Changes to facial appearance that can occurs with age, due to lifestyle or genetics, may be addressed by face lift and neck lift surgery, which are facial cosmetic surgical procedures of the face and neck.
Facial cosmetic surgical procedures are performed in our Sydney practice by specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Robert Knight.
- What Is Face Lift & Neck Lift Surgery?
- Face Lift Candidates
- Face Lift Consultation
- Face Lift & Neck Lift Techniques
- Face Lift & Neck Lift Procedure
- Face Lift Recovery
- Face Lift Results
- Face Lift Scars
- Non-Surgical Face Lift
- Face Lift Complications
- Face Lift Before & After Photos
- Animation Video of Face Lift Surgery
- Face Lift Cost
- Additional Face Lift FAQs
Meet your Surgeon
Dr Robert Knight
Meet your Surgeon
Dr Robert Knight FRACS
Registered Specialist Plastic Surgeon
AHPRA MED0001198549
Education and Training:
- Attended medical school in South Africa, and trained at the internationally renowned Baragwanath Hospital
- Awarded a Cyanamid Pharmaceutical Scholarship, the Medical Students Council Award and the Graham Wilkinson Medal
- Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- Awarded the LGI cardiothoracic prize and presented at several conferences in London, Stockholm and Cologne
What Is Face Lift and Neck Lift Surgery?
Face lift and neck lift surgery are surgical procedures intended to correct the effects of ageing and gravity in the mid and lower face. A face lift removes excess skin and repositions fat and muscles, which elevates the cheeks and mid-face and reduces the jowls. Today’s facial plastic surgery techniques such as face lift is usually performed along with a neck lift, to achieve uniform facial correction.
Our facial expert, specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Robert Knight , provides highly customised face lifts for each individual’s concerns and needs. The procedure can be beneficial:
- To reposition skin, muscles and fat in the face and neck
- Reduce excess skin and fat on the neck
- Reposition fat pockets around the face
- Requires good general health and non-smoker
- Longer term results than non-surgical treatments
- Realistic expectations about results that can be achieved
Am I a Candidate for Face Lift Surgery?
Face lift plastic surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure for men and women seeking to correct facial appearance where gravity and time have caused the skin on the face and neck to loosen.
A face lift result normally last for up to 10 years.
At Pure Aesthetics, our plastic surgeons believe that having a face lift should not leave you with the appearance of a tight, “surgical” look. During pre-surgery consultations we will discuss your aesthetic expectations in detail and give advice on the most likely aesthetic outcomes based on your health, age, skin elasticity and medical history.
What Does the Face Lift Consultation Entail?
During the consultation process, your specialist plastic surgeon will go over a variety of questions with you ranging from your medical history to the results you would like to achieve. Be prepared to discuss any medications you may be taking, allergies you have and any medical procedures you have undergone in the past.
Your plastic surgeon will complete an evaluation of your needs. Based on your history and examination, your best options for facial rejuvenation are determined.
You will also learn what to expect during the recovery process and about possible complications that may develop. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions or concerns as you think of them.
During a second consultation, you will learn more details about your face lift operation. The specific risks of your case will also be reiterated.
What Are the Different Types of Face Lift & Neck Lift Procedures?
Full Face Lift
The most comprehensive full facelift addresses all areas of the face, from the forehead down to the neck. This will provide the most comprehensive results, as well as the longest-lasting outcome. Our surgeons recommend this approach for patients who request comprehensive facial surgery. This may incorporate a brow lift, face lift, eyelid lift, and neck lift, though only the components that you require will be recommended.
“Mini” Face Lift
This is suited to those with limited amount of excess or loose skin. The underlying facial tissue is repositioned. This is common for patients in their 40s or younger, to correct early problems. This also improves early jowl formation.
Mid-Face Lift
As the name suggests, a mid-face lift focuses on the middle portion of the face. A mid-face lift procedure focuses on the lower eyelids, cheeks and nasolabial region. This technique is especially suited to younger patents with minimal ageing in the neck area.
Neck Lift
This technique reduces excess skin and banded appearance of the neck area. This procedure is also known as “platysmaplasty.” In this procedure the neck muscle is removed, tightened and/or realigned, helping to tighten the neck area.
What Does the Face Lift Procedure Involve?
Our specialist plastic surgeons perform face lift procedures under general anaesthesia, usually with a one-night stay in hospital. Incisions are made behind the hairline and may extend around the head, depending upon the extent of the lift required. During the procedure, the surgeon lifts the excess tissue, muscle and skin to reposition and suture it into place. The incision is made in front of the ear, inside the ear and then extends behind the ear by the earlobe. The skin, fat and muscle are separated, lifted and then re-draped to their previous position. Finally, care is taken in suturing the incision. This is done to minimize the scar after the initial healing period.
Our cosmetic plastic surgeons perform the most modern techniques in face lifting, called the “SMAS flap” technique, which involves lifting the underlying muscle and fat pads of the face instead of just skin. This surgery is more extensive than the older “skin lifts” and has the advantage of providing a less “pulled” look with longer-lasting effects.
What Is Face Lift Recovery Like?
Recovery time will vary depending on the type of face lift you have undergone. Immediately after surgery, your anaesthesia will gradually wear off. With the many advancements in anaesthesia over the years, you should have minimal side effects and pain. Our highly skilled and trained anaesthetists are experienced in modern techniques and are committed to helping you remain comfortable.
You will have dressings around your cheeks and neck. Additionally, your cheeks and neck will be wrapped with a bandage that compresses the area. In some cases, a drainage tube may be required for 1-2 days after your operation.
You can expect that your face and neck will be swollen, and this can last for a few weeks. In general, stitches come out around 7-10 days. Most patients return to work after about 2 weeks and are asked to refrain from strenuous activities for 4 weeks.
When Will I See My Face Lift Results?
You can expect to see the final surgical result after a few months once swelling has subsided. Results should start to become apparent after 2-3 weeks, with a good idea of expected results after 3 months. The final outcome can last up to and over 10 years and will vary from person to person depending on lifestyle factors and your own inherent ageing process.
Will My Face Lift Scars Be Visible?
Your specialist plastic surgeon carefully plans your surgery to minimise scarring. The incisions are positioned in your hairline or the skin’s subtle lines and will fade over time.
Can I Get a Face Lift Without Surgery?
It is possible to achieve satisfying temporary facial corrections from non-surgical facial procedures, which are also available at Pure Aesthetics. These treatments may include cosmetic injections and skin treatments.
However, only a face lift can permanently reposition the skin and muscles with results lasting up to 10 years. Our Pure Aesthetics surgeons are highly skilled, specialist plastic surgeons skilled in the most modern techniques with a commitment to producing realistic-looking results for face lift patients.
What Complications Can Arise from Face Lift Surgery?
Complications are possible with any surgical procedure, which is why it is important to seek the care of a qualified plastic surgeon. Potential risks and complications of surgery include:
- Infection
- Bruising, bleeding, haematoma formation
- Scarring
- Anaesthetic problems, such as deep vein thrombosis
- Allergy
- Pain
Other possible complications that can occur from face lift surgery include:
- Hair loss around scars
- Skin necrosis
- Facial asymmetry
- Facial nerve damage
- Altered facial sensation
These risks will be discussed with you in more detail during the consultation process, including how they are typically handled if they occur.
Will I Be Able to View Face Lift Before & After Photos?
To protect the privacy of our patients, face lift before and after cases can be seen in our office during your consultation.
