Face lift
About face lifts
A facelift addresses changes in the muscle layers of the face that are associated with aging and removes excess skin that may be present on the face and neck. Excess fat may be removed or repositioned as part of the surgery; however, in many cases, it is the use of fat grafting to the face that adds volume.
Procedure details
Suitability
Facelift surgery is a highly individualised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone.
A facelift addresses changes in the muscle layers of the face that are associated with aging and removes excess skin that may be present on the face and neck. Excess fat may be removed or repositioned as part of the surgery; however, in many cases, it is the use of fat grafting to the face that adds volume and restores the contours of youth.
Contrary to popular belief, a facelift does not involve treatment of the whole face, but refers to management of the changes in the lower third of the face. Almost invariably, neck contours require concurrent management to ensure a balanced and aesthetically pleasing result. In this regard, facelift and necklift procedures are almost always done together. Other procedures including midface lifts, blepharoplasty, and brow procedures may also be required.
At Canvas Plastic Surgery we will assess your condition and general health, and always plan the treatment that is best suited to you.
Costs
The estimated cost can be provided following your consultation with Dr Mathew Lee.
The complexity of the surgery will ultimately determine the costs, but costs range from $20,000 to $40,000. Ancillary procedures may come with additional costs.
Consultation and pre-operative planning
Your pre-operative planning is conducted over two visits to our Mornington office and involves the expertise of Dr Mathew Lee and the team of experienced plastic surgery nurses.
Pre-operative planning looks at your reasons for wanting a facelift, focuses on what it is that you would like improved and will ultimately establish the goals for your surgery. It also undertakes a full facial analysis looking at skin, soft tissue and bony changes related to aging. A comprehensive plan is put together to guide you in your treatment. The recommendations put forward may include both surgical management, treatment with botulinum toxins and hyaluronic acid fillers, fat grafting as well as a skin treatment program. This ensures that results meet expectations, and a realistic approach can be devised.
Careful pre-operative analysis, measurements and photos are used to plan the right operation for you.
Detailed information about what to expect and how to prepare for your surgery will be discussed.
Surgical technique
There are many ways to perform a facelift and naturally, the effects of ageing vary from patient to patient. The results are intended to be natural and to generate interest from friends and family only with respect to your new refreshed, awake and healthy appearance. Obvious signs of facelift surgery are avoided and whilst the result may be significant to you in the mirror, to the observer, it can be difficult to work out what has changed.
In most cases, facelift and necklift surgery involves tightening of the internal muscle layers of the face or the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). This strong internal layer is used to lift tissues (particularly the jowl) to improve jawline and neckline. The muscle layers of the neck (plastysma) are also manipulated and tightened to restore neck contours and the definition of neck in contrast to jawline.
Incisions are concealed in the temple hairline, creases around the ear and in the hairline behind the ear. When done well, they are very difficult to see. An incision under the chin may also be used to treat excess skin and fat under the chin.
Fat grafting is commonly done to restore midface and cheek volume and can help correct temple hollowing. Fat is taken from the abdomen or thighs and is purified to allow sterile injection of fat cells into areas that require more volume.
Dr Mathew Lee will discuss which of these options may be most suitable for you.
Recovery and results
The Canvas Plastic Surgery team will ensure you’re provided with tailored support for your specific post-operative care. Compression garments and detailed instructions will be provided to all patients before discharge from hospital.
Facelift surgery often involves an overnight stay in hospital; however, may also be performed as a day procedure where suitable.
Most people take between two and three weeks off work, and healing is usually complete within a few months.
Post-procedure timeline
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You will be reviewed by Dr Lee each day you are in hospital. A post- operative garment is fitted to your face after your surgery to assist with swelling. Sleeping with your head elevated on a couple of pillows and soft ice packs around the face will help to control swelling and bruising as much as possible. Paracetamol is recommended four times a day regardless of pain during the first week. Stronger pain relief prescribed can be taken as needed.
Contact your surgeon if there is excessive bleeding or swelling that cannot be controlled with gentle compression.
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Swelling and bruising will begin to settle but you should continue to rest. Light activity such as walking is fine but exercise, sports and heavy lifting over 1kg should be avoided. Activities that cause sweating into dressings should also be deferred until after 2 weeks. Driving should be avoided for at least one week in light of likely pain relief requirements.
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By the end of the second week, you should have all your sutures removed and not need any further significant pain relief. Scar management will commence and a graduation to increased activities will be discussed.
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You will be reviewed at 6 weeks after which time, most normal activities can be started again. You will be invited to attend post-operative appointments at 3, 6 and 12 months to assess your outcome and review scar results.
Other considerations
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There are many potential complications from surgery and thankfully, the majority of these are extremely rare.
The Canvas Plastic Surgery Team will fully explain potential complications during the pre-operative planning process and commits to supporting you throughout your recovery period.
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There is a lot of media attention relating to overseas surgery and surgery with ‘cosmetic surgeons’.
In the age of online forums, social media and misinformation, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.
The simplest response to this is that you get what you pay for. Cheap surgery is offered by taking shortcuts which equates to increased risk for patients. Some people are willing to take this risk and may get away with it. Unfortunately, when things go wrong, the complications can be devastating and potentially life-threatening.
In making a decision to have surgery, it is important to ensure that you see a qualified specialist plastic surgeon to discuss your options and suitability.
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We welcome you to speak with us to obtain specific information about our processes.
The Foundation for Plastic Surgery has a wealth of information for patients.