COSMETIC SURGERY

Facelift South Africa

Rhytidectomy

AT A GLANCE
Duration: 3 – 5 Hours
Anaesthesia: General
Stay: Overnight stay
Recovery: 10 – 14 Days

True rejuvenation is an art of subtlety. At Vivari, we move beyond simple skin tightening, utilizing a sophisticated vertical vector approach to restore the deep structural layers of the face to their natural, youthful position. The result is not a ‘changed’ appearance, but a rested, refined version of yourself.

01 | THE VIVARI EXPERIENCE

Recovery as an Art Form

Surgery is only the first step; restoration is the journey. At Vivari, we have transformed post-operative care into a curated experience. Your recovery is supported by a multidisciplinary team within our luxury clinical suites, ensuring that the days following your procedure are as serene as they are scientifically optimized.

24/7 Concierge Nursing

Expert medical care delivered within the privacy of your luxury suite.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Accelerating cellular repair and significantly reducing post-operative swelling.

Intravenous Nutrition

Bespoke IV infusions designed to support the immune system and skin maturation.

Lymphatic Integration

Specialized post-surgical treatments at the Vivari Spa to refine your results.

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE

The Vertical Vector Method

The Vivari approach to facial rejuvenation transcends traditional ‘skin-tightening.’ We utilize a sophisticated Vertical Vector technique, focusing on the deep structural layers (SMAS) to reposition facial tissue back to its original, youthful anchor points.

By moving tissue vertically—rather than pulling it horizontally—we avoid the unnatural ‘operated’ look, instead achieving a rested, refreshed appearance that honors your unique anatomy.

THE JOURNEY

Your Path to Vivari

01 THE CONSULTATION

A private, comprehensive evaluation of your goals and facial anatomy.

02 THE PREPARATION

Tailored pre-operative protocols to prime your body for optimal healing.

03 THE PROCEDURE

Advanced vertical-vector techniques performed with surgical precision.

04 THE RECOVERY

A serene transition into our luxury suites with 24/7 specialist care.

For a comprehensive understanding of our clinical protocols, please explore the details below.

MEDICAL HISTORY AND EXAM Prepare to answer questions about past and current medical conditions, previous surgeries, complications, and history of smoking or substance use. Your surgeon will conduct a physical exam and may request recent records or specialist consultations to ensure your surgical readiness.

MEDICATION REVIEW A strict review of all prescriptions and supplements is required to minimize bruising and ensure the integrity of the deep-plane blood supply during healing.

FACIAL EXAM Your surgeon will take photos from various angles to examine your bone structure, face shape, fat distribution, and skin quality. This determines the optimal approach for your rejuvenation.

ESTABLISHING EXPECTATIONS We will discuss the surgical process, anesthesia, recovery, and potential complications. Your surgeon will help you understand how a facelift changes your appearance and what it does not address, such as fine wrinkles or natural asymmetry.

FOLLOW MEDICATION DIRECTIONS You will receive specific instructions on which medications to pause. For example, blood-thinning supplements should typically be discontinued two weeks prior to surgery.

PRE-OPERATIVE HYGIENE On the morning of your procedure, you will be asked to wash your hair and face with a specific germicidal soap provided or recommended by the clinic.

FASTING PROTOCOLS To ensure a safe procedure, do not eat anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Clear water and approved medications are permitted as directed.

ARRANGE FOR RECOVERY SUPPORT If your procedure is outpatient, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours of your recovery.

ANESTHESIA Depending on the complexity, we utilize local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia to ensure complete comfort and safety throughout the procedure.

THE PROCEDURE The surgeon lifts the skin and tightens underlying tissues and muscles. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed before the skin is re-draped over the new contours. Excess skin is removed, and incisions are closed with fine sutures or medical tape.

INCISION PHILOSOPHIES:

Traditional Face-lift: Starts at the temples, continues around the front of the ear, and ends behind the ear in the lower scalp.
Limited Incision: A shorter “mini” incision starting at the hairline above the ear and wrapping around the front, omitting the lower scalp extension.
Neck Lift: Focuses on the jawline and neck, with incisions in front of the earlobe, around the ear, and a small incision under the chin.

IMMEDIATE AFTERCARE Incisions will be covered with pressure bandages to minimize swelling. Small drainage tubes may be placed behind the ears to prevent fluid buildup. You may experience mild pain, swelling, and bruising, which typically peaks at 48 hours.

CRITICAL RECOVERY GUIDELINES

Avoid: Smoking, alcohol, stress, direct sun exposure, and pollutants.
Action: Rest with your head elevated, apply cool packs as directed, and use prescribed pain management.

WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR SURGEON
Contact the clinic immediately if you experience:

Severe pain on one side of the face/neck within 24 hours.
Shortness of breath or chest pain.
Irregular heartbeats.

FOLLOW-UP SCHEDULE

Day 1: Removal of drainage tubes and application of antibiotic ointment.
Days 2–3: Transition from bandages to an elasticized facial sling.
Week 1: Suture removal and wound assessment.
Months 1–2: Subsequent visits to monitor long-term healing.

The Art of the Subtle Transformation

In facial rejuvenation, excellence is measured in millimeters. The Vivari approach focuses on the deep structural layers to achieve a result that is both profound and imperceptible. Our commitment is to a look that is rested and refreshed—never ‘operated’.

A Note on Clinical Maturation: To ensure the highest standard of safety and structural integrity, we allow the facial architecture a full twelve months to settle and reveal its final form. Should the natural healing process require subtle refinements to achieve our shared vision, we approach these with the same surgical precision as the primary procedure.

THE VIVARI INVESTMENT

A Sanctuary for Restoration

True rejuvenation requires a dedicated space for the body to heal in absolute privacy. Your surgical journey begins with a comprehensive, all-inclusive approach to care.

The Surgical Investment | From R120,000
Inclusive of the Vertical Vector procedure and your initial 24-hour clinical recovery suite.

OVERNIGHT PACKAGES

Extend your recovery in the quiet luxury of the Vivari Hotel. Our bespoke post-operative packages include:

Curated Nutrition

Specialized menus from our restaurant designed for optimal healing.

Lymphatic Support

Gentle spa treatments to reduce swelling and accelerate recovery.

Seamless Care

24/7 access to clinical staff within a five-star hotel environment.

THE VIVARI DOSSIER

Comprehensive Clinical Guide

An in-depth exploration of the Deep Plane Facelift technique, our surgical protocols
and the full suite of recovery experiences at Vivari.

DOWNLOAD PDF BROCHURE

To ensure every patient receives the undivided attention and surgical expertise required for a bespoke transformation, we operate a refined pre-consultation process.

Your journey begins with a comprehensive clinical questionnaire. This initial diagnostic assessment allows our surgical team to review your unique facial and body architecture before your private appointment.

Initial Assessment Fee: R1,000

An additional R1,250 applies for an in-person consultation.
Should you proceed with surgery, a total of R2,250
will be credited toward your procedure.

BEGIN NOW

Consultations are held in absolute confidence.
There is no obligation to proceed.