, the result is already visible to others at around a month to a month and a half, and full recovery comes between 4 and 6 months. It is the moment Dr. Javier de Benito sums up with a phrase his patients use: “Doctor, my face feels like mine again.”
Yes, we offer different financing options to make access to a facelift more convenient and tailored to each patient. We can split the payment over up to 12 months interest-free, and also offer longer financing options of up to 48 months, depending on the needs of each case.
There is no universal age: the indication depends on the degree of facial aging, the quality of the skin and the patient's goals. In general, a facelift is performed from the age of 40-45, when the structural changes in the face (sagging of the facial contour, neck laxity, loss of jawline definition) are marked enough to justify surgery. In people with premature aging or massive weight loss, it may be indicated earlier. The assessment with the surgeon is the only definitive criterion.
Medical review
N.º de colegiación 8038
Plastic surgeon and medical director. International reference in facial surgery.
Average rating: 4.8 / 5
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Aura Motiska
Googlehace 9 meses
I had a deep plane facelift with upper and lower blepharoplasty by Dr. David Neagu, and I couldn’t be happier. The results are incredibly natural—I look refreshed and like myself, just better. Dr. Neagu and his entire team were kind, caring, and highly skilled from start to finish. I felt supported every step of the...
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Maru Ortega
Googlehace 11 meses
Podría poner 20* a mí querido cirujano David Neagu por los veinte años que me ha quitado de la cara. Haces magia Doc!!! Mil gracias al equipazo por cuidarme: Monika, Julia, Cris, Eva. Un beso y abrazo gigante para tod@s
Kirsten Case
Googlehace 1 año
I live in France had a lower face and neck lift. Having researched carefully I chose Dr Neagu and I am thrilled with my results. I am 67 and had a facelift in America 8 years ago but wrinkles and loose skin on neck had bothered me for the last year or so. I have very prominent salivary glands and that was not...
Cristina Betancor
Googlehace 11 meses
Encantada con el resultado y con el trato recibido por la doctora Marina y todo su equipo. Muy profesionales, atentos y cercanos en todo momento.
Nora Haxha
Googlehace 1 año
Such a lovely team and experience! From my first visit to the online follow-ups, everyone has been so kind, caring, and professional. Dr. Neagu and Dr. García are truly exceptional I couldn’t feel in better hands. Thank you for everything! 🤍
Beatriz Perelló Gonzalo
Googlehace 1 año
La doctora Irene y su asistente Laura, me hicieron confiar desde el principio! Pero Los resultados superaron mis expectativas, me dejé llevar y ahora parezco 10 años menos, una piel increíble y me siento con mucha más confianza. 1000 recomendable! La doctora es un amor
Teresa Pacho
Googlehace 1 año
Trato profesional y cercano. Excelencia en la cirujana Marina Garcia y todo el equipo. Honestidad en la comunicación.
Dolores Peñalver
Googlehace 1 año
Mi experiencia en el Instituto de Benito ha sido excelente. Agradecer a la Doctora María Gijón y a todo su equipo por su gran profesionalidad y por ayudar a los clientes ante cualquier duda o aclaración
Marisa Canseco
Googlehace 1 año
El doctor Fernández y su enfermera Cristina son profesionales excelentes y dan un estupendo trato. Los recomiendo al 100%. Los resultados se ajustan totalmente a lo que se comprometen.
Sandra TB
Googlehace 1 año
Agradecer enormemente a la Doctora Marina por el trato durante todo el proceso y por el resultado final. Mi experiencia ha sido maravillosa. Agradecer también a Montse por hacer que esto sea posible.
julia juan fornes
Googlehace 1 año
La Dra Marina Garcia muy profesional y transmite muchísima confianza desde el primer momento.
Maragda L
Googlehace 9 meses
Mi experiencia ha sido de lo mejor, me he sentido totalmente cuidada en todo el proceso de mi operación desde Mónica siempre atenta a mis consultas, hasta las chicas de los masajes y cómo no, con el doctor Orestes Fernández con quién me he sentido acompañada en toda la operación y sobre todo recuperación. Sin duda...
Paula Roldan Martinez-checa
Googlehace 10 meses
La Doctora Marina Garcia es totalmente un acierto. Sinceridad desde el primer momento, te escucha y te aconseja conforme tu idea y de manera que quede lo más natural y bonito posible, siendo siempre realistas. El resultado totalmente bonito, más natural y mejor de lo que incluso yo me pensaba. Una recuperación súper...
Susi Rodríguez Suárez
Googlehace 1 año
La Dra. Marina es maravillosa. Un equipo de profesionales de 10.
Carlos rubio miguel
Googlehace 1 año
Profesionales excelentes con un trato personal inmejorable. Muy recomendado!
