Facelift surgery can be a transformative step for many people who want to refresh their appearance and feel more confident as they age. If you’re considering this cosmetic medical procedure, you’re likely looking for an effective way to address sagging skin, deep lines, and volume loss around your face and neck.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn about facelift surgery, what to expect during the procedure, and how to choose the right path for your goals.
Whether you’re just exploring or seriously considering the next step, this guide is designed to inform, inspire, and support you through your decision-making process.
What Is Facelift Surgery?
Facelift surgery, also called rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic medical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of ageing in the face and neck. By lifting and repositioning soft tissues, removing excess skin, and tightening underlying facial muscles, facelift surgery aims to get a more youthful facial appearance.
While the results vary from person to person, many people seek this surgery when they feel their facial features no longer reflect their energy or how they feel inside.
The Natural Ageing Process And How It Affects Your Face
As we age, our skin starts to lose elasticity. The soft tissues of the face start to descend, leading to sagging cheeks, jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and a less defined jawline.
Role Of Bone Structure And Fat Loss
Changes in bone structure and facial fat distribution also contribute to an aged appearance. Some individuals may experience a loss of volume in the mid-face and under the eyes, while others develop excess fat along the jaw or under the chin.
Why People Consider Facelift Surgery
Many people begin exploring facelift procedures when they notice:
- Sagging facial tissues or loose skin
- Deep wrinkles or folds, particularly deep nasolabial folds and deep frown lines
- Loss of volume in the cheeks or under the eyes
- Drooping neck skin
- A desire to raise sagging eyebrows or refresh facial contours
Facelift surgery may help you feel more in alignment with your image. It can also be part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan that includes treatments like eyelid surgery, brow lift procedures, or facial fat grafting.
Non-Surgical Treatments VS Surgical Procedure
While non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers offer temporary results with minimal downtime, they do not provide the same depth of correction as facelift surgery.
Invasive surgery, such as facelift surgery, offers more lasting results by addressing underlying tissues.
Personalised Approaches To Facial Rejuvenation
Your face is unique, and your treatment should be too. During your consultation, an experienced cosmetic doctor will assess your facial skin and features, medical history, and overall health to determine the best facelift techniques for your goals.
Some people may benefit from combining facelift surgery with procedures like:
- Eyelid surgery (for upper or lower eyelids)
- Brow lift (to raise sagging eyebrows)
- Neck surgery (to define the jawline and neck)
The Facelift Procedure: What To Expect
Thinking about facelift surgery? Knowing what the process involves can help you feel more confident and prepared.
Here’s a step-by-step look at what typically happens before, during, and after your procedure.
Before The Surgery
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation. During this time, your cosmetic doctor will take the time to understand your goals, discuss your medical history, and assess your facial structure and skin.
You may be advised to stop certain medications or supplements and avoid smoking in the weeks leading up to the procedure to ensure optimal healing.
If your treatment plan includes additional procedures like eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or laser resurfacing, these will be discussed and planned in detail.
During The Surgery
Facelift surgery is generally performed under a general anaesthetic, and you’ll stay overnight in hospital for comfort and monitoring.
The procedure typically takes between two and three hours, though this may vary if it’s combined with other treatments.
Your cosmetic doctor will begin by making discreet incisions along the hairline, continuing around the front of the ears, and curving up behind the ears into the hairline. These incision sites allