Face, head and neck surgery

The face is the most visible part of who we are. It’s also one of the most complex areas of the body to operate on – requiring not just technical skill but a refined understanding of proportion, how to minimise scarring and the subtle interplay between features.

My work in this area spans two distinct but related fields. In my NHS practice at Guy's & St. Thomas', I specialise in complex head and neck reconstruction – restoring form and function for patients following cancer treatment. In my private practice, I offer a range of aesthetic facial procedures, from eyelid surgery and fat grafting to chin liposuction and ear correction.

What connects both is a commitment to results that look natural and feel right – enhancing what’s already there or carefully restoring what has changed.

What is facial rejuvenation and enhancement?

These procedures are designed to address the visible effects of ageing, correct specific features or refresh overall appearance. Each is tailored to your individual anatomy – the goal is always a result that looks like a naturally enhanced version of you, not a different person.

Procedures include:

Upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) – removes excess skin or fat from the eyelids, addressing hooding or puffiness that can make eyes look tired
Fat grafting to the face – uses your own body fat to restore lost volume in areas such as the cheeks, temples or under the eyes, for a soft, youthful appearance
Lip lift – enhances lip shape and balance by shortening the distance between the nose and upper lip to create a more youthful, defined appearance
Chin liposuction – removes excess fat beneath the chin to sculpt a defined and contoured jawline
Prominent ear correction (otoplasty) – reshapes and repositions protruding ears for a more balanced appearance; this procedure is also available for children
Earlobe repair – corrects torn, stretched or split earlobes following injury or long-term earring wear
Nasal ala reduction – refines the width of the nostrils to improve facial balance
Addressing general lumps and bumps – removal of cysts, lipomas and moles
Facelift and neck lift – to restore a firmer facial contour
Non-surgical procedures including botox and fillers

Is face, head and neck surgery right for you?

I would encourage you to think carefully about your motivation and what you are hoping to feel differently about – not just what you want to change. The most successful outcomes come from a clear, grounded understanding of what surgery offers, rather than a response to a specific feature in isolation.

My extensive experience in both aesthetic and reconstructive facial work means I approach every procedure with a holistic eye – considering the face as a whole, not simply the area being treated. Proportion and natural balance guide every surgical decision I make. Many of my patients also value the perspective a female surgeon brings to decisions so closely connected to self image and identity.

I ask all my patients to stop smoking – or using any nicotine products – from 4 weeks before procedures until 6 weeks after to avoid compromised wound healing and anaesthesia risks.

Book a consultation

“The face is not a collection of separate features. When I operate, I am always thinking about the whole – how each element relates to everything around it.”

Consultation

We’ll discuss the areas you would like to address and what you would like to feel differently about. I’ll assess the areas of concern in the context of your face and features as a whole and explain which procedures are most appropriate and what they can realistically achieve. I lay out your options clearly and the decision on how to proceed is entirely yours. For procedures involving skin lesions, lumps or benign growths, I’ll also assess whether surgical removal is the best approach. Where appropriate I may recommend histology to test anything I remove.

Procedure

Most aesthetic facial procedures are performed under general anaesthetic, though some smaller procedures – earlobe repair, minor skin surgery, eyelid correction – can be carried out under local anaesthetic. Duration varies considerably: eyelid surgery typically takes around 1 hour; a facelift with neck lift may take 3 to 4 hours. Most patients are admitted as a day case or stay one night, depending on the procedure.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery varies by procedure. Minor facial procedures typically involve 1 to 2 weeks of visible bruising and swelling before a return to normal activity. More extensive surgery such as a facelift involves a longer recovery – most patients take 2 to 3 weeks before feeling comfortable in social or professional settings, with swelling taking several months to fully subside. I provide personalised guidance on rest, wound care and nutrition, and follow-up appointments are included as part of your care.

Scarring

Incision placement is a central part of my surgical planning and I take considerable care to ensure scars are as discreet as possible. For facelift surgery, incisions are placed within the hairline and behind the ear; for eyelid surgery, in the natural crease of the lid. Minor procedures such as earlobe repair and skin surgery leave small scars that fade well. Scars evolve over 12 to 24 months, and I’ll give you a realistic picture of what to expect at your consultation.

Risks

No surgical outcome can be guaranteed, and I will always be transparent about what surgery involves. Possible risks include:

Infection, bleeding or haematoma
Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation
Facial nerve injury – rare but possible, particularly with facelift surgery
Asymmetry
More visible scarring than anticipated
Hairline changes following facelift surgery
Variable fat retention following fat grafting
Need for revision surgery in some cases

As a Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, I am experienced in operating in complex anatomy and managing cases where precision is particularly important. I’ll always give you a clear, honest assessment of your individual risk profile before proceeding.

I encourage you to ask questions at every stage. Being fully informed is an essential part of making a decision you feel confident in.

The results

Aesthetic facial surgery, when done well, should leave you looking refreshed and well rather than surgically altered. My aim in every case is a result that is in keeping with your features and your age – not a transformation, but a restoration.

“Miss Mughal is kind, calm and reassuring and put me at ease at a difficult time. She is very knowledgeable and was able to extremely clearly explain the procedures I needed and patiently answered all my questions. She is a very talented surgeon and I am very pleased with the result of the complicated reconstruction she performed.”

Your next steps

If you’re considering aesthetic face, head or neck surgery, the most important first step is to understand your options.

For a clear picture of what to expect from each stage, explore the guides I’ve put together, including more details on preparing for surgery and the recovery process.

When you’re ready to start the conversation, I would be glad to meet with you.

Book a consultation

FAQ

Your questions, answered

1. Will people notice I’ve had surgery?

My aim is always that they won't. Good facial surgery means people notice you look well, not that you've had something done. I'll also be honest at our consultation if I think your expectations and what surgery can realistically deliver aren't yet aligned – it’s far better to have that conversation before surgery than after.

2. How long will results last?

It depends on the procedure. A facelift typically holds well for 7–10 years; eyelid surgery tends to last longer. Fat grafting ages naturally alongside your face, which is one of its advantages. No surgical result is permanent, but good surgery gives a meaningful improvement that holds well over time.

3. How long until I can shower after the procedure?

You can shower from the day after surgery. I know this surprises some people, who expect to be told to avoid water for weeks. I'll give you specific guidance on how to manage your wounds and dressings. (Swimming and bathing are however off limits until your wounds are fully healed.)

Costs

Costs vary depending on the procedure or combination of procedures involved, theatre time and your individual care requirements. Smaller procedures such as earlobe repair or minor skin surgery are considerably less involved than a facelift or complex reconstructive operation. Your quote will include the surgical fee, anaesthetic fee and hospital costs, as well as pre-operative assessment and post-operative consultations.

Download the full price list

Face, head and neck surgery