Choosing a surgeon for a face lift isn’t only about qualifications – it’s about trust, experience, and the understanding that this is a precise and technically complex procedure. In a city like Sydney, where there are many cosmetic surgeons offering facial surgery, it can feel overwhelming trying to work out who might be the right fit. A face lift, also known as rhytidectomy, involves repositioning underlying facial tissues and tightening skin to address changes in facial structure that occur with age.
Selecting the right surgeon will determine not only how well the procedure is performed but also how comfortable you feel through the entire process.
What makes a surgeon qualified to perform face lift surgery?
The first step is to understand what training and credentials to look for. In Australia, cosmetic surgery can be performed by doctors, or by qualified plastic surgeons who have had additional training. When researching, it’s important that you check whether your surgeon has completed accredited surgical training and whether their background includes a focus on facial surgery techniques. This may include advanced experience with procedures involving the facial structure, neck, and jawline.
How important is experience with facial anatomy?
A cosmetic surgeon’s understanding of facial anatomy plays a major role in how the procedure is performed. A face lift involves working through layers of tissue, including skin, fat, muscle, and connective layers like the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). This structure influences facial movement and tone, and handling it requires precise surgical skill.
A surgeon who regularly performs face lift procedures will have refined their technique over time. They’ll understand how to adjust the surgery to suit different facial structures and how to maintain a balanced result without over-tightening or creating uneven contours. This depth of experience helps with both planning and performing the surgery, as well as anticipating how tissues will heal in the months after the procedure.
It’s helpful to ask how often your surgeon performs face lift surgeries and what specific approach they use – such as SMAS, deep plane, or short-scar techniques. While you may not need to know the detailed differences between each, hearing your surgeon explain their preferred method can give you insight into how they approach the operation technically.
What should you look for during your consultation?
Your consultation will give you a clearer sense of the surgeon’s approach and whether their communication style aligns with what you’re comfortable with. It’s not just about asking questions – it’s about observing how your questions are answered. The consultation should cover what the procedure involves, how long it takes, the expected recovery process, and potential risks.
You should also expect that your surgeon examines your facial structure in detail, including the quality of your skin and the position of deeper tissues. This assessment helps guide the surgical plan and determine which type of face lift technique may be most appropriate for you.
A good consultation won’t rush through the process. It should feel like an open conversation where your surgeon explains what’s realistic, what the surgery physically involves, and what kind of changes can be achieved. This stage is also where your pre-operative preparation and post-surgery care will be discussed, so it’s worth paying close attention to the level of detail your surgeon provides.
How can you assess a surgeon’s previous work?
Before and after photos are often available to review during a consultation. These can help you understand a surgeon’s style and how they approach different facial features. When viewing these images, look for consistency and natural variation rather than identical outcomes – since every patient’s facial structure and tissue response are different.
What should you know about hospital and anaesthesia arrangements?
Face lift surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital or day surgery facility. Your surgeon should explain where the surgery will take place and who will be administering the anaesthetic.
The hospital or clinic should have proper post-operative monitoring in place. After surgery, patients usually spend some time in recovery to ensure that they’re stable before going home or staying overnight, depending on the extent of the procedure. Discussing these details at the consultation helps you understand what to expect on the day and immediately after the operation.
What should you expect after surgery?
Recovery after a face lift is gradual. The tissues that have been lifted and repositioned will need time to adjust and heal. Swelling and bruising are common in the first couple of weeks, and your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to manage these. You’ll likely need to sleep with your head elevated for a period and avoid bending or heavy lifting to minimise swelling.
As healing progresses, you’ll have follow-up appointments to review your progress. Your surgeon will check the incision lines, remove sutures if required, and ensure that your tissues are healing as expected. Full recovery can take several months, as deeper layers of the face continue to heal beneath the surface. During this time, your surgeon’s guidance will help you gradually return to normal activities.
How can you tell if a surgeon is the right fit for you?
Ultimately, choosing a surgeon is a personal decision. It’s about feeling that your surgeon listens to your questions, explains details clearly, and demonstrates the technical understanding required for this type of procedure. Pay attention to how transparent they are about the process, potential risks, and the timeline for recovery.
The right surgeon should provide clear explanations about the anatomy involved and what you can expect at each stage – from consultation to recovery. Trust builds when you feel that they’ve taken the time to assess your facial structure properly and offer recommendations based on precision rather than assumptions.
Book your consultation with Dr Hunt in Sydney
Led by Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt, our team plastic surgeons, clinicians and administration staff are passionate about providing you with a surgical experience of the highest standard.
If you’re thinking about undergoing a facelift, you are welcome to contact our team to book a consultation with Dr Hunt or another experienced surgeon in Sydney.
Further reading about facelift with Dr Hunt:
- What is a facelift (Rhytidectomy)?
- How much does facelift surgery cost in Sydney?
- How to prepare for face lift surgery?
- What questions to ask your surgeon before facelift?
- Are there any age restrictions for facelift surgery?
- Does facelift surgery leave scars?
- What is a jowl lift (lower facelift)?
- What can you expect after facelift surgery (day by day)?
- How to reduce bruising and swelling after face lift surgery?
- How to sleep after facelift surgery?
- What should I know about the post-facelift facial massage?
- How to protect your face from the sun after facelift surgery?
- What should you not do after a facelift?
- What procedures can I combine with a facelift?
- How to prepare for a face lift consultation?
- How lifestyle habits can affect face lift results?
Medical references about facelift:
- https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/surgical-procedures/facelift-surgery/
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/facelift
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11023-facelift
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/facelift-meloplasty
- https://www.realself.com/surgical/facelift
