Micro Facelift

• Plastic Surgery
• Face & Eyes
• Micro Facelift

Medically Reviewed 16th October 2025, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons

What is a Micro Facelift?

A Micro Facelift, sometimes referred to as a One Stitch Facelift, is a minimally invasive and innovative surgical procedure designed to address changes affecting the middle and upper cheek area. It may be considered where there is early soft-tissue descent, reduced cheek support, changes around the lower eyelid or increased prominence of the nasolabial folds.

The mid-face extends from below the lower eyelids across the cheek and towards the upper lip. Changes in the position and volume of the soft tissues in this area can alter facial contours and the relationship between the lower eyelid, cheek and nose. These changes are often beginning to become noticeable in patients in their 30s, 40s, and early 50s, and a Micro Facelift is typically considered for patients at this age.

A Micro Facelift works by repositioning and supporting the relevant soft tissues through a single small surgical access point. The aim is to address the underlying tissue changes rather than simply tightening the surface skin, while maintaining the natural proportions and movement of the face. By addressing these changes in facial support and contour, a Micro Facelift can restore definition to the mid-face and create a more rejuvenated facial appearance.

Common changes that may be assessed include:

• Reduced cheek volume and support: Loss or redistribution of soft-tissue volume can make the cheeks appear flatter and alter the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.
• Lower-eyelid changes: Changes in the position and support of the tissues around the lower eyelid can contribute to hollowing, altered contour or, in some patients, lower-eyelid retraction.
• Nasolabial folds: Descent of the mid-face tissues can contribute to more prominent folds extending from the nose towards the corners of the mouth.
• Changes in facial proportions: Alterations in cheek position and volume can affect the balance between the lower eyelid, cheek, nose and upper lip.

A Micro Facelift can be combined with other procedures where appropriate, including a Neck Lift or Fat Transfer, depending on the areas affected and the patient's individual anatomy. In selected patients, a Micro Facelift may also be considered to address lower-eyelid retraction following previous eyelid surgery.

The procedure may be considered for patients with relatively limited changes who do not yet require the broader tissue repositioning of a Mini or Traditional Facelift, although these may be required later. Age alone does not determine suitability; the extent and location of the anatomical changes, skin quality and overall health are more important factors.

Micro Facelift At a glance

Why do people have a micro facelift?

Micro Facelift is designed to address a range of functional and medical concerns, and can also achieve aesthetic improvements:

Medical reasons:

• To address signs of skin laxity due to weight loss, which may be causing skin irritation
• To correct asymmetry and functional concerns caused by conditions such as facial palsy.
• To restore support to soft tissues after trauma or reconstructive surgery.

Aesthetic reasons:

• To achieve subtle facial rejuvenation with minimal scarring.
• To enhance jawline and midface definition.
• To improve confidence with a refreshed, youthful appearance.

Who is suitable?

The micro lift is the ideal procedure for anyone in between the ages of 35 to 50 seeking to reverse the preliminary signs of ageing with a minimally invasive alternative to traditional facelift surgery. 

Cadogan Clinic considers individuals fit for the procedure, if all of the following are true of them:

• Over the age of 35
• Physically and psychologically fit and healthy
• Concerned by the ageing profile of their face
• Seeking a minimally invasive alternative to traditional facelift surgery
• Have realistic expectations of what can be achieved by surgery

The cost of a Micro Facelift

What does it involve?

The micro facelift procedure is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be performed under local or general anaesthetic (and sedation). The surgery is carried out as a daycase procedure meaning you can go home the same day, and aren't required to stay overnight.

Our expert surgeon will make one single tiny incision in the face in order to move the sub-dermal tissue to its original position, which will give the face a lifted appearance. The surgeon will then proceed to stitch it in place. A micro facelift is a procedure that delivers natural results with no external scarring.

It is generally a painless procedure and any bruising or swelling will subside within five to seven days. The natural ageing process will continue from the point achieved following the procedure.

One stitch facelift UK is commonly combined with fat transfer to restore lost facial volume, allowing us to both lift loosened skin and reintroduce structure and volume. Fat is harvested via liposuction and then used to augment the cheekbones, cheeks, temples, brow, chin and anywhere else where it will improve facial balance and structure.

In some instances, we also isolate stem cells and inject these into strategic areas, to improve skin quality and appearance, improve scars and generally rejuvenate the facial appearance.

There is minimal downtime required following a micro face lift and you will very quickly be able to return to your normal routine.

How does it differ from other facelift procedures?

The micro facelift is less invasive than its sister treatment the mini facelift and far less invasive than a full facelift (rhytidectomy). Whereas the mini and full facelift require several incisions, only one incision is needed for a micro facelift, hence the nickname one stitch facelift.

Of the three procedures, the micro facelift is best suited to younger people, aged from 35 upwards, who are experiencing the very first signs of aging. A mini facelift is for those aged 40 and upwards while the full facelift, a far more drastic surgery, is best suited for older patients with deep set wrinkles and excess skin.

The micro facelift targets the mid section of the face, which displays the first signs of ageing. The mini facelift is a treatment for the lower part of the face, helping to eliminate jowls and saggy skin around the neck area.

The micro facelift can be combined with other procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, to enhance the result. A micro facelift produces longer lastings results than non-surgical alternatives on their own.

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