Facial Rejuvenation with Dental Implants and
Facelift Surgery
Facial rejuvenation is no longer just about smoothing lines or lifting sagging skin. Today,
leading specialists understand that to reverse the signs of ageing effectively and naturally,
you must address both the internal support of the face and the external envelope of skin and
soft tissue. This is why more patients are combining dental implant treatment with facelift
surgery for comprehensive, structural rejuvenation.
When timed correctly, the result is a stronger profile, restored facial volume, and a youthful
contour that looks natural, not artificial. When timed poorly, however, swelling, facial
changes, or skeletal instability can compromise the outcome of one or both procedures.
To understand the most effective treatment pathway, we consulted consultant plastic
surgeon Douglas McGeorge, FRCS (Plast) Clinical Director of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons,
and implant dentist Dr Chetan Mistry (GDC: 177957), Clinical Director of Mola Dental. Below,
we explore how tooth loss accelerates facial ageing, how dental implants and facelift surgery
complement one another, what risks and complications patients should be aware of, and
why sequencing matters medically and aesthetically.
The Science of Facial Ageing
Facial ageing is a multi-layered process driven by skeletal resorption, soft-tissue descent, fat
redistribution, and skin laxity. Research into the facial aging process shows that ageing is not
simply a matter of skin wrinkling, bone resorption contributes significantly to mid-face
flattening, deeper nasolabial folds, and jawline collapse.
Ageing typically involves:
● Bone loss in the jaw, midface and orbital rims
● Fat pad descent and deflation, particularly in the mid-face
● Ligament laxity and deepening of facial folds
● Skin thinning and reduced elasticity
Related reading: Deep Plane Facelift vs SMAS | Which is the Best Facelift?
Why Tooth Loss Accelerates Facial Ageing
Put simply, missing teeth age the face from the inside out. When teeth are lost, the jawbone
beneath them begins to shrink in a process called bone resorption, a process
well-documented in oral surgery literature.
Over time, this contributes to:
● Sunken or flattened cheeks
● Inward-rolled, thinning lips
● Shortened lower facial height and a recessed chin
● More prominent marionette lines and nasolabial folds
No facelift, regardless of technique, can fully correct ageing if the underlying skeletal support
is diminished. This is why many experts consider dental restoration the foundational stage of
full-face rejuvenation.
Why Dental Implants Should Come Before a Facelift
Dental implant surgery causes inflammation, swelling, and structural change. According to
Mr Douglas McGeorge FRCS (Plast):
“Dental implants will cause swelling and so, if being contemplated at the same time, it
is sensible to do the dental work first. Swelling, if excessive, could create a little skin
laxity. Otherwise facial surgery can be done anytime after the swelling settles and any
mouth wounds are fully healed.”
In addition to swelling, implants, once integrated, restore facial projection and lip support,
subtly altering facial contours. Performing a facelift before these changes means the
surgeon may lift and tighten tissue around a temporary or inaccurate shape. This is why
dental implants should always be completed and fully healed before facelift surgery.
“Depending on the site and extent of dental implant treatment they can provide additional lip
and cheek support, thus affecting the shape of your face,” said implant dentist Dr Chetan
Mistry (GDC: 177957).
How Dental Implants Restore Structural Support
Modern titanium dental implants fuse to bone through osseointegration, restoring lost
structure and preventing further bone resorption, an outcome supported by decades of
research.
Dental implants are essential to:
● Rebuild internal support for lips and cheeks
● Preserve and stimulate the bone (preventing further resorption)
● Improve facial symmetry and lower-face projection
● Stabilise the bite and jaw mechanics
Individual Implants vs Permanent Bridges to Replace Multiple Lost Teeth
Patients missing several teeth often ask which is better, multiple individual implants or an
implant-retained bridge. If you’re missing four or more teeth, especially next to each other,
then an implant-retained bridge will typically cost less and heal faster, than multiple,
individual teeth implants. Implant dentist Dr Chetan Mistry (GDC: 177957) and clinical
director of Mola Dental explains:
“If you’re missing just one tooth, a single implant is ideal. But if you’re missing four or
more teeth side-by-side, an implant-retained bridge is often more effective.”
Drawing of dental implants
Dental Implants, Bone Grafting and Sinus Lifts Explained
Not every patient has enough strong, healthy bone to support a dental implant immediately.
