Scrunchie Lift
This technique is a minimally invasive procedure designed to address facial sagging by repositioning tissues and managing volume distribution. It involves the use of sutures to elevate skin and underlying structures through small entry points.
Reviewed by Dr Zubin Firdos Medora, Medical DirectorLast reviewed 13 October 2026
What is Scrunchie Lift Technique
As we age, the face gradually loses volume, and may develop excess skin and deep folds. Surgical methods to address these concerns can sometimes leave noticeable scars in front of the ears, shorten the sideburns, or alter the ear’s natural shape. They also often involve separating the skin from the underlying tissues, which may disrupt blood supply and affect the fat layers sometimes resulting in an unnatural or prematurely aged appearance.
Zoe Medical uses techniques to rejuvenate the face with minimal incisions while preserving the natural blood supply to the skin and facial tissues. The Scrunchie Lift uses precise sculpting and reshaping methods to refresh the face and brows, helping you achieve a naturally youthful, revitalized look.
Vertical Tissue Elevation
The procedure utilizes a vertical elevation approach to address facial aging. This technique focuses on the upward repositioning of deep facial tissues to align with the natural anatomy of the face. By focusing on vertical vectors, the procedure aims to position the skin over facial contours without applying excessive horizontal tension.
Why Scrunchie Lift?
It’s called a SCRUNCHIE LIFT because this aesthetic procedure lifts the mid-face, cheeks, jowls and brows upwards, creating the taut, refreshed look as if the hair is pulled back and held by a scrunchie. Any small incisions are hidden in the hairline so you can wear your hair up without visible scars. It is a branding term for a facelift that targets the upper, mid and lower face using minimal incisions for a natural lift.
The SCRUNCHIE LIFT tries to accomplish a surgical facelift result through small hidden punctures instead of the usual long, visible incision. Results are natural and recovery is generally shorter (3, 5 days vs 3, 5 weeks).
Understanding Facial Volume Distribution
Facial fat and volume are typically concentrated in the mid-face and cheek areas. With age, these tissues may shift downward toward the jawline and jowls. This technique is designed to address these changes by repositioning descended tissues and skin toward the upper and middle sections of the face.
Scrunchie Lift Technique
- Utilises permanent sutures to elevate sagging tissue
- Addresses the lower two-thirds of the face
- Refreshes the eyes and rotates the brows
- Tiny incisions are hidden in the scalp behind the hairline
- The skin is treated with exosomes and collagen biostimulation to add youthful fullness
- Refreshes your natural beauty with a more youthful appearance
Long-Lasting Results
Traditional methods can sometimes disrupt the skin’s blood supply, which may affect how long the results last. The Scrunchie Lift preserves the natural connection between the skin and underlying fat layers, keeping tissues healthy and well-vascularized, which helps maintain youthful, vibrant skin. By incorporating fat with its regenerative properties, this technique also promotes longer-lasting, natural-looking results.
Eliminate Typical Scars
Rather than creating large, visible incisions in front of the ears, behind the tragus, or along the hairline, the Scrunchie Lift uses small, discreet incisions hidden behind the ears and within the hair for suitable patients.
Does Not Alter the Tragus
In traditional face-lifting methods, incisions made in front of the ear or behind the tragus can pull it forward, flattening the natural depression in front of it. With suitable patients, the Scrunchie Lift technique uses tiny incisions placed above the ears, preserving the tragus’s natural shape.
Avoid the Windblown look
The Scrunchie Lift prevents a windswept appearance by avoiding horizontal pulling or stretching of the skin. Instead, the skin is gently redraped vertically, lifting it upward to counteract the natural downward pull of gravity.
Brow Rotation, Not Brow Lift
Traditional brow-lifting methods are more invasive and can lead to hair loss, reduced scalp sensation, and an unnatural “surprised” expression. In contrast, Scrunchie Lift focuses on gently rotating and shaping the brows for a natural, aesthetically pleasing look.
Higher Percentage of New Collagen Formation
The Scrunchie Lift promotes long-lasting, youthful results by preserving natural fat survival, helping to prevent the sunken or hollow appearance that can sometimes occur with traditional methods. On top of this, new collagen is biostimulated for a smooth and youthful appearance.
Less Invasive Than Traditional Methods
Due to minimal incisions, the hairline and the natural shape of the ear remain undistorted.
Procedural Considerations
This technique is typically discussed during a consultation for individuals observing:
- Signs of tissue laxity in the mid-face or jawline area.
- A preference for minimally invasive techniques with smaller incisions.
- Concerns regarding both facial contour and skin texture.
Your doctor
Dr Zubin Firdos Medora
Medical Director
Every treatment plan starts with a consultation with Dr Medora. If surgery would suit you better, our partner oculoplastic surgeon can advise you.
MBBS (London), MRCSEd, MRCSGlasg, MMed (Surgery) Singapore, Dip. Derm (UK)
1. How does this differ from a traditional facelift?
The main difference is the direction of the lift. Instead of pulling the skin horizontally toward the ears, this technique moves the tissue vertically. It also uses much smaller entry points, usually hidden in the hairline, rather than the longer incisions used in traditional surgery.
2. What is the recovery like?
Everyone heals differently, but because the incisions are small and the skin’s blood supply is preserved, the recovery process is generally manageable. You can expect some temporary swelling or mild bruising, which typically settles within a few days.
3. How long will the results last?
There isn’t a fixed timeline because your skin will continue to age naturally. However, using sutures and biostimulators helps provide a structural foundation. Factors like your lifestyle, age, and skin quality will play a big role in how long the effects remain visible.
4. Will the results look natural?
The goal of the vertical approach is to avoid a “pulled” look. By repositioning the deep tissues upward rather than sideways, the aim is to align the skin with your natural facial structure. Results vary, so a clinical assessment is important to discuss expected outcomes.
