Facelift (Meloplasty or Rhytidectomy)

As we age, the effects of gravity, sun exposure, smoking and stress begin to show in our face. Our skin and tissues naturally lose their elasticity which can lead to skin folds, creases and wrinkles. A facelift is a cosmetic procedure that can be used to address these concerns.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift – also known as meloplasty or rhytidectomy – is a surgical procedure that tightens and removes skin folds on the face and neck. Facial muscles may be surgically tightened to improve their tone. Excess fat may also be removed or repositioned as part of the surgery.

A facelift may be considered if you have issues with excess skin and fat in the neck region as a result of:

  • Loss of skin elasticity and tone with age
  • Creases around the face and eyes
  • Jowls developing in the cheeks and jaw
  • Fat around the face that has fallen

This procedure is performed under a general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital facility by a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.

What are the Different Types of Facelifts?

There are various options available for those considering a facelift including a mini facelift that addresses the lower portion of the face or full-face lift. There are also non-surgical options available.

How is a Facelift Procedure Performed?

A facelift is performed under general anaesthesia, with incisions made around the ears, in the hairline near the temples and often extending to the scalp. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will try to place all incisions so that they are concealed in the natural creases of the skin.

A facelift typically involves surgically tightening and repositioning the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Fat and excess skin will also be removed or redistributed from the face.

Once the lift procedure is complete and all excess skin has been removed, the incisions will be closed with fine sutures.

Facelift surgery may be done as a day surgery, and your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will discuss your suitability for this based on your personal circumstances.

Who is a Candidate for a Facelift?

A facelift procedure could be considered if you have skin folds in the mid-face, deep creases under your lower eyelids or along the nose, jowls or a double chin. Candidates for facelift surgery include both men and women, and are typically between 40 and 65 years old.

The surgeons at Valley Plastic Surgery may consider someone a candidate for facelift surgery for the following reasons:

  • Has deep creases below the lower eyelids and along the nose, extending to the corner of the mouth
  • Has fat that has fallen or is displaced
  • Has loss of muscle tone in the lower face, leading to jowls
  • Has loose skin and fatty deposits under the chin and jaw
  • Has realistic expectations regarding what the procedure can achieve
  • Is healthy and without medical conditions that may impair healing

Facelift Before and After

FAQ’s

The first step is having a consultation with one of our Specialist Plastic Surgeons, during which you can discuss expectations, ask questions and receive a detailed explanation of what happens during the procedure.

Prior to your procedure, it’s important to stay healthy. This means eating the right foods, getting enough sleep and exercise, and keeping your immune system strong. It’s also im-portant to prepare for your recovery before your facelift. You may wish to pre-prepare some healthy meals, purchase some comfortable loose clothing and ice packs, and fill any pre-scriptions you may need in the week following surgery. You must stop smoking at least 30 days prior to your procedure.

You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and stay with you for a couple of days. This is particularly necessary if you have small children at home – you will need someone to assist you. You may wish to set up a recovery area where you can relax and sleep in an elevated position.

All surgical and invasive procedures carry risk, and these will be discussed during your consultation with your specialist plastic surgeon. All of our procedures are carried out in accredited hospital facilities with assistance from FANZCA qualified anaesthetists.

Our clinical team will provide you with specific pre and post-operative instructions that will help to minimise risks.

After your procedure, you may be provided with a facial garment to support the area and minimise swelling.

You should plan to take things easy for the week following your surgery. It is important to keep your head elevated and sleeping on your back is safest during your initial recovery.

Our clinical staff will offer advice on activities to avoid during your recovery. These instructions will help the healing process and allow for the best possible result.

All surgical procedures will result in scars however there are steps that can be taken to en-sure visible scars are kept to a minimum. For instance, keeping your incision site protected from the sun, using tape and massaging the area once healed.

The cost of a meloplasty or rhytidectomy (facelift) is dependent on a number of factors. This includes the complexity of the procedure, the experience of the surgeon, anaesthetic fees and hospital fees. Once you have met with your surgeon and a clinical plan has been established, our client support of-ficers will organise a quote.

Medicare and private health insurance may cover a portion of the costs if this procedure is deemed medically necessary.

To receive a more accurate cost for this procedure, please contact us to book a consultation with one of our Specialist Plastic Surgeons.

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Face Surgery Before & After

By Surgeons

dr 6 - Facelift Brisbane 1

Doctor Adam Honeybrook

MBBS. FACS, FRACS

dr 1 - Facelift Brisbane 2

Doctor Matthew Peters

BSc. MBBS FRACS (Plast.)

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

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