When a tooth has been missing for some time, the jawbone naturally shrinks through a
process called bone resorption.
To assess the bone level, your dentist will take a CBCT (3D) scan, which allows them to
measure bone height, width, and density with precision. If the scan shows insufficient bone,
one of the following preparatory procedures may be recommended, to create a stable
foundation before the implant is placed.
Bone Grafting for Teeth Implants
A bone graft rebuilds areas of the jaw where bone has weakened or reduced. This may
involve using your own bone, donor bone, or a synthetic grafting material. The procedure
thickens and strengthens the jaw so it can securely hold an implant.
What to expect:
● Performed under local anaesthetic (with sedation if required)
● Some swelling, tenderness, or bruising
● Initial healing in a few weeks, but full bone integration can take 4 to 9 months
Once healed, the new bone fuses with your natural jawbone, creating a solid base for the
implant post.
The Sinus Lift Explained
If you are missing teeth at the back of the upper jaw, the sinus cavities can expand
downward into the space where bone once was. To provide the strongest foundation for
teeth implants and prevent breathing problems your dentist may recommend a sinus lift.
A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and places grafting material underneath to
increase bone height. This allows implants to be positioned safely and securely, without
encroaching on the sinus.
What to expect:
● Local anaesthetic, often with sedation available
● A feeling of fullness or sinus pressure for several days
● Avoiding nose-blowing or heavy sneezing during early healing
● Full healing and bone stabilisation typically takes 6 to 12 months
Timeline for Bone Grafts and Sinus Lifts with Teeth Implants
Although bone grafts and sinus lifts significantly improve long-term success rates, they do
extend the overall dental implant treatment time. Depending on the complexity, bone grafting prior to teeth implants, can typically add 9 to 12 months before implants can be fully placed
and loaded.
Bone grafts extend the timeline because the jaw needs time to stabilise before facial surgery.
“Yes, sometimes bone grafting is necessary,” says Dr. Mistry. “We can tell off a CBCT
x-ray if grafting is likely, and it can sometimes increase dental implant treatment times
by 9 to 12 months for more complex bone grafting cases, for example, sinus lifts.”
The reward for patience is worth it, a strong, stable foundation dramatically reduces the risk
of implant failure and supports better facial structure, especially in cases where tooth loss
has already caused visible changes to the cheeks, lips, and jawline.
Dental Implant Risks and Complications
Dental implants are highly successful, but like any surgical procedure, they carry potential
risks, including:
● Swelling and bruising
● Infection around the implant
● Implant failure or loosening
● Nerve sensitivity and pain
● Prolonged healing after grafting
Importantly, post-implant swelling can temporarily stretch the skin, which is why teeth
implants should always precede facelift surgery. Performing a facelift first could lead to
residual looseness once swelling subsides.
Understanding Facial Ageing and the SMAS Facelift
When you are ready time facial rejuvenation surgery, Mr. McGeorge advises,
“I would always recommend a formal SMAS lift. You have one chance to carry out a
full lift and it should not be wasted.”
A SMAS facelift, considered the gold standard by many plastic surgeons, targets the
Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System, producing:
● More natural and longer-lasting results
● Improved jawline definition
● Lifted mid-face, cheeks, and jowls
Facelift Risks and Complications
All surgery carries risk, potential facelift complications include:
● Swelling and bruising
● Temporary or permanent numbness
● Haematoma and infection
● Necrosis and visible scarring
● Skin irregularities
A fully healed mouth and stable facial structure reduce these risks and support better
surgical precision.
Related reading: Deep Plane Facelift vs SMAS | Which is the Best Facelift?
Stay Safe and Check Credentials
Before undergoing any dental or cosmetic surgery procedure, it’s essential to make sure
your practitioner is properly qualified and registered.
In the UK, all dentists must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). This
ensures they meet professional standards for training, safety, and ethics.
If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, make sure your plastic surgeon holds FRCS(Plast)
status and appears on the GMC’s Specialist Register for plastic surgery. TIf you’re outside
the UK, always check if your cosmetic surgeon is a board-registered plastic surgeon in the
USA or registered with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Worldwide plastic surgeons should be registered with appropriate medical regulatory bodies
for plastic surgeons in their country. These credentials confirm that they’ve completed the
highest level of specialist training and are accountable to strict professional regulations.
My Opinion
A restored smile and a refreshed face can be life-changing. With the right timing and
teamwork between your dentist and plastic surgeon, you can achieve a balanced, youthful,
and natural result.
Annabelle Baugh | Founder
The information in this article is based on trusted medical research and reputable health
sources. It’s meant to help you better understand your health but shouldn’t replace advice
from your doctor or healthcare team. You can find the sources we used listed below, with
links if you’d like to read more.
● Arthur Swift, Steven Liew, Susan Weinkle, Julie K Garcia, Michael B Silberberg, The
Facial Aging Process From the “Inside Out”, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 41,
Issue 10, October 2021, Pages 1107–1119, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa339
● Skomina Z, Kočevar D, Verdenik M, Hren NI. Older adults’ facial characteristics
compared to young adults’ in correlation with edentulism: a cross sectional study.
BMC Geriatr. 2022 Jun 14;22(1):503. doi: 10.1186/s12877-022-03190-5. PMID:
35701747; PMCID: PMC9199120.
● Alshamrani AM, Mubarki M, Alsager AS, Alsharif HK, AlHumaidan SA, Al-Omar A.
Maxillary Sinus Lift Procedures: An Overview of Current Techniques, Presurgical
Evaluation, and Complications. Cureus. 2023 Nov 28;15(11):e49553. doi:
10.7759/cureus.49553. PMID: 38156177; PMCID: PMC10753870.
● Sakkas, A., Wilde, F., Heufelder, M. et al. Autogenous bone grafts in oral
implantology—is it still a “gold standard”? A consecutive review of 279 patients with
456 clinical procedures. Int J Implant Dent 3, 23 (2017).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40729-017-0084-4
● Andrew A Jacono, A Sean Alemi, Joseph L Russell, A Meta-Analysis of Complication
Rates Among Different SMAS Facelift Techniques, Aesthetic Surgery Journal,
Volume 39, Issue 9, September 2019, Pages 927–942,
https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjz045
Q & A: Dental Implants & Facelifts
If you’re planning both dental implants and a facelift, you’re not alone, and these treatments
can beautifully complement each other. The key is timing and planning, and this Q&A will
guide you through what to expect.
1. Will Dental Implants Change Your Facial Shape?
Surprisingly, yes, missing teeth can allow the cheeks and lips to sink inward, creating a
prematurely aged look. Teeth implants can restore lost support, slightly lifting the lower face
and improving lip shape.
2. Should I get dental implants or a facelift first?
Dental implants should be done first. Implant surgery causes swelling, and in some cases
this can temporarily stretch the skin. If a facelift were done first, the post-implant swelling
could create slight skin looseness afterward. By completing dental work first, your facelift
surgeon can work with your true facial shape.
3. How long should I wait after dental implants before having a
facelift?
Usually 3 to 4 months, however, if you’ve had bone grafting or a sinus lift, you will need
several additional months to fully heal
4. Could dental implants change the shape of my face?
Yes, in a positive way. Missing teeth can cause the cheeks and lips to look hollow or
collapsed. Implants help support the lips and cheeks, restoring a more youthful structure.
This is another reason to complete dental treatment first, your facelift surgeon needs to see
your final facial contours.
5. Do patients ever need bone grafts before implants, and will this
delay my facelift?
Sometimes. A special CBCT X-ray can show whether bone grafting is needed. In more
complex cases, bone grafts can extend the implant treatment time by 9 to 12 months
while the bone heals.
6. If I’m missing several teeth, should I have individual implants or an
implant bridge?
It depends on the size and position of the gap:
● Single missing teeth: single implants are ideal
● Larger gaps of 4+ missing teeth (especially side-by-side): an implant-retained bridge
is often the most effective and economical solution
Your dentist will recommend the best option for your situation.
7. What type of facelift is usually recommended?
Many plastic surgeons prefer a formal SMAS facelift, which tightens both the skin and the
deeper muscle layer of the face. This approach usually gives the most natural and
longest-lasting result, especially when combined with dental restoration.
8. What is the ideal treatment sequence?
● Dental implant placement (and bone graft if needed)
● Healing period (minimum 3 to 4 months, 9 to 12 if grafting was done)
● Facelift (once swelling is gone and the mouth is fully healed)
Following this order ensures your facelift is tailored to your final facial structure, not a
temporary stage of healing
