The Snatched Lift™: Endoscopic Facelift Surgery in London

For patients in their 40s and early 50s seeking natural, lasting rejuvenation without the commitment of open surgery. Professor Ali Ghanem performs the UK's most advanced endoscopic upper and midface lift through three small incisions, entirely within the hairline.

Schedule a Consultation
Before endoscopic facelift
Before
After endoscopic facelift
After
Overview

The Endoscopic Facelift: A Minimal Incision, Maximum Result

An endoscopic facelift is a surgical technique that uses a small camera and specialised instruments passed through three tiny incisions hidden entirely within the hairline. There are no incisions around the ear, no visible scarring, and no skin excision.

At The Ghanem Clinic, the endoscopic approach forms Tiers 1 and 2 of the Snatched Lift™. It addresses the upper face, brow, temples and midface, restoring structure where gravity has worked hardest, for patients who are not yet ready, or not yet suited, to open lower face surgery.

Professor Ali Ghanem is one of a very small number of UK surgeons trained to perform the endoscopic facelift at this level. He completed his specialist training under global pioneers of the technique and has refined the procedure into his own proprietary approach, delivered exclusively at The Ghanem Clinic on Wimpole Street.

The Tiers

Two Endoscopic Tiers of the Snatched Lift™

Tiers 1 and 2 are both endoscopic procedures. The difference lies in scope: Tier 1 focuses on the upper face and brow; Tier 2 adds comprehensive midface correction.

 Tier 1Tier 2
Best for40s, early brow and forehead descent40s–50s, midface descent added
TechniqueEndoscopic upper face and brow lift onlyEndoscopic upper face, brow + midface lift
AnaestheticSedation or generalGeneral
Procedure time2–3 hours3–4 hours
Social downtime10–14 days10–14 days
Full recovery4–6 weeks4–6 weeks
Results last6–8 years6–8 years

Tier 1: Endoscopic Upper Face and Brow Lift

Tier 1 addresses the upper third of the face: the forehead, brow position and lateral temples. Using an endoscope passed through three small incisions within the hairline, Professor Ghanem releases the brow from underlying structures, repositions it to a natural height, and resuspends it using internal fixation. Best suited to patients in their 40s experiencing early brow and forehead descent, particularly lateral hooding or a heavy, tired brow appearance.

What it addresses:

  • Brow descent and asymmetry
  • Forehead lines driven by compensatory muscle action
  • Lateral brow heaviness causing upper lid crowding
  • Temple hollowing and descent

Recovery: 10 to 14 days social downtime. Results last: typically 6 to 8 years.

Tier 2: Endoscopic Upper Face, Brow and Midface Lift

Tier 2 combines everything in Tier 1 with endoscopic midface correction, addressing malar descent, deepening nasolabial folds, and early jowl formation in a single procedure. Best for patients in their 40s and early 50s with combined upper and midface descent who are not yet candidates for open lower face surgery, or who prefer a less invasive approach.

What it addresses, in addition to Tier 1:

  • Malar fat pad descent and midface flattening
  • Deepening nasolabial folds
  • Early jowl appearance at the jawline
  • Loss of the ogee curve and cheekbone definition

Recovery: 10 to 14 days social downtime, full result at 3 months. Results last: 6 to 8 years.

The Journey

Your Endoscopic Facelift Journey

Initial Consultation

A private, no-obligation consultation with Professor Ghanem at Wimpole Street. He reviews your facial anatomy, discusses the appropriate tier, and explains what the endoscopic approach can and cannot achieve for your specific concerns.

Surgical Planning

Detailed anatomical mapping, photography and surgical planning. Complementary procedures such as fat transfer or blepharoplasty may be discussed at this stage.

Pre-Op Preparation

Pre-operative blood tests, health screening and skin preparation. A final pre-admission appointment confirms all surgical details.

