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Facelift Surgery

A facelift, medically referred to as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing and rejuvenating aging features of the face and neck. The process can involve tightening lax skin and may include alterations to facial musculature to enhance their structural support.

Facelift Surgery Sydney

A facelift, medically referred to as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing and rejuvenating aging features of the face and neck. The process can involve tightening lax skin and may include alterations to facial musculature to enhance their structural support. The procedure could also entail the management of excess fat through its removal or strategic repositioning.Rhytidectomy may help mitigate the appearance of jowls and refine the contour of the jawline. However, it’s crucial to note that individual results can vary significantly, and while some individuals may perceive an enhanced appearance, outcomes are influenced by numerous factors such as skin type, age, and overall health.

How does a facelift work to adjust the contours of the face?

  • Reducing Sagging Skin: Facelift surgery can help address sagging skin, potentially resulting in a firmer and smoother facial appearance.
  • Adjusting Fat Distribution: This surgery might redistribute or sculpt facial fat to achieve more balanced facial proportions.
  • Enhancing Facial Contours: A facelift may improve the contours of the face and neck, contributing to a rejuvenated aesthetic.
  • Smoothing Wrinkles: Facelift surgery can reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles or lines on the face.
  • Tightening Facial Muscles: The procedure may involve tightening the underlying facial muscles to support a smoother facial structure.
  • Redefining the Jawline: The surgery may help enhance the definition of the jawline, potentially addressing sagging jowls.
  • Enhancing Neck Contours: By addressing sagging skin and excess fat in the neck, a facelift may improve the transition between the face and neck.
  • Improving Overall Facial Harmony: The goal of a facelift is to rejuvenate the facial appearance while maintaining the unique characteristics that define your face.

It’s important to remember that every individual is unique and so too are their needs and desired outcomes for cosmetic surgery. If you’re considering a procedure, it’s essential to have a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They can help you understand whether you’re a suitable candidate and what you can realistically expect from the surgery. The information provided here is meant to help guide you, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always organise a consultation for personalised advice.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic surgery for confidence reasons, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

What to Expect

Consultation

The initial step in the facelift process is a comprehensive consultation with our highly experienced surgeon. During this meeting, your objectives, medical history, and facial anatomy will be evaluated. Our surgeon will conduct a thorough examination of your skin texture, elasticity, and facial structure, and may use computer imaging to visualize potential results. This consultation provides an excellent opportunity for you to express any concerns or queries you may have about the procedure.

Number and type of consultation
It is a requirement under the law, that a patient seeking cosmetic surgery must have at least two pre-operative consultations. The patient’s first consultation must be with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery or another registered health practitioner who works with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery (not a patient advisor or an agent). At least one of the two consultations must be in person with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. Other consultations can be in person or by video.

When consent can be given
A patient must not be requested to sign consent forms at their first consultation and cannot consent to cosmetic surgery until they have had an in-person consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. The decision to have the surgery (provision of informed consent) must be made at a consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the procedure (in person or by video).

Cooling-off Period
There must be a cooling-off period of at least seven days after the patient has had two consultations and given informed consent (signed consent forms), before the surgery can be booked or a deposit paid.

Preparation

Once the surgeon understands your goals and you decide to move forward, you will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for your facelift. This might include advice on diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, managing certain medications or supplements, and facial hygiene practices.

Surgery

The facelift procedure generally takes several hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the complexity of the surgery. The exact surgical techniques employed will be tailored to your specific needs but often involve making incisions in inconspicuous locations such as around the ear or in the hairline to minimize visible scarring. The surgeon then lifts and tightens the underlying muscles and tissues, removes excess skin, and repositions the remaining skin to create a smoother appearance.
  • Surgery Time
    2.5 to 4 hours
  • Hospital Time
    Overnight

Recovery

Post-surgery, you will be closely monitored in a recovery room for a few hours. Most patients can go home the same day, but occasionally an overnight stay in the hospital may be recommended. Bandages may be applied to your face to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues.

Swelling and bruising are expected after a facelift and will begin to subside after a few days. Most patients feel presentable and ready to return to daily activities within two weeks.

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure a smooth recovery. The final result of your facelift can take several months to fully reveal themselves as your face continues to heal and adapt to its new contours. At our clinic, we aim to ensure your comfort and satisfaction throughout the entire process, and our team is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the facelift procedure.
  • Time off work
    Working from home after 1 week, back in office after 3 weeks - Occupation Dependent
  • Cast Removal
    Face garment for two weeks
  • Exercise
    4 to 6 weeks
  • Showering
    Can shower next day, however incisions must stay dry
  • Driving
    24 hours after general anaesthetic and not while taking prescribed pain relief. We also recommend checking with your CTA insurer as to the post surgery exclusion period.
  • Travel
    After 14 days for national and 4 weeks for international
  • Full Recovery
    6 to 12 months for final results

Send an Enquiry

Want to ask a question or organisation a consultation?

