Facelift for Men: Beard, Sideburns, Scars and Why Haematoma Risk Is Higher

A facelift in men is the same core operation as in women, but there are important differences that change the planning. Beard-bearing skin, the position of the sideburns and hairline, thicker skin and muscle, and above all a higher haematoma risk are the main ones.^1,2

This guide explains the goal in a male face, how incisions are planned, why the risk is different and what men in particular should watch for during recovery.

What is the goal in a male face?

A facelift addresses sagging of the cheeks and jawline, jowls, and loose skin and fat in the neck.⁶ In men the aim is not a pulled or softened look but a clear jawline and a rested, natural expression. Lifting the cheeks too far or making the face too round can feminise a male face, so the direction and amount of tissue movement are planned more conservatively.

The brows differ too: in women an arch towards the outer brow is usually considered ideal, while in men the brow is generally flatter and sits at the level of the brow bone.⁷ If a brow lift is being considered, this difference must be respected; see brow lift techniques compared.

Planning around the beard, sideburns and scars

In a facelift the skin is moved upwards and backwards. In men this means beard-bearing skin moves too. When planning the incision, the aim is to keep bearded skin away from the front of the ear and the ear itself, preserve the sideburn and avoid a step in the hairline behind the ear. The NHS notes that the hairline or sideburns can move up after a facelift and hair growth at the temples can reduce.³

In men with short hair, scars behind the ear and at the nape can be more visible, so hairstyle is part of the plan. Where facelift scars usually sit is explained in facelift scars.

Why is haematoma risk higher in men?

Possible explanations include the richer blood supply of beard-bearing skin and factors such as blood pressure, but the exact reason is debated; the difference itself is clear in large datasets. In the study by Gupta and colleagues of 11,300 patients, male sex was an independent risk factor for haematoma, raising the risk about 3.9 times.¹ StatPearls also states that men are about twice as likely to develop a haematoma, with rates of up to 8% reported.²

That is why, for men, good blood pressure control before surgery, stopping blood-thinning medicines and supplements on the surgeon’s instructions, and avoiding strain that raises blood pressure in the first days after surgery are especially important.⁴ How to recognise a haematoma is explained in facelift risks and complications.

The neck and jawline

A clear jawline is one of the defining features of a male face. Changes in the neck can come from fat under the chin, loose skin and bands formed by the platysma muscle.⁸ The platysma is thicker in men than in women.⁵ The neck is often treated in the same operation as the facelift.⁴ Neck muscle bands are covered in detail in neck bands and platysmaplasty.

Recovery points specific to men

• Shaving: incision lines and numb areas mean extra care is needed at first; ask your surgeon when and how to shave.
• Exercise and heavy lifting: avoid strenuous activity, saunas and massages for at least two weeks.³
• Return to work: usually 2 to 4 weeks; bruising is visible for at least two weeks.³
• Numbness: in the cheeks and around the ears it can last weeks to months.³

The week-by-week process is in facelift recovery week by week.

Frequently asked questions