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.
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.
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.
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 givenA 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 PeriodThere 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
To find out more information about our procedures, or to book a consultation with one of our surgeons give us a call or complete the form.