Facelift Surgery in Melbourne
Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy or meloplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to address facial ageing by repositioning sagging skin, reducing deep wrinkles, and improving facial contours.
At Specialist Surgical Group, our Melbourne-based plastic surgeons perform facelift procedures on patients experiencing signs of facial ageing, including jowls, nasolabial folds, loose neck skin, and facial volume changes.
Call us today at (03) 9466 7338 to book a consultation.
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Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
We are located in the heart of Essendon and Bundoora.
Is facelift surgery for you?
Facelift surgery may be appropriate for you if:
- You have visible signs of facial ageing, including sagging cheeks, jowls, or deep wrinkles
- You experience loose skin and fat deposits in the neck area
- You have reasonable skin elasticity and realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
- You’re in good physical and mental health without conditions that significantly impair healing
- You’re a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking before and after surgery
- You’ve considered non-surgical options but desire more comprehensive results
Research indicates that facelift surgery generally achieves good patient satisfaction rates when performed by qualified surgeons [1]. Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their facial appearance following the procedure [2].
During your initial consultation, we will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, review your medical history, and determine if facelift surgery is the most appropriate treatment option for your circumstances.
Potential benefits
- Facial rejuvenation. Facelift surgery can provide a more youthful facial appearance, with results that may last several years [3]. The longevity of results varies among individuals based on factors such as age, skin quality, and lifestyle.
- Comprehensive improvement of ageing signs. The procedure addresses multiple concerns, including jowls, nasolabial folds, loose neck skin, and facial volume changes in a single operation [4].
- Improved self-confidence. Many patients report enhanced self-esteem and confidence following successful facelift surgery [2].
- Natural-looking results. Modern SMAS facelift techniques aim to create results that appear natural rather than overdone, preserving facial expressions and individual characteristics [5].
- Good patient satisfaction. Studies show that most facelift patients are satisfied with their results when the procedure is performed by experienced surgeons [1][6].
- Inconspicuous scarring. Careful incision placement along natural hairlines and ear contours helps ensure scars heal as inconspicuously as possible [7].
- Improved facial harmony. The procedure can help restore more youthful facial proportions and balance between facial features [3].
Potential risks
- Surgical complications, such as bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia. These complications occur in a small percentage of cases [8].
- Temporary facial nerve effects. Temporary facial nerve weakness can occur, though permanent nerve injury is rare. Most temporary effects resolve over several months [9].
- Scarring and healing issues. While scars typically heal well, some patients may experience visible scarring or complications during the healing process. Smoking significantly increases these risks [10].
- Skin healing problems. In rare cases, skin healing may be compromised, particularly in patients with circulation issues or those who smoke [11].
- Asymmetry or revision needs. Some patients may require additional procedures to achieve optimal symmetry or address aesthetic concerns [12].
- Hair changes around incisions. Temporary or permanent hair loss may occur along incision lines, though this is uncommon with proper surgical technique [13].
Book a consultation today
(03) 9466 7338Meet our plastic surgeon
Our facelift surgery procedure
Here’s a general overview of our facelift procedure. Individual experiences may vary based on your specific circumstances and medical needs.
1. Initial assessment
We’ll discuss your goals and examine your face to understand what you’d like to achieve. Our surgeon will explain the procedure options and answer all your questions.
We’ll take photos and create a personalised treatment plan. You’ll leave feeling informed and confident about your decision.
2. Pre-surgery preparation
We’ll guide you through everything you need to know before surgery, including health checks and medication instructions.
Our team will provide clear guidelines about eating, drinking, and preparing your home for recovery. We’ll arrange your support person and ensure you feel ready and prepared.
3. Surgery day
You’ll arrive at our accredited facility, where our caring team will look after you. The surgery takes 2-4 hours while you’re comfortably asleep under anaesthesia.
Our surgeon will carefully reshape and lift your facial tissues. You’ll wake up in our recovery area feeling drowsy but comfortable.
4. Initial recovery
The first few days focus on rest and gentle healing at home. You’ll have some swelling and bruising, which is entirely normal.
We’ll provide pain medication and detailed care instructions. A family member or friend should stay with you during this time.
5. Follow-ups
Over the next few weeks, you’ll see us regularly to monitor your progress. Swelling gradually reduces, and you’ll start to see improvements.
We’ll remove stitches and guide you through returning to normal activities. Most people feel ready for work after 2-3 weeks.
6. Final results
Your final results will emerge over several months as everything settles naturally. We’ll continue supporting you with follow-up appointments and skincare advice.
You’ll notice a refreshed, more youthful appearance that looks natural. We remain available to address any questions or concerns in the long term.
