Once considered old-fashioned and invasive, the facelift is making a confident comeback—thanks to celebrity openness, modern techniques, and a growing fatigue with injectables. Here’s why the time-tested procedure is trending again and what you should know before considering one.
A surprising celebrity revival
Facelifts, once synonymous with tight, windswept results, have quietly reentered the aesthetic spotlight. In 2025, where Botox and fillers are routine, the return of the surgical facelift may seem surprising—but social media and celebrity culture are helping normalize it once again.
Case in point: Kris Jenner, whose ultra-smooth appearance during a recent Paris Fashion Week outing sparked an avalanche of speculation. When many mistook the 69-year-old matriarch for her daughter Kim Kardashian, Jenner’s team confirmed to People magazine that she had, in fact, undergone a facelift performed by plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Levine.
She’s not alone. Though unconfirmed, several A-listers have been spotted with tighter jawlines and smoother complexions, with eagle-eyed fans pointing out subtle signs like faint scars behind the ears. What’s clear is that more people—famous or otherwise—are revisiting this classic procedure in search of more permanent rejuvenation.
A second act for a once-declining procedure
The facelift’s resurgence wasn’t always expected. In fact, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reported a dramatic 53% drop in facelift and neck lift procedures a decade ago. But the tide is turning: BAAPS’ most recent data shows an 8% increase year over year.
Why the shift? The evolution of surgical technique is a major reason. “The facelift technique from the 1990s had many complications and unnatural outcomes,” says Dr. Georgios Orfaniotis, a London-based consultant plastic surgeon. “Today’s procedures go deeper, targeting muscle layers under the skin. This gives a more natural and longer-lasting result.”
The modern facelift is no longer about pulling skin tight—it’s about restructuring the underlying support system. That’s why results now look softer, subtler, and far more anatomically accurate.
Fillers fatigue and the quest for longevity
Ironically, non-invasive alternatives like Botox, filler, and radiofrequency treatments once pushed facelifts into near-obsolescence. But in 2025, many patients say they’ve hit a plateau with tweakments—and are now searching for more sustainable solutions.
“I’m seeing more patients who feel they’ve maxed out what non-surgical treatments can offer,” says BAAPS president and consultant plastic surgeon Dr. Nora Nugent. “They’re looking for natural, long-lasting rejuvenation without having to repeatedly inject product into their faces.”
A facelift’s results typically last up to 10 years, making it a compelling alternative to frequent and costly injectable appointments. And importantly, a well-done facelift doesn’t erase expression—it enhances the natural contours of the face without freezing or over-volumizing.
The Ozempic effect
The popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy—prescription medications originally developed for diabetes and now widely used for weight loss—is also reshaping the cosmetic landscape.
“With significant weight loss, many patients experience facial volume loss and skin laxity,” says Nugent. “We’ve always treated patients after major weight changes, but there’s been a notable uptick since the rise of these medications.”
While great for health goals, rapid weight loss can hollow the cheeks and loosen skin, prompting patients to seek more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. For many, a facelift provides the structural solution that injectables can’t fully address.
Mirror, mirror on the Zoom call
The pandemic brought with it a surge in “Zoom dysmorphia”—a phenomenon where people became hyper-aware of their facial appearance during video calls. Even in a post-pandemic world, remote work and increased screen time have only amplified the issue.
“Constant video exposure highlights facial aging in real time—even in younger people,” says oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Maryam Zamani. Orfaniotis echoes the sentiment: “Phones and front-facing cameras have completely changed the way people perceive their faces. We now fixate on imperfections that wouldn’t have mattered ten years ago.” This relentless self-scrutiny is driving a younger demographic—often in their 40s—to explore facelift options as a preventative strategy.
A new generation of younger patients
While facelifts have traditionally been sought by those in their 50s and 60s, younger patients are increasingly opting for surgical intervention. They’re not chasing dramatic transformations but rather subtle improvements that will stand the test of time.
“I’ve seen a rise in patients in their 40s interested in facelifts,” says Nugent. “They’re looking for something that preserves facial movement and expression but also delivers long-lasting structure.” One technique gaining popularity among this age group is the SMAS mini facelift. Targeting sagging in the jawline, lower face, and neck, it delivers more understated results and involves a quicker recovery. It’s become a go-to choice for those who want refinement rather than reinvention.
Transparency and accessibility
Another reason for the facelift’s comeback? The internet. Social media has made cosmetic surgery more visible and less taboo. “There’s more transparency now,” says Orfaniotis. “Patients can research surgeons, view before-and-after galleries, understand recovery timelines, and even compare pricing—all from their phones.”
The democratization of information has helped empower patients, but it has also raised concerns about over-simplification. “It’s easier to feel confident about surgery, but people still need to do their homework,” Orfaniotis warns. “A facelift is complex, and a poor outcome can be devastating—and extremely difficult to fix.”
He adds, “I get sent botched cases almost every week, and sadly, not all of them are repairable.”
The bottom line
As aesthetic ideals shift away from overly filled or frozen features, the facelift is emerging as the ultimate comeback story—offering natural, structural, and enduring rejuvenation for a new generation of patients. But while the buzz is real, so are the risks. The modern facelift may be safer, subtler, and more accessible than ever, but it remains a serious surgical procedure. If you’re considering it, choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience—and an artistic eye for harmony, not just youth.
In an age obsessed with fast fixes, the facelift’s enduring appeal may lie in its ability to deliver something more rare: subtlety, structure, and staying power.
