If you’re considering undergoing a long-lasting, surgical way to address visible signs of ageing in the face and neck, face lift surgery can be a suitable choice.
When you’re considering any type of plastic surgery, or any type of facial treatment, it’s helpful to understand the key details of the procedure. Before having a consultation, we recommend learning about what the procedure involves, whether you may be suitable, and any important factors you should keep in mind.
In this blog, we’ll outline 10 things you should know about facelift surgery before moving forward. When you’re ready for personalised advice and to discuss the possibility of having the procedure, you are welcome to contact our team to book your consultation with Dr Hunt in Sydney and Wollongong.
1. There are different types of facelift surgery
Not all facelifts are the same, and the approach can vary depending on your needs. Some of the most common types include traditional, mini, lower, and deep plane facelifts.
A traditional facelift addresses the skin and some level of underlying facial muscles and can be extended to include the neck. On the other hand, a mini facelift is a less extensive option, using less invasive techniques for mild to moderate signs of ageing.
A lower facelift, also called a jowl lift, particularly focuses on the tissue on the lower face and along the jawline. It can also be extended to include the neck.
As a more advanced approach, a deep plane facelift targets the facial tissues at a deeper level, addressing the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer. By addressing the SMAS layer, a deep plane facelift is said to achieve results at a more structural level, which can create a longer-lasting change. However, it is generally more suited to those with more moderate to significant signs of ageing on the face and neck.
When you have your consultation with Dr Hunt, he can carefully assess your needs and identify the most suitable type of facelift.
2. Facelift surgery results are designed to appear natural
When facelift surgery is performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, the results should appear natural and avoid over-tightening the facial tissue.
Advancements in surgical techniques allow your surgeon to specifically aim for results that align with your natural features. For example, used in the deep plane facelift (and other types of facelifts, such as the lower facelift or jowl lift), the technique of targeting the SMAS layer can avoid over-stretching the skin and provide more structural support.
The detailed steps of the procedure should also specifically consider your unique features, which experienced and qualified plastic surgeons should hold the skill level to do correctly.
3. There’s no such thing as a perfect age for facelift surgery
While a facelift is generally suitable for those who are noticing more moderate or significant signs of ageing, each person ages at a different rate, so it can be hard to determine the exact right age for facelift surgery.
Often, patients are in their 40s or higher, when skin laxity or fine lines and wrinkles can begin to become more prominent. Sometimes, patients in their more mature years can be suitable for the procedure – while some may find that they don’t have sufficient skin elasticity to be suitable.
Essentially, the right time for a facelift will depend on your personal concerns, the condition of your skin, your goals and your health. While age can affect each of these factors, it is generally not the main deciding factor in your suitability for a facelift alone.
4 .It’s important to be a suitable candidate for the procedure
While we’re on the topic of suitability for a facelift, it’s highly important that your surgeon carefully assesses whether or not you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
The idea is not to make the process difficult but to carefully ensure that your expectations align with the procedure’s capabilities and that you’re physically suitable for an invasive surgical procedure.
Ensuring your suitability helps to support a positive surgical outcome, and can significantly reduce risks. A screening process during your consultation will be important before you can undergo the procedure.
5. You may need to follow preparation steps
To help determine your suitability for the procedure, or to further minimise the chance of complications occurring, you may have some preparation steps to follow. These steps can include quitting smoking, not taking certain medications or supplements, or having some pre-operative tests.
If you do need to follow preparation instructions, your surgeon will go over them during your consultation well before the date of your procedure.
6. Face lift surgery costs are not one-size-fits-all
Facelift procedures are highly personal, and each patient’s procedure plan will look different from one another. Since every procedure is different, the cost of the surgery can also differ.
The costs of surgery include various components, such as surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia fees, and more. Different factors influence the calculation of these fees.
While you may be able to get a general idea of surgery costs online, an accurate quote can only be received after a consultation.
7. There are possible complications to consider with any surgery
No matter the type of plastic surgery you are considering, you’ll need to consider the possible risks and complications.
While plastic surgeons will do their absolute best to minimise complications throughout the entire surgery process, some complications are still a possibility.
Before undergoing a facelift, we recommend reading more about what the procedure involves and asking your surgeon about possible complications during your consultation.
During your consultation with Dr Hunt, he will go over the possible risks and explain how they can be minimised, both through his techniques and steps you can take before and after your procedure.
8. Recovery is an important part of the process
Whether you’ll be undergoing a mini facelift or a deep plane facelift, facelift surgery is still considered to be an extensive procedure to some degree. Therefore, supporting your body’s recovery will be highly important.
Some post-surgical discomfort after a facelift is normal, such as swelling, bruising, and pain. Your surgeon’s recovery instructions will help you manage this discomfort.
Throughout your recovery, you’ll need to avoid putting your body under too much stress. Strenuous activities should be avoided for some time, allowing you to gradually increase your activity levels as you heal.
As a guide to managing your recovery, your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to care for your incisions, manage discomfort, and reduce swelling. Following these guidelines closely is key to supporting your body as much as possible.
9. Recovery time can vary from patient to patient
The duration of your facelift recovery will depend on the extensiveness of the procedure, your body’s individual healing and whether or not you follow your recovery instructions closely.
For example, some patients may only need two weeks off work, while others may need to take longer. Similarly, some patients may be able to resume normal exercise earlier – it will all depend on the procedure steps, how soon your body naturally recovers, and if any complications have occurred.
To get an idea of what to expect for your recovery after your personalised procedure, you’ll be able to discuss the process during your consultation.
10. Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon is absolutely essential
While every factor is important when it comes to plastic surgery, ensuring that you choose a qualified plastic surgeon to perform the procedure is arguably the most important step.
You should ensure that your surgeon is a qualified plastic surgeon, with experience in performing the different types of facelift procedures. Inexperienced or under-qualified surgeons will unlikely have the same level of knowledge in advanced techniques and how to prevent complications from occurring.
If you’re located in Sydney, Dr Jeremy Hunt is a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of experience.
Schedule your facelift consultation with Dr Hunt in Sydney
During your consultation, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt can ensure that you know all of the important factors of face lift surgery.
If you’re ready for personalised advice and to learn much more about face lift surgery, we recommend contacting our team to book your consultation with Dr Hunt.
