For several years, I’ve invited patients to complete the FACE-Q outcome questionnaire following facial rejuvenation procedures. I know completing questionnaires can be time-consuming, so I select only the most relevant and helpful modules — it takes just a few minutes to complete.
When performing deep plane facelift surgery, I use a technique that repositions the deep muscular and connective tissue layer of the face (the SMAS). This approach aims to deliver a more natural and longer-lasting result than traditional skin-only or superficial procedures.
However, the true measure of success for any aesthetic procedure isn’t limited to surgical precision — it’s about how patients feel afterward: their satisfaction, confidence, and quality of life. That’s where FACE-Q plays an important role.
What is FACE-Q?
FACE-Q is a validated, modular patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) developed specifically for facial aesthetic patients. It goes beyond clinical indicators — such as jowl position or neck angle — to capture the personal, subjective outcomes that matter most to each individual.
For facelift patients, I typically administer the relevant FACE-Q modules both before surgery and again 12 months post-operatively.
The Modules I Use
The scales I focus on include:
- Visual Age Appraisal – how old patients feel they look.
- Natural Expectations – alignment between outcomes and what feels natural.
- Cheeks and Jawline – satisfaction with facial contouring and harmony.
- Natural-Appearing Outcome – perception of subtlety and believability of results.
Why It Matters
FACE-Q provides consistent, evidence-based data on how the deep plane technique impacts what patients care about most — feeling younger, looking natural, and being satisfied with their overall appearance. These insights are invaluable not just for research, but for refining clinical practice and ensuring that surgical complexity translates into sustained, patient-centred results.
In an upcoming update, I’ll share what my own data has revealed so far — including how patients’ perceptions evolve throughout recovery.