Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery Sydney Nsw
Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) or Jowl Lift Sydney
Lower facelift (rhytidectomy) or commonly known as jowl lift is a procedure, which is performed to address specific areas of the lower face.
A jowl is a pouch of extra skin which hangs below the jaw. An operation called jowl lift or lower facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure used to elevate the excess skin and create a defined jawline.
A jowl lift or “lower facelift” (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to address the signs of ageing in the lower third of the face. The surgery is done on the lower jawline and below the chin, tightening the cheeks and removing excess fat and skin.
A Lower Facelift (rhytidectomy) can help address a heavy jowl.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Sydney plastic surgeon with over 20 years of face lift (rhytidectomy) experience. He has done numerous lower face lift (rhytidectomy) surgeries.
What is a Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery?
A lower facelift (rhytidectomy) or jowl lift is a surgery that removes excess skin and fat from under the chin, tightens the underlying support structures, and lifts the facial muscles. This procedure usually only focuses on the lower and outer parts of the face. The results of this procedure are generally less obvious than a full facelift (rhytidectomy).
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Why Patients Might Consider a Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery
As one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures, a Lower Facelift (rhytidectomy) might be considered for a number of different reasons. As with any surgical procedure, it is important to understand what to expect from your face surgery.
- Often lower facelift (rhytidectomy) results in smaller scars than other types of face lifts (rhytidectomy)
- You will experience less discomfort during the recovery period and it is performed with local anaesthesia
- The surgery is aims to produce natural-looking and provides longer-lasting effects when compared to other facelift (rhytidectomy) surgeries
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Are you a Suitable Candidate for Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery?
Candidates for this procedure fulfil certain criteria:
- Candidates for this operation generally include someone who has a prominent jawline but has developed loose skin in the jowls and neck area
- Any person bothered by the signs of ageing in their lower face and neck
- People with a “double chin” appearance
- Someone with realistic expectations about what this procedure can achieve
- A person who has no systemic disorders that contraindicate lower facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery
Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgical Procedure
The procedure will be performed in a hospital. There will be some paperwork to do after you visit the doctor’s office, and once admitted to the hospital, you’ll be given drugs that will make you feel drowsy and relaxed, so you’ll either be fully asleep or drowsy yet not quite asleep.
The following procedure will take place, Dr Hunt will make a very small incision close to your ears, in the hairline. Another incision just under the chin may be necessary if the neck skin is too loose. The size of the incisions and how visible they are depends on your surgeon’s technique and your facial anatomy.
Dr Hunt will then lift the skin and underlying tissue that has started to droop over time. He might also remove some excess fat, but this is optional. Finally, to ensure long-lasting results of the jawline and mouth area, Dr Hunt will lift sagging muscles in the area’s “Superficial Muscle Aponeurotic System,” or SMAS. This helps to reduce the appearance of the nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines that can downturn the corner of the mouth.
After that, the surgery is almost done, and Dr Hunt will suture the incisions.
Recovery after Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery
A lower facelift (rhytidectomy) is performed with the patient under general anaesthesia. The whole procedure typically takes around two hours! You may stay overnight after your lower facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure. However, because you’ve been under general anaesthesia, you’ll be groggy afterward and will need someone responsible to drive you around.
A few days after surgery, you can resume light activities. Most patients choose to go back to work 1-2 weeks after their lower facelift (rhytidectomy).
As your skin is pulled taut during surgery, you may experience some swelling and bruise around the incision site for about one week. It is also recommended that you avoid strenuous activities at least two weeks after your operation. But to ensure a smooth recovery, take plenty of rest!
In addition, swelling and bruising will subside in time. A lower facelift can help to alter your appearance and can last for years.
Results after the Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery
To get optimal results from a lower facelift (rhytidectomy), you need to have realistic expectations.
The desired result from a facelift (rhytidectomy) is generally one where the signs of ageing are addressed and you achieve a subtle change in appearance. Not all of the wrinkles will or can be removed, and ensuring that you’ll still look like yourself is one of the key objectives.
Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery Aftercare
After you have had lower facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery, your face will be wrapped in bandages to minimise bleeding and swelling. Dr Hunt will provide instructions about how to care for yourself after surgery, including how to clean your face, what medications to apply or take orally to support healing and prevent infection, specific concerns from looking for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr Hunt.
The final cosmetic result of a lower facelift (rhytidectomy) is not apparent until three months after surgery, once the swelling has subsided.
Real Patient Results for Facelift Surgery
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Download Dr Hunt's Guide
Facial Procedures Guide
The facial procedures guide has been created by Dr Hunt and his team as a useful tool to help you plan and consider these procedures.
Throughout the guide, we will discuss the ins and outs of different types of surgery what makes a suitable candidate, pre-surgery planning answers to the most frequently asked questions received from patients.
Next Steps
Always Do Your Research
- Browse our FAQs page
Book Your First Consultation
- Your Surgeon Consultation Fee is $400
- You will need a Referral from your GP
- Phone the team or email to Book your consultation
Prepare for your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information.
- Take lots of notes and read the documents provided.
- Dress in simple clothes as you may need to undress.
- Bring your GP Referral and your test results.
FAQs for Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery
How painful is a lower facelift (rhytidectomy)?
The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, so there is no considerable pain felt during the procedure. Nevertheless, a lower facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure. So, of course, there will be some level of pain and discomfort during the recovery period. But, it will be easily managed with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication.
What is the difference between a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) and a lower facelift (rhytidectomy)?
A mini facelift (rhytidectomy) involves a shorter incision and less lifting of the tissues of the lower face than a traditional facelift (rhytidectomy). It tends to be done for patients who are younger, have less jowling, and do not need as much lifting.
On the other hand, a lower facelift (rhytidectomy) involves a longer incision that allows access to deeper tissues so they can be lifted as well as skin. This is helpful for older patients with more sagging of their faces or patients who want to remove more facial lines. In short, a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) is a smaller-sized lower facial lift.
What is the difference between a neck lift (platysmaplasty) and lower facelift (rhytidectomy)?
A lower facelift (rhytidectomy) is a procedure that focuses the lower third of the face. It tightens the skin, removes excess skin and repositions the underlying fat pads and muscle.
The neck lift (platysmaplasty) tightens the muscles in the neck, removes some fat from the neck and focuses on tightening loose skin from underneath the chin.
Does a lower facelift (rhytidectomy) include the neck?
A lower facelift (rhytidectomy) includes the jawline and neck. The surgery lifts the skin from the lower part of the face, smoothing out cheek and jawline folds, improving sagging jowls and tightening and smoothing the skin under the chin.
Will there be a large scar?
Dr Hunt will make sure to place your incisions in areas where your facial contours and your hairline can hide them. There may be a small scar on the neck and below the chin that is not that noticeable. Scar Minimisation treatments can also help.
What are Risks and Complications of Lower Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery?
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the risks and complications that may occur after lower facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery.
- Sometimes an infection will develop along the incision line or in the deeper tissues. Make sure to follow the recommendations of the plastic surgeon
- Bleeding after surgery can occur for several reasons
- Poor wound healing
- Skin discolouration or swelling at the incisions
Risks are part of any surgery. However, lower facial lift is a minor surgery, so the risks are low. Find out more about risks and complications of plastic surgery.
Further Reading and Medical Sources
What other Face Surgery Procedures Dr Jeremy Hunt offers?
- Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Surgery
- Otoplasty – Ear Surgery
- Rhytidectomy – Facelift
- Deep Plane Facelift
- Brow lift – forehead lift
- Lip lift
- Genioplasty – Chin Surgery
- Neck Lift
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PLASTIC SURGEON SYDNEY
About Dr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Hunt has worked with thousands of patients across his 20-year career. This is reflected in his role as Spokesperson for the ASPS – Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. Dr Hunt is also a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Dr Hunt has a strong interest in helping his patients achieve their desired results by employing the most appropriate practices for each individual patient.
