Face Lift
The History of Face Lifts: From Ancient Times to Modern Techniques

A face lift (rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic procedure that has evolved significantly over the centuries, helping people achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance. From ancient beauty rituals to advanced modern techniques, the history of face lifts is a fascinating journey through time. Today, renowned plastic surgeons like Dr. Faisal Salim in Dubai use cutting-edge methods to deliver natural, long-lasting results.
Ancient Origins of Face Lifts
The desire for youthful, wrinkle-free skin dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations developed early facial rejuvenation techniques based on their cultural beauty standards.
- Egypt: Egyptian royalty used herbal treatments, facial massage, and oils to maintain smooth skin.
- India & China: Acupuncture and natural herbal remedies were widely used for facial rejuvenation.
- Ancient Rome & Greece: Beauty rituals included honey masks, olive oil treatments, and skin-tightening pastes.
Although these techniques were non-surgical, they laid the foundation for the modern concept of facial enhancement.
Early Modern Face Lifts (19th Century Developments)
By the 19th century, early surgical techniques emerged in Europe, marking the beginning of modern face lift procedures.
- The first documented surgical face lift was performed in 1901 by German surgeon Eugen Holländer, who removed excess skin from a patient’s face.
- Early techniques focused on skin tightening without addressing the underlying muscles, leading to short-lived results.
- The introduction of anesthesia in plastic surgery made face lifts safer and more accessible.
These early advancements paved the way for more sophisticated procedures in the 20th centur
Mid-20th Century Advancements in Face Lifts
By the 1950s, plastic surgeons developed a more effective technique called the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) face lift, which is still widely used today.
- 1950s: The SMAS technique targeted the deeper facial tissues, offering longer-lasting and more natural results.
- 1970s: The introduction of liposuction allowed surgeons to remove excess fat along with skin tightening for better facial contouring.
- 1990s: The development of endoscopic face lifts made the procedure less invasive, reducing scarring and recovery time.
Modern Face Lift Techniques: Precision & Natural Results
Today, face lift surgery has evolved into a highly customized and minimally invasive procedure. Dr. Faisal Salim, a leading plastic surgeon in Dubai, specializes in advanced techniques such as:
- Mini Face Lift – A less invasive option for mild sagging and early signs of aging.
- Deep Plane Face Lift – Addresses deeper facial layers for long-lasting, natural results.
- Endoscopic Face Lift – Uses small incisions and cameras for precise lifting with minimal scarring.
- Thread Lift – A non-surgical approach using dissolvable sutures to lift sagging skin.
These modern advancements ensure natural-looking results with reduced downtime.
Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Face Lifts
From ancient beauty rituals to state-of-the-art surgical techniques, the history of face lifts reflects humanity’s ongoing pursuit of youthful and rejuvenated skin. Today, expert plastic surgeons like Dr. Faisal Salim in Dubai offer personalized face lift procedures to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals with safety and precision.
Considering a Face Lift? Consult Dr. Faisal Salim in Dubai
If you are looking for a youthful, refreshed appearance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Faisal Salim, a top plastic surgeon in Dubai. With expertise in advanced face lift techniques, he provides natural, long-lasting results tailored to your needs.
Patient Testimonials
Dr Faisal was nothing but outstanding during my entire journey in deciding if I should have a deep plane facelift in my 40’s. I didn’t want fillers and other interim interventions, all I wanted was to turn back time with what I had! From the very first consultation to before and after surgery including my many WhatsApp messages during my recovery months Dr Faisal was calm, reassuring and always there for me. It’s now 6 months on and I can honestly say it was the right decision to make. I am thrilled that it doesn’t look obvious that anything has been done but certainly friends and family comment on how fresh and alive I look! I would highly recommend Dr Faisal for his professional, calm, reassuring and expert advice for anyone considering such a big decision in their life. Juli Fairclough-Davis2024-12-05 I couldn’t say enough wonderful things to do Dr. Faisal justice! He listens. He cares. He has deep discussion with you to be certain he is targeting your root problem or concern. His staff is lovely. He doesn’t miss a step! After a botched mommy make over and THEN a trans-abdominal hysterectomy I was left with a massive scar and intense daily pain. Dr. Faisal gave me my life back! After 6.5 YEARS of intense, debilitating, life-altering pain, I am finally set free! My results are truly remarkable. I could not have asked for anything to go better! I am pain free, I have my athletic build back again and can get back to my active lifestyle with my kiddos again! I hope I never need surgery again in my lifetime but if I do- I’ll go to the ends of the earth to make sure it’s in his hands! He’s a realist and will not lie to you. He sets real expectations and then exceeds them by leaps and bounds! I am forever grateful to Dr. Faisal! Kat Overbeck2024-10-17 Cannot fault the service from start to finish. Highly recommend Dr Faisal and the team. Thank you for everything. Alice Williams2024-10-05 My neighbor recommended Dr. Faisal to me , and I am so happy with the result with only 4months now.I have done the breast augmentation and nipple correction. Dr. Faisal is so professional so good, he can hear you and understand what you want, and he did the work perfectly . I am very happy with my breast now. The results are even better than I had hoped. TT &T2024-09-30 Review of Dr. Faisal - abdominoplasty