Facelift surgery is one of the most well-known surgical procedures, but it’s always important to make sure that you’re clear on the facts of the procedure.
There are some myths about what a facelift involves, how it works, and what the results actually look like. Some people assume it’s only for older patients, while others think it involves an unnatural or obvious outcome.
The reality is that facelift surgery is a well-established procedure that addresses changes in the lower face and jawline, and while it can have a significant impact, the results will depend on the specific techniques used and the individual’s facial structure.
There is a lot of misinformation about what facelift surgery can and can’t do, so this blog will address some of the most common myths and explain the facts.
What is a facelift, and how is it performed?
A facelift is designed to address skin laxity and underlying facial tissues, adjusting and removing tissue as needed to create a lifted effect.
The exact approach used for a facelift will depend on the technique chosen and the individual’s facial structure. There are different methods, including full facelifts and techniques that focus on specific areas, such as the lower face or jawline. The incisions are usually made around the ears and hairline, which allows access to the deeper layers of the face.
During the procedure, the underlying facial tissues are repositioned, rather than just tightening the skin. This is what makes modern facelift techniques more advanced than older methods that only focused on skin tension. The goal is to achieve a result that blends naturally with the rest of the face and aligns with the patient’s personal features.
Myth: Facelifts always look obvious
Generally, the most common misconception about facelift surgery is that it leads to an unnatural or obvious outcome.
The idea often comes from outdated techniques or examples of extreme cases where the procedure wasn’t performed well. In reality, modern facelift techniques focus on repositioning the underlying facial structures rather than just tightening the skin, which helps to achieve a result that is in proportion with the rest of the face.
However, this will depend on the skill level of your surgeon, which is why it is important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr Hunt. We will go into the importance of your surgeon’s skills in more detail later in the blog.
Check Dr Hunt’s facelift before and after gallery.
Fact: A facelift doesn’t change the entire face
One of the biggest misconceptions about facelift surgery is that it targets the entire face. Instead, it focuses on the lower face, particularly the jawline, cheeks, and the area around the mouth.
The name itself can be misleading as a facelift doesn’t actually include the upper face, such as the forehead or eye area.
If someone is looking to address changes in the upper face, such as the forehead or eyelids, other procedures like a brow lift or eyelid surgery would be needed. These procedures can be done on their own or combined with a facelift.
Myth: Facelifts are only for older patients
Facelift surgery is often associated with older patients, but there’s actually no specific age required. In fact, suitability for the procedure is more about the physical changes in the face rather than a particular age.
In particular, the level of tissue laxity in the face is one of the main aspects of what can determine suitability for the procedure. The timing can also depend on factors like genetics, lifestyle, and how the face has changed over time.
This means that, when it comes to age, some patients choose to have a facelift in their 40s or 50s, while others wait until later.
Sometimes, a less invasive approach might be suitable for younger patients who don’t need a full facelift. This could include procedures that target specific areas, such as the lower face or jawline. The right approach will always depend on the individual’s facial structure and what they’re looking to address.
Fact: A facelift achieves long-lasting results
It’s common to think that a surgical facelift achieves permanent results – however, while surgery permanently changes the tissue, the results are considered as long-lasting as opposed to permanent, as factors like the continuing natural ageing process can influence how the face can change in the future.
Most patients find that the results of their facelift will last for many years before they start to notice changes again. Since facelift surgery works on the deeper structures of the face, the results tend to be longer-lasting compared to non-surgical treatments.
Over time, the face will still go through natural changes, but the underlying support created during surgery won’t disappear straight away. Some patients choose to have additional treatments later on, but this will depend on how the face changes over time.
Myth: Non-surgical treatments can achieve exactly the same results
While non-surgical treatments can achieve noticeable results, they don’t necessarily have the ability to achieve the same results as facelift surgery.
Non-surgical options work by targeting the skin or muscles, but they don’t reposition the underlying facial structures in the way that a facelift does.
For some patients, non-surgical treatments can be a suitable option if they’re looking for a more subtle change, but they won’t replace the effects of surgery. Essentially, the main difference is that facelift surgery works on the deeper layers of the face, which non-surgical treatments can’t fully address.
Fact: A facelift requires refined skills to perform
A facelift is an extensive procedure, meaning that it requires a detailed understanding of facial anatomy and how different techniques can be used to create a structured result.
When considering the procedure, it’s important to choose a surgeon who has experience in facial surgery and who understands how to tailor the approach to each patient.
Since there are different types of facelift techniques, the right method will also depend on individual facial structure and desired results.
Why to choose Dr Hunt for facelift surgery in Sydney
Since a facelift requires refined skills and techniques to perform, choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon will be essential.
With more than 20 years of experience, Dr Jeremy Hunt is a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon who has treated thousands of patients.
Over the years, he has refined his knowledge to perform facelift surgery with techniques that consider every patient’s unique characteristics.
To find out if you’re suitable for a facelift or to discuss alternative options, please get in touch with our team in Sydney to book your consultation.