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.

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Facelift Surgery Sydney

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?

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.

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.

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.

Important Information about Consultations and Consent

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.

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.

Surgery Time
2.5 to 4 hours

Hospital Time
Overnight

Time off work
Working from home after 1 week, back in office after 3 weeks - Occupation Dependent

Cast Removal
Face garment for two weeks

Showering
Can shower next day, however incisions must stay dry

Exercise
4 to 6 weeks

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

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 of surgery include:

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 include:

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.

Patient Results

Before

AFTER

Before

AFTER

Disclaimer: Photographs shown above are actual patients from our clinic, who have given their consent for the use of their images purely for informational purposes. It is important to note that the results observed are subjective, and will differ based on each individual’s unique characteristics and the specific surgical or non-surgical techniques implemented. As with all procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, there are inherent risks involved.

Despite our efforts to maintain standardisation in our before and after photos, certain inconsistencies, such as differences in lighting, posture, facial expression, hairstyle, and make-up, may still exist between images. For a more comprehensive understanding of potential results, additional surgical result photographs can be viewed during a private consultation at our clinic located in Double Bay, NSW.

Additionally, we wish to emphasise that individual outcomes can greatly differ. The results experienced by one person should not be viewed as an exact indication of the results that others may experience. Such variations are due to a multitude of factors, including an individual’s genetics, diet, and exercise regimen.

All photos are watermarked and hold the copyright of Dr Zacharia. Any unauthorised usage or distribution is strictly prohibited.

Meet Our Facelift Surgeon

Dr Michael Zacharia

Cosmetic Surgeon & ENT Specialist

Combining the latest medical, surgical and health techniques, Dr Zacharia strives to deliver the best outcome for each and every one of his patients.

How Much Does Facelift Cost?

Your personalised quote will be prepared following an in-depth evaluation by our expert surgeon. This includes a thorough assessment of your individual needs, detailed explanation of the procedure, and a tailored approach to best achieve the desired outcomes. The quote considers various elements including surgical supplies, hospital requirements, and the specifics of the surgery itself.

Potential rebates might be available if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by relevant health authorities. Conditions for this include providing evidence supporting the medical necessity of the surgery and a referral from a healthcare professional. Your private health insurance may also provide coverage, so it’s essential to discuss this with your provider.

FAQ

Most male and female adults are good candidates for a face lifts surgery, but the procedure is more common with older patients. A facelift can be performed on individuals above 18 years of age, who feel they need to improve their appearance of the face overall. Typical patients range between the ages of 45 and 60.The ideal candidate for facelift surgery is someone who is in good physical and mental health. Smokers are encouraged to quit at least a couple of weeks before the procedure and it is also recommended to not drink alcohol before and after surgery. This promotes proper healing and aids in avoiding complications during the procedure.Our experienced facelift surgeon in Sydney, Dr. Zacharia will explain what can be done to assist eligible candidates for this procedure. He will discuss the steps of the proposed surgery and the variables that may affect the procedure.

The cost of facelift surgery varies to each individual, as well as the complexity of the procedure performed. The cost will be based on specific fees for the professional, anaesthetic, hospital, and if applicable, charges for an overnight stay.Any surgery performed for purely aesthetic reasons will not be covered by health insurance. In cases where the procedure is considered medically necessary, such as corrections of birth defects or damage due to trauma, the procedure may be covered. It is recommended that patients discuss what will be covered by their insurers prior to booking the procedure.Book a consultation, request a quote online, or contact the staff at Dr. Zacharia’s rooms today on (02) 9192 1600.

At the consultation, Dr. Zacharia will discuss the procedure, risks and limitations, costs involved, patient expectations and goals, as well as the recovery process. He will also conduct a medical examination and help the patient prepare both physically and mentally for a facelift.Dr. Zacharia will then provide a checklist surgery information packet that explains everything a patient should do and know before their facelift surgery date.

In most nasal surgeries, general anaesthesia is used. However, in some cases, local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation may be used. Dr Zacharia and his anaesthetist will assist patients in making the decision regarding which type of anaesthesia is best for their individual procedure.

Maximum discomfort should occur in the first few days, improving each day thereafter.A patient’s face will be bandaged after the surgery, with dressings are usually removed one to two days later. If a drainage tube has been placed (usually behind the ear), it will also be removed one to two days after the surgery. Dr. Zacharia will remove stitches within five to ten days.Dr. Zacharia will prescribe pain relief medication after the surgery. Patients can expect to have swelling and bruising of the face, but cold compresses can help relieve these side effects. It may be instructed for the patient to keep their head elevated and still as much as possible.It is important to avoid smoking and even second-hand smoke for two to four weeks before and after surgery. Tobacco smoke increases the risk for skin and tissue death and will delay the healing process of the patient’s face, as well as increasing scarring.

No surgery is risk free. As with all procedures, there are number of risks and complications. Understanding the risks is imperative and Dr. Zacharia discusses these openly with prospective patients in the initial consultation.The chance that any of these complications may occur during the surgery or during recovery is usually very small.The following is a list the most common risks that may occur, such as adverse anaesthesia reaction, infection, or excessive bleeding. However, the following may also be experienced: bruising, swelling, puffiness, numbness, tightness and numbness in the lip. There will also be tenderness of skin for 10-14 days or longer, but by the third week will look and feel much better. A patient’s face may appear or feel strange for a short period of time after the surgery.During the initial consultation, Dr. Zacharia will answer any questions and make sure the patient fully understands all possible complications involved with the surgery.

The recovery phase takes anywhere between ten days and three weeks, depending on the patient, the degree of bruising and the extent of swelling. It can also take at least a year for the inflammation to cease. The firmness (induration), redness along incision lines (which lasts up to four months), and numbness in the distribution of the surgery are all variable patient-to-patient.It is normal for a patient’s face to look and/or feel strange immediately after surgery, but it is important to be prepared for it. Numbness of the skin may last for months, while the patient’s skin may feel rough and dry as well.

Patients should be able to resume normal activities within two weeks and begin exercise within three-to-four weeks. Most people can return to their normal activities two-to-three weeks after a facelift.

Anytime that the skin is cut, a scar is formed. Incision healing is dependent on several factors, including surgical technique, prevention of infection, reduction of tension, patient nutrition, as well as smoking (before or after surgery), etc.Our face lift surgeon in Sydney, Dr. Zacharia will make every effort to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible. However the incisions for a facelift are well hidden under the chin, as well as in front of and behind the ears.

Patients will usually have to wait an average of six months to see almost all of the swelling disappear. Some other patients might have to wait longer (up to twelve months). The benefits of the procedure should leave patients satisfied for about ten to fifteen years, after which, patients may opt for a secondary facelift procedure.

Self Assess Your Readiness

Are you sure that you are ready for a Facelift? There are many important factors that could influence whether you are in a position to handle a Facelift surgery, and how your current lifestyle can impact the quality of the results that you can achieve. We’ve provided a simple assessment to help better focus your mentality around how prepared you may be for getting a Facelift. This is not a replacement for a proper consultation with a qualified surgeon like Dr Zacharia, which will be the determining factor for whether or not to proceed, but this assessment can help focus your thoughts and prepare you mentally for what is in store and it will be looked through by Dr Michael Zacharia and the team to provide feedback and thoughts on your responses.

Find out if you're Candidate?

Start Online Assessment Now

Facelift Surgery Sydney

Facelift Surgery Sydney

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