Book a consultation today
(03) 9466 7338Facelift surgery FAQ
Facelift costs in Melbourne typically range from $15,000 onwards, depending on the complexity and techniques used. This includes surgeon and anaesthetist fees, as well as facility costs. Medicare doesn’t cover cosmetic facelifts as they’re considered elective procedures. Most patients find the investment worthwhile, given the long-lasting results [14].
Most patients are between 40 and 70 years old, though the ideal age range depends on your aging process rather than a specific number. The ideal candidate has visible signs of ageing but still maintains some skin elasticity. Starting earlier can provide more natural results, while waiting too long may require more extensive procedures [15].
Most patients return to work within 2-3 weeks, though this varies by job type and individual healing rate. Initial swelling and bruising peak around day 3-5, then gradually improve. You’ll see significant improvement in 6 weeks, with final results visible after 3-6 months [16]. Planning for 2-4 weeks off social activities is realistic.
Facelift scars are strategically placed along natural hairlines and ear contours to minimise visibility. Initially, scars may appear pink or red but typically fade significantly within 6-12 months. Most patients find that their scars become barely noticeable with proper healing and care [7]. Wearing your hair down can easily conceal any early scarring.
Facelift results typically last 7-12 years, although this varies depending on factors such as age, skin quality, lifestyle, and genetics. While ageing continues naturally, you’ll maintain a more youthful appearance than if you hadn’t had surgery. Many patients are satisfied with their results for over a decade before considering any additional procedures [3].
Non-surgical treatments, such as dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections, work well for early signs of ageing but can’t address significant skin laxity or profound structural changes. They require regular maintenance every 6-18 months, and costs add up over time. Surgery provides more dramatic and longer-lasting results for advanced signs of aging [17].
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. To discuss your specific condition and treatment options with our team, please book a consultation by calling us at (03) 9466 7338.
References
[1] Liu TS, Owsley JQ. Long-term results of face lift surgery: patient photographs compared with patient satisfaction ratings. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012;129(1):253-262. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22186515/
[2] Swanson E. Patient satisfaction after facelift surgery. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2020;40(8):NP456-NP463. https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/40/8/NP456/5825479
[3] Jacono AA, Alemi AS, Russell JL. A Meta-Analysis of Complication Rates Among Different SMAS Facelift Techniques. Aesthet Surg J. 2019;39(9):NP129-NP139. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30768122/
[4] Hamra ST. The deep-plane rhytidectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990;86(1):53-61. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2359792/
[5] Starkman SJ, Mangat DS. Less Invasive Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Approaches in Rhytidectomy. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2020;28(3):273-283. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32503714/
[6] Zhang Y, et al. Assessing Patient Satisfaction Following Facelifts with Social Media Reviews. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2024;48(15):2847-2856. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00266-024-04273-x
[7] Griffin JE, Jo C. Complications after superficial plane cervicofacial rhytidectomy: a retrospective analysis of 178 consecutive facelifts. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2007;65(11):2227-34. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17954318/
[8] Gupta V, et al. Preoperative Risk Factors and Complication Rates in Facelift: Analysis of 11,300 Patients. Aesthet Surg J. 2016;36(1):1-13. https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/36/1/1/2613999
[9] Mortada H, et al. Evolution of Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System Facelift Techniques: A Comprehensive Systematic Review. JPRAS Open. 2024;39:166-180. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38283861/
[10] Rammos CK, et al. Is the SMAS Flap Facelift Safe? A Comparison of Complications Between the Sub-SMAS Approach Versus the Subcutaneous Approach. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2015;39(6):870-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26341651/
[11] Chaffoo RA. Complications in facelift surgery: avoidance and management. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2013;21(4):551-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24200374/
[12] Namin A, et al. Complications in Facial Esthetic Surgery. Semin Plast Surg. 2020;34(4):272-276. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33191987/
[13] Little JW. Three-dimensional rejuvenation of the midface: volumetric resculpture by malar imbrication. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105(1):267-85. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10626999/
[14] Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Cosmetic Surgery Costs and Considerations. ASPS Guidelines. 2024. https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/cosmetic-surgery-costs/
[15] Matarasso A, et al. The appropriate age for rhytidectomy. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2018;42(1):61-67. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28744645/
[16] Kamer FM, Nguyen DB. Experience and refinements with the extended SMAS technique for facial rejuvenation. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2007;9(4):227-235. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17638756/
[17] Sundaram H, et al. Injectable fillers for facial rejuvenation: a review and update. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2010;9(4):251-265. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21122047/
[18] Rohrich RJ, et al. Pain management in plastic surgery: a practical guide. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;118(6):1559-1570. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17051126/