Our Facelift Surgeon

Dr Michael Zacharia

MBBS, FRACS, FAAFPS, ACCS
Dr Michael Zacharia is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Head and Neck (Otolaryngology) and practices in Facial Plastic Surgery. He is also an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician and has completed over 8,000 procedures, with over 4,000 being Rhinoplasty. Combining the latest medical, surgical and health techniques, Dr Zacharia strives to deliver the best outcome for each and every one of his patients.
Cosmetic Surgeon & ENT Specialist
MED0001178357

Contact us

Make an Enquiry

Get in touch today to organise a consultation or to find out more information.

Our team will give you a call to discuss your enquiry and we will then send you any relevant information via email.
You will need a GP referral for surgical procedures. AHPRA require all patients having a surgical cosmetic or medical procedure to have a GP referral. You can fax your referral to 02 8072 6824 or email office@drzacharia.com.au
You will need a GP referral for surgical procedures. AHPRA require all patients having a surgical cosmetic or medical procedure to have a GP referral. You can fax your referral to 02 8072 6824 or email office@drzacharia.com.au

Considerations Before Cosmetic Surgery

While we aim to provide accurate information about the different surgical procedures available, it’s important to understand that the content provided here serves as a general guide only. The specifics of each surgery, including the procedure detailed above, can and will vary significantly from person to person, depending on their unique circumstances and physical characteristics.

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a serious decision that requires ample thought, careful consideration, and meticulous planning. It should never be taken lightly or treated trivially, as it can have profound impacts on one’s lifestyle and wellbeing.

Recovery from cosmetic surgery, too, requires time, support, and proper aftercare. We strive to present realistic and transparent information about the recovery process, but individual experiences may vary. It is typical for recovery to involve certain services or requirements, such as the use of compression garments or receiving therapeutic massages. It also often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, which may include a period of absence from employment and temporary restrictions on certain activities.

In light of these considerations, we strongly encourage potential patients to engage in comprehensive discussions with their GP and our surgeons. The goal is to fully understand the implications, requirements, and likely outcomes of any chosen procedure, and to make informed decisions about their health and aesthetics.

For more information on preparing for cosmetic surgery visit health.gov.au/cosmeticsurgery

General risks and complications

  • Substantial Hemorrhage: This involves severe blood loss from the area that underwent surgery, which may necessitate additional medical interventions.
  • Susceptibility to Infection: Post-surgery, the risk of infection can rise, potentially requiring either antibiotic treatment or subsequent surgical interventions.
  • Allergic Responses: Patients may exhibit allergic reactions to medical materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions used during and after the procedure.
  • Hematoma Formation: This involves the development of a sizable clot of blood beneath the incision site, which may necessitate medical drainage.
  • Post-Surgical Discomfort: Patients may experience pain, bruising, and swelling in the area surrounding the surgical site.
  • Scar Development: There's a risk of developing keloids or hypertrophic scars, which are elevated, red, and thickened scars over the healed incisions. Though they can be bothersome and aesthetically displeasing, they don't pose a direct health threat.
  • Delayed Healing Process: Healing can be sluggish, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or those who smoke.
  • Anaesthesia Risks: Patients may experience short-term nausea following general anaesthesia, along with other potential risks associated with anaesthesia.

Facelift risks and complications

  • Pain and Discomfort: Facelift surgery can result in substantial post-operative pain, necessitating an effective pain management plan.
  • Infection Risk: As with all surgical procedures, there's a potential for developing an infection post-surgery, which may require additional treatments or interventions.
  • Visible Scarring: Despite efforts to minimize and strategically place incisions, any surgical procedure, including facelifts, can result in noticeable scarring. In some instances, scars may be hypertrophic or form keloids.
  • Hematoma or Seroma Formation: There's a possibility of developing a hematoma (a collection of blood) or seroma (a collection of serous fluid) in the surgical area, which might require additional medical procedures.
  • Facial Nerve Damage: Facelift surgery could potentially lead to temporary or permanent damage to facial nerves, resulting in facial weakness, asymmetry, or altered sensation.
  • Unmet Aesthetic Expectations: There's always a risk that the aesthetic results of the surgery may not meet the patient's expectations, necessitating further revisional surgery.
  • Skin Necrosis: A small risk of skin necrosis, or tissue death, exists, particularly among patients who smoke or have other risk factors. This can affect both the healing process and the final outcome.

AHPRA Registration

  • Dr Michael Zacharia MED0001178357 - Otolaryngology
  • Dr Kenneth Brito MED0001680302 - General Practice
  • Dr Ahmed Alsultan MED0001647273 - General Practice
Disclaimer: Surgical and invasive procedures are not an exact science and they carry risks. Results vary with each patient depending on their age, health, weight, hormones and lifestyle. Please note that results are not permanent solutions and will change as your body changes over the years. After you consult with Team MZ, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner
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