Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Sydney

Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)

Visualising your face is the way most people bring you to mind. It is the part of you that is almost always on display; hence the way your face looks is very important, both to you and to others.

As we become older the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun and the stresses of daily life can be seen in our faces: deep creases form between the nose and mouth, the jaw line grows slack and jowly and folds and fat deposits appear around the neck. You may not feel any different to the way you felt when you were a teenager, but your face can tell a different story.

A facelift (rhytidectomy) can improve the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles and re-draping the skin of your face and neck; it effectively turns back the hands of time, making you appear younger and refreshed.

Considering a facelift?

There are some common questions that many people who are considering a face lift ask, such as:

Is it for me?
A face-lift is a highly personalised procedure and the outcome will be different for everyone. That is why before you make any decisions you will have a consultation with Dr Hunt to discuss your needs and goals for the surgery.

During this consultation, Dr Hunt will evaluate your general health as well as your face, including the skin, muscle, fat, and underlying bone. He will explain the factors that can influence the outcome of your surgery, and photographs will be taken for your medical record.

After the consultation, a quote will be prepared that will include your surgical, anaesthetic, and hospital fees.

Dr Hunt uses a number of different types of face lift techniques, so he can match the best one to your face type and desired result. Depending on your needs he may recommend:

    * the SMAS lift
    * the midface lift
    * an endoscopic face lift
    * the sub-periosteal face lift.
    * the MACS lift.


What's involved?
All surgery – except the MACS lift in some circumstances – is performed under a general anaesthetic, given by an anaesthetist, in an accredited hospital, so you are assured of the best care.

Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of your ear) and continue behind your earlobe to the lower scalp. If your neck needs improvement, a small incision may also be made under the chin.

After the incision is made, Dr Hunt separates your skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The underlying muscle and membrane is tightened and the skin is pulled back; any excess is then removed. Stitches or clips secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions. A small tube may be placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that collects there in order to help reduce swelling and bruising. Your head will then be wrapped in bandages to help minimise bruising and swelling.

A MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) lift is less invasive than other techniques. The results are equal to those that can be achieved using more traditional techniques, however your recovery time is much faster. A MACS lift raises the skin of the neck, cheeks, chin, or near the nose using special sutures placed deep in the tissue.

When can I go home? After the surgery you will stay in hospital overnight for observation and to ensure you have adequate pain relief. You will be most uncomfortable in the first 24 hours after surgery.

The day after surgery your dressings will be removed and replaced with a special bandage.

When you are discharged you will be given a prescription for pain medication, which will minimise your discomfort.

When you get home you should rest in bed for the remainder of the day. Moving about too much in the first 48 hours, may cause bleeding, and will also increase your pain.

You should take only the pain medication prescribed, and eat before you take it or it might upset your stomach. Make sure you get plenty of fluids.


Will I have to return for post-operative care? Five to seven days after your surgery you will return to see Dr Hunt. About half your sutures will be removed at this time.

You will have another follow-up visit a week later to check on your progress and remove the remainder of your sutures.

How long will I be off work?
You should plan on taking at least 2 weeks off work.
When can I resume my normal activities?
A face-lift is a complex procedure and it takes time to recover and heal.

You should rest at home for 2 weeks after surgery. This means no heavy housework, exercise, long trips, gardening or other activities.

After 2 weeks you may start some light walking.

    * You will be able to wash your face and take care of your incisions 2 days after surgery.
    * You will be able to wash your hair 3 days after surgery.
    * Dr Hunt will let you know if it’s OK to apply make-up after your first post-operative visit.
    * welling and bruising usually subsides within 2 weeks.
    * You may experience some numbness, tightness or tingling in your face and neck. This will lessen as you heal.
    * You will be back to full activity in 4 to 6 weeks.

When will I see the end result? You will see the final result in 4 to 6 weeks.

Take the next step. If you're ready to learn more about face lifts, or take that step toward an improved quality of life click the button below to make an appointment to see Dr Jeremy Hunt