A facelift and rhinoplasty are two distinct procedures, but it is possible to have both performed in one combined surgery.
While they focus on different areas of the face, some patients choose to undergo both at the same time for various reasons. However, combining these surgeries does increase the complexity of the procedure, and there are several factors that need to be considered before deciding if it’s the right approach.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how a facelift and rhinoplasty can be combined, what it means for recovery and results and who the approach may be suitable for.
How facelift and rhinoplasty differ
A facelift focuses on the lower part of the face, addressing the skin, fat, and deeper tissues to change the shape of the jawline, cheeks, and neck.
A rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is a procedure that changes the shape of the nose by modifying the bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. Since they target different structures, they require separate techniques, though they can be performed simultaneously.
One of the main challenges of combining the two procedures is that rhinoplasty can sometimes involve swelling and changes in the mid face area, which may interact with the effects of a facelift.
This is why a thorough consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr Hunt, is necessary to assess whether both procedures can be performed effectively.
How a combined procedure can be performed
When facelift and rhinoplasty are performed in the same procedure, the surgical plan is carefully coordinated to ensure that both areas are addressed properly. The exact approach will depend on the techniques used for each surgery.
A facelift typically involves incisions around the ears and possibly under the chin, depending on the extent of the surgery. The underlying tissues may be repositioned, and any excess skin is removed before closing the incisions.
A rhinoplasty can involve incisions inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or a small incision along the columella (open rhinoplasty) to access the nasal structures. If cartilage grafts are needed, these may be taken from the septum or another area, such as the rib or ear.
Since both surgeries involve different anatomical structures, the order in which they are performed will depend on the individual situation. Sometimes, the rhinoplasty may be done first, while in others, the facelift is prioritised. The total duration of the procedure will also be longer than if either surgery were done on its own.
How a combined approach can influence recovery and results
The recovery process for a combined facelift and rhinoplasty will involve managing swelling, bruising, and incision healing in both areas. While some aspects of the recovery for each procedure will overlap, there are also some differences to keep in mind.
Swelling is expected in both the face and nose, and in some cases, the effects of one procedure can influence the healing of the other. For example, swelling from the rhinoplasty may extend into the mid face, which could affect how long the facelift results take to become clearly visible. Keeping the head elevated after surgery can help to reduce swelling in both areas.
Bruising can also vary depending on the techniques used. While bruising is common around the nose and under the eyes after rhinoplasty, facelift bruising may extend along the jawline and neck.
It’s important to follow recovery instructions, particularly in terms of limiting certain movements that could put strain on either area.
Since both procedures require incisions, there will be multiple areas that need to heal. This means avoiding pressure on the face, being careful with facial movements, and following Dr Hunt’s guidance on when normal activities can be resumed.
As for results, the final results of a facelift and rhinoplasty can take several months to become fully noticeable, as residual swelling gradually subsides. A combined procedure will lengthen recovery to some degree, which will also influence how soon you will see results.
Since both procedures involve changes to the facial structure, it’s always important to have realistic expectations about what can be achieved. Combining a facelift and rhinoplasty can help to achieve comprehensive results, as how each procedure can influence each area of the face can be considered.
Who might be suitable for a combined procedure?
Not everyone will be a suitable candidate for having both procedures performed in the same surgery. Since a facelift and rhinoplasty focus on different areas, it’s important to ensure that combining them is a suitable approach for the individual’s anatomy and needs.
One of the main things to consider is overall health, as a longer surgery means spending more time under anaesthesia, which places additional demands on the body. The extent of each procedure is also a factor. If a more involved facelift or a complex rhinoplasty is required, it may be better to stage them separately to allow time for healing and to minimise risks.
A suitable candidate for a combined surgery is someone with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the healing process. Both facelift and rhinoplasty require time to heal, so patients should be prepared to manage the extended recovery period that comes with both procedures. If a patient can commit to this and is in good overall health, they may be well-suited for combining the surgeries.
Another factor to consider is if a patient has previously undergone facial surgery. If so, they may need more careful consideration when combining both procedures. Those with scars or other anatomical changes from past surgeries could experience more difficulty in healing when attempting both surgeries at once. In these cases, it may be recommended to approach each surgery separately to allow for more focused and effective healing.
Why to choose Dr Hunt for facelift and rhinoplasty surgery in Sydney
For an extensive surgical procedure such as a combined facelift and rhinoplasty, it’s important to find an experienced and sufficiently qualified surgeon.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of experience performing plastic surgery and non-surgical procedures.
To book a consultation with Dr Hunt in Sydney, please get in touch with our team.
