This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that may be used to address facial laxity and ageing‑related changes in the mid‑face and lower face/neck region. A consultation is required to determine suitability, discuss technique options, scarring, recovery and risks.
Facelift techniques involve planned incisions (commonly around the ear and into the hairline) and tissue repositioning. The specific approach depends on anatomy and goals. Scars are permanent and vary in visibility. Outcomes vary and depend on healing, skin quality, and the extent of surgery.
Potential benefits depend on anatomy, skin quality and the extent of treatment. They may include:
– Change in facial contour and laxity in selected patients (results vary).
– Improvement in jowl/cheek/neck tissue position in some patients, depending on technique and anatomy.
– Potential improvement in skin excess and definition of the jawline/neck region (within limits of tissue quality).
No result can be guaranteed. Results vary with anatomy, skin quality, surgical technique, and healing response.
A suitable candidate is typically an adult who:
– Has facial laxity or contour concerns confirmed on examination.
– Is medically fit for surgery and recovery.
– Understands scarring, downtime and variability.
You May Be a Good Candidate If
You may be a good candidate if you:
– You have persistent facial laxity that is not adequately addressed by non‑surgical options.
– You can follow aftercare and attend follow‑up.
– You have realistic expectations about scars and recovery.
This procedure/treatment may not be appropriate if you:
– Uncontrolled medical conditions that increase risk.
– Inability to stop nicotine use when required.
– Expectation of a scar‑free or guaranteed outcome.
Technique selection is individual and based on your anatomy, goals and safety considerations. Options may include:
– SMAS/Deep plane variations (selected cases): technique is chosen based on anatomy and safety considerations.
– Mini vs full facelift: extent of surgery depends on tissue laxity and goals.
– Combined neck procedures (selected cases): may be recommended when neck laxity is significant.
Your clinician/surgeon will explain the recommended approach and expected trade‑offs during consultation.
Anesthesia
Commonly performed under general anaesthesia. Anaesthesia is provided and monitored by a qualified anaesthesia clinician in an appropriate facility.
You will receive individual instructions. Common requirements may include:
– Medication and supplement review, including anything that can increase bleeding risk (as advised).
– Nicotine cessation for the recommended period before and after treatment/surgery (if applicable).
– Planning time off work, transport, and at-home support (where relevant).
– Fasting instructions prior to anaesthesia (if applicable).
– Pre-operative assessments/tests as advised by your treating team.
Return to Work: desk‑based work may be possible in ~2–3 weeks for some patients, depending on bruising and comfort.
Return to Exercise: light walking is often encouraged early; strenuous exercise is commonly restricted for ~6 weeks or until cleared.
Assessing outcome: swelling and tissue settling can take months; results are typically assessed over 6–12 months.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
