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Facelift Surgery

A facelift, medically referred to as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to address tissue laxity in the lower face, which may develop over time due to factors such as natural changes in skin and underlying structures or certain lifestyle influences.. The process can involve tightening skin and may include alterations to facial musculature to enhance their structural support.
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Facelift Surgery Sydney

A facelift, medically known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to address changes in the face and neck that may occur over time. The procedure can involve tightening skin and may include adjustments to the underlying facial muscles. In some cases, excess fat is removed or repositioned. A rhytidectomy may also modify the contour of the jawline and the area commonly referred to as jowls.

Facelift Techniques

Dr. Zacharia offers a variety of facelift techniques to address different areas of the face. These techniques are designed to work with specific layers of facial tissue. You can learn more about each type of facelift below.

A Deep Plane Facelift is a surgical procedure that addresses the deeper facial tissues. The technique involves repositioning the skin and underlying muscles to affect the cheeks and nasolabial folds. Learn more about Deep Plane Facelift

The Mid Facelift procedure focuses on the middle area of the face, specifically the cheeks and the area under the eyes. It is designed to address the position and structure of the mid-face. Learn more about Mid Facelift

A less invasive option that targets mild to moderate signs of aging, primarily in the lower face and jawline, with shorter recovery time. Learn more about Mini Facelift

This technique combines the deep plane facelift with a temporal brow lift, ideal for patients seeking a subtle lift to the brow area. It smooths the skin near the temples and provides a gentle lateral pull to the brow, often necessary when significant facial lifting is required.

This procedure involves a combination of a deep plane facelift, temporal brow lift, and neck lift. It addresses the face, brow, and neck areas and may be considered for individuals with excess skin, horizontal lines, or loose skin in the neck region.

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

  • Addressing Skin Laxity: Surgically repositioning and removing excess skin on the face and neck.
  • Adjusting Underlying Tissues: Tightening the facial muscles and deeper tissues (SMAS layer).
  • Modifying Facial Contours: Altering the appearance of the jowls and neck by addressing skin and underlying fat.
  • Addressing Deep Rhytides: Modifying the appearance of deep facial wrinkles or folds.

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 consultation with the surgeon. During this meeting, your goals, medical history, and facial anatomy will be reviewed. The surgeon will assess factors such as skin texture, elasticity, and facial structure, and may use imaging as part of the discussion. This consultation is also an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns 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 has discussed your goals and you choosen to proceed, you will be provided with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your facelift. This may include guidance on diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, the management of certain medications or supplements, and facial care practices.

Surgery

The facelift procedure generally takes several hours and is usually performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation, depending on the surgical plan. The specific techniques used will vary according to the individual’s anatomy and the agreed approach, but may involve making incisions in locations such as around the ear or within the hairline. The surgeon then lifts and repositions underlying muscles and tissues, removes any excess skin, and repositions the remaining skin.
  • Surgery Time
    2.5 to 4 hours
  • Hospital Time
    Overnight

Recovery

After surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area for a few hours. In many cases, patients can return home the same day, although an overnight hospital stay may occasionally be recommended. Bandages may be applied to the face to help manage swelling and support healing tissues.

Swelling and bruising are common after a facelift and generally begin to decrease after several days. Many people are able to resume their usual daily activities within about two weeks, though this can vary.

Follow-up appointments will be arranged to review your progress and provide ongoing post-operative care. It may take several months for the outcome of a facelift to become apparent, as the face continues to heal and adjust.
  • 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

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Want to ask a question or organisation a consultation?
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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.
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Cosmetic Surgeon & ENT Specialist
MED0001178357

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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
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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.

Contact Facelift Plastic Surgery

Dr Zacharia
Level 1 /424 New South Head Road
Double Bay, NSW 2028

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  • 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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