As a diabetic who had embarked on a weight loss journey to improve my health, I found myself facing a new challenge - unsightly loose skin around my tummy. This unexpected outcome of my weight loss efforts impacted my self-confidence, especially when it came to how I dressed and carried myself. Despite the physical transformation I had achieved, the presence of excess skin made me feel self-conscious and hesitant to fully embrace my new body. Therefore, I started researching doctors who could carry out the procedure. Upon scheduling my initial consultation, recommended by a friend, Dr. Faisal meticulously guided me through the surgery, addressing all my inquiries and aligning with my objectives. Prior to the operation, he dedicated time to addressing any concerns, remaining accessible for my numerous questions, and offering detailed instructions for the recovery process. Post-surgery, he closely monitored my progress and was consistently available for support, even during unconventional hours, providing reassurance and comfort. The recovery is always different for everyone but honestly, I felt it was made easier with the great support and did not struggle at all. I was up and about within a couple of days.....obviously with limitations. Now post 6 week mark i can confidently say Dr. Faisal's exceptional expertise resulted in a fabulous result (i find myself constantly checking myself out in the mirror and i can see abs !!), significantly boosting my self-confidence and I would highly recommend him to anyone contemplating this procedure. Puja Gujral2024-09-02 I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Faisal. After having 4 children including a set of twins, I no longer recognized myself when I looked in the mirror. My confidence was non existent. However, the thought of an extended abdominoplasty and breast lift was very daunting. Dr Faisal took the time to explain the whole procedure, recovery and expected outcome in an honest and frank manner whilst allaying any concerns or fears. The result is life changing. I was supported throughout the recovery and I now feel like I have my spark back. I enjoy exercising again and no longer look for baggy clothes to hide my body. Jennifer Durston MA Elip FCCT2024-08-28 I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the outstanding results of my surgeries. I am beyond thrilled with the outcome, and every time I look in the mirror, I feel an overwhelming sense of joy and confidence. Dr Faisal's exceptional skill and artistry are truly remarkable, and I am incredibly grateful to have found such an amazing surgeon. Thank you Dr Faisal for your beautiful work. Louise2024-08-17 Dr. Faisal is an exceptional doctor. Living in Dubai, it's not easy to find the right plastic surgeon. In previous years, I checked many profiles, but somehow I didn't trust them. One day, based on my friend's recommendation (and also after reading excellent reviews), I booked a consultation with Dr. Faisal. He really listens to his patients and answered my long list of questions, even the super silly ones. I didn't go anywhere else, I booked the surgery straight away. The results are just amazing; I got exactly what I asked for. I would highly recommend Dr. Faisal to anyone considering plastic surgery. Dora Czuczor2024-08-08 I had breast reduction surgery with Dr Faisal Salim 2 months ago. I was a GG cup size. Before the operation I searched for a good surgeon in the UAE and abroad for over a year, I selected 3 surgeons to meet with and one of them was Dr Faisal. I chose him because he was friendly and thorough in his explanation of what the surgery entailed and in managing my expectations. He and his team were always ready to answer my questions and his assistant Nazokat has been so lovely and helpful. I went into this surgery, very nervous of course, but fully aware of all the possible outcomes and I ended up with results that surpassed my dream scenario. I am so happy with the size and shape of my breasts. I am now a perky C cup at 43! Beyond the aesthetic aspect of my transformation, the health benefits are numerous; It is much easier to just exist everyday and do mondain activities with ease when it was a struggle before. I am able to keep up with my young children and working out has become so much easier that my fitness goals don’t seem so distant anymore. The positive consequences of this intervention don’t end here; one of the most significant outcomes is the impact on my confidence and self esteem; my family noticed that I’m more outgoing and I engage with others more and seem less reserved. I simply feel a million times better about myself! Dr Faisal did an amazing job and I will forever be thankful to him and cannot recommend him enough. He is a highly skilled surgeon and understands what his patients’ worries and preoccupations are. He is reassuring but honest and upfront about possible challenges which is exactly what I was looking for. This surgery is the best thing I have ever done for myself and I recommend it to every woman who suffers from the burden of having very large breasts. My first visit with Dr Faisal was just a chat about what I was looking for, it was relaxed and I didn’t feel pressured at all. It helped me in realising that this issue that seemed insurmountable could actually be fixed - and now that it is, I wish for every woman who is in the situation I was in to meet with Dr Faisal and get a new lease of life 😊 Laïla Waugh2024-07-25 I want to thank Dr. Faisal for performing on excellent procedure: face lift, neck lift and blepharoplasty- all together during the same surgery- Great ! His bedside manner was excellent. I’m very happy with the results ! This surgery has made a positive impact on my self esteem. Dr. Faisal answered all my questions reassuring me with professionalism at every stage of my journey providing accurate information. Dr. Faisal’s knowledge and skills gave me a very natural look, avoid raising unrealistic expectations. I want to mention also the team at the clinic : friendly and professional. I greatly appreciate everything Dr. Faisal has done for me. Highly recommended- 5 stars. Maria A2024-05-06