Surgery

Performed under sedation or general anaesthesia, typically 2 to 4 hours. Three small incisions within the hairline. No incisions around the ear or along the jawline. Brow and midface tissues are repositioned and internally fixed.

Recovery and Follow-Up

Most Tier 1 patients are a day case; Tier 2 patients typically stay overnight. Bruising and swelling settle over 10 to 14 days. Complimentary follow-up appointments are included in your aftercare.

Why Endoscopic

What Makes the Endoscopic Approach Different

No visible scarring

All incisions are within the hairline. There are no incisions around the ear, along the hairline margin or on the neck. Results are genuinely discreet.

Shorter recovery than open surgery

Smaller incisions, less tissue disruption and earlier return to daily life. Most patients are socially presentable within two weeks.

Natural, structural results

The endoscopic technique repositions tissue rather than pulling skin. Expressions remain natural. Results age gracefully because the underlying cause is addressed.

A stepping stone or standalone

The endoscopic tiers stand alone as a complete rejuvenation or can be combined with deeper plane work as needs evolve. Your plan adapts with you.

Endoscopic Facelift Results

Real patients, real results. Drag the slider to compare before and after.

BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
Before, During and After

What to Expect from an Endoscopic Facelift

The endoscopic facelift is often described as the least disruptive surgical rejuvenation available. Here is an honest overview of the experience, from your first appointment through to your final result.

Before

Preparation

Medical screening and a tailored pre-operative protocol. You will be asked to avoid certain medications, prepare your skin with prescribed topicals, and arrange appropriate rest immediately post-operatively.

During

The Day of Surgery

You arrive at our private suite and are welcomed by the team. Incisions are made within the hairline only. Most patients are home or in our care the same day. There is little to no discomfort during the procedure.

After

Healing and Result

Swelling and mild bruising typically peak around day three and improve steadily. Most patients feel comfortable in social settings by day ten to fourteen. The final result is visible at around three months as swelling fully resolves.

Professor Ali Ghanem
Your Surgeon

Professor Ali Ghanem

Professor Ali Ghanem is the UK's only Professor of Aesthetic Medicine and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. His endoscopic training spans multiple international fellowships with the pioneers of the technique. Every consultation, every procedure, every follow-up is led by him personally.

UK's Only Professor of Aesthetic MedicineMD, MSc, PhD, MPhilFRCS (Plast)MRCS (Eng & Ed)FHEATatler Address BookAesthetic Practitioner of the YearPioneer of The Snatched Lift™

GMC No. 5200491 · Specialist Register since 2018

Meet the full team →

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an endoscopic facelift?

An endoscopic facelift uses a small camera and instruments passed through tiny incisions within the hairline to lift and reposition the brow and midface tissues. It avoids the longer incisions around the ear used in traditional facelifts.

Am I a good candidate?

Tiers 1 and 2 suit patients in their 40s and early 50s with brow descent, forehead lines, and early midface or cheek sagging. Patients with significant jowling or neck laxity are usually better suited to deep plane tiers. Suitability is confirmed at consultation.

Will there be any visible scarring?

No. All incisions are within the hairline and are very small. There is nothing visible around the ears or along the hairline border.

How long is the recovery?

Most patients take 10 to 14 days of social downtime. Light activity is typically comfortable from day five. The full result is visible at around three months.

What is the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2?

Tier 1 addresses only the upper face and brow. Tier 2 adds endoscopic midface correction, lifting the malar fat pad and addressing deeper nasolabial folding and early jowl formation.

How long do the results last?

Typically 6 to 8 years, supported by skin maintenance and non-surgical treatments as desired.

Can the endoscopic facelift be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Many patients combine it with fat transfer for volume restoration, upper blepharoplasty for the upper lid, or laser resurfacing for skin quality. All combinations are planned individually at consultation.
Related Treatments

Explore More

Begin Your Bespoke Consultation

A private, no-obligation appointment with Professor Ghanem is the first step toward your endoscopic facelift plan.

Schedule a Consultation