Choosing a facelift surgeon is one of the most consequential decisions a patient will make about their appearance and their health. The right surgeon does not just perform a procedure. They assess whether surgery is the right answer at all, explain the risks honestly, and deliver a result that looks like a rested, natural version of the patient rather than a visibly "done" face.
At Bella Vou, that standard sits within every consultation. Our lead consultant plastic surgeons, Amir Nakhdjevani and Lucian Ion, have a combined four decades of experience in facial rejuvenation surgery, and both are known for prioritising natural, undetectable results over dramatic change.
What Actually Separates a Good Facelift Surgeon From a Great One?
Before comparing surgeons, it helps to know what the credentials and language on a surgeon's page actually mean.
- GMC specialist registration. Every practising surgeon in the UK must be registered with the General Medical Council. This is the baseline, not a differentiator, but it is worth checking directly on the GMC register rather than taking a website's word for it.
- FRCS (Plast). Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Plastic Surgery is the recognised specialist qualification for plastic surgeons in the UK. Look for it explicitly, not just "cosmetic surgeon" as a job title, which is unregulated.
- Professional body membership. Membership of BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons), or ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) signals ongoing peer accountability, not just a one-time qualification.
- Procedure-specific experience. Deep plane facelift is the gold-standard technique in modern facelift surgery. Unlike more superficial SMAS facelifts or skin-only procedures, deep plane facelift lifts and repositions the deeper facial structures, including the underlying muscle and fat deposits, not just the skin. This produces results that are more natural in appearance and longer-lasting, because the face is supported from within rather than pulled from the surface. A surgeon who routinely performs deep plane facelifts will be able to explain this distinction clearly, describe when the technique is and is not appropriate, and confirm they perform it as a regular part of their practice rather than only occasionally. Patients searching specifically for a "deep plane facelift surgeon" should ask this question directly at consultation. Facelift surgery covers a range of techniques, and a surgeon who can explain which technique suits a given face, and why, is demonstrating judgement rather than a sales pitch.
- A named, consistent approach. Surgeons who describe a specific philosophy or technique, rather than a generic procedure list, are usually the ones who operate on facelifts often enough to have developed one.
- Honesty about who is not a candidate. The best surgeons turn people away when surgery will not help, or recommend a different procedure, or no procedure at all. This is a stronger trust signal than any before-and-after gallery.
- Continuity of care. A facelift is a weeks-long recovery process, not a single appointment. Ask who will see the patient at each stage, from consultation through follow-up.
Meet Bella Vou's Facelift Surgeons
Amir Nakhdjevani
Lead Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Co-Founder of Bella Vou
Amir founded Bella Vou after 19 years in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. He trained at St George's Hospital Medical School and undertook fellowships at The London Clinic, Harley Street, and the McIndoe Surgical Centre, and he is a member of the UK Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (UKAAPS).
He is best known for his expertise in deep plane facelift surgery, having originally pioneered a less invasive facelift approach earlier in his career. He has published in peer-reviewed journals, authored a textbook, and presented at national and international plastic surgery meetings. His clinical work has also been featured on the BBC's Plastic Surgery Undressed, mutiple ITV documentaties and he has provided expert commentary on correcting previous cosmetic surgery on Botched-up Bodies and Extreme Makeover UK.
Amir's stated approach is direct: results should look rested and well, never "done," and if surgery will not achieve the right outcome for a patient, he says so and points them elsewhere rather than proceeding anyway.
Patient reviews and before-and-after cases can be found on his RealSelf profile.
At a Glance:
Facelift-Related Specialisms
The following procedures are often combined with a deep plane facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The face, neck, brow and eyes age at the same rate, and addressing them together produces the most coherent, natural result. All Bella Vou facelifts include a neck lift as standard but many patient opt to combine their Deep Plane Facelift with a Deep Plane Neck Lift that offers a more dramatic result.
Lucian Ion
Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
Lucian trained across Europe and the UK, earning his medical degree from the University of Bucharest before completing surgical training in Paris and advanced fellowship training in London, including at The Wellington Hospital. From 2000 to 2012 he served as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, treating NHS patients before moving to full-time private aesthetic practice.
He is a member of BAPRAS, BAAPS, the British Burn Association, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and his research includes work on 3D photography applications in facial surgery. His areas of focus include facelift and facial sculpting, rhinoplasty, and post-bariatric reconstruction. He has been featured in Discovery Health and Channel 5 documentaries discussing his expertise in facial surgery.
Lucian describes his aim plainly: to keep results looking natural, so that the outcome reads as "looking well," not as evidence of surgery.
Patient reviews and cases can also be found on his RealSelf profile.
At a Glance:
Facelift Related Specialisms
The following procedures are often combined with a deep plane facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The face, neck, brow and eyes age at the same rate, and addressing them together produces the most coherent, natural result. All Bella Vou facelifts include a neck lift as standard.
What Sets Bella Vou Apart in Facelift Surgery
Most facelift research online focuses on a single surgeon's technique or awards. Patients choosing where to have surgery are also choosing a team and a process, and that is where Bella Vou's approach differs in a few concrete ways.
A genuine consultation, not a sales appointment. Every prospective patient receives a one-to-one consultation with a consultant plastic surgeon to discuss their concerns, desired results, and whether surgery is the right route to get there. Bella Vou states directly that their surgeons will advise against surgery, recommend an alternative, or refer a patient elsewhere when that is the honest answer, rather than pushing a procedure.
Continuity through the whole journey. Patients see the same surgeon and team throughout consultation, surgery, and recovery, which is a deliberate structural choice rather than a marketing line, and it is echoed in Amir's own description of what makes Bella Vou different: a relationship built over the full patient journey, not a single transaction.
Personalised recovery support. Facelift recovery is not identical from patient to patient, and Bella Vou builds individual post-operative care plans rather than a single standard aftercare pathway, backed by ongoing surgeon follow-up and patient education at each stage of healing.
Two consultant-level facelift specialists under one roof. Patients researching facelift surgery can compare two distinct, complementary approaches within a single consultation process, Amir's deep plane facelift expertise and Lucian's classical deep plane and facial rejuvenation experience, rather than having to shop between separate single-surgeon practices.
Book Your Complimentary Consultation Today!
Every client has a no-charge consultation with an expert. You can talk through your concerns, the results you want, and whether surgery can help. We'll then plan the best treatment with you and give you an honest, impartial opinion. Mr Amir Nakhdjevani says:
"At Bella Vou, we never pressurise people or try to sell procedures. It's always about giving an honest opinion and honest advice."
Medically reviewed by
Last Updated: September 28, 2026
Published On: September 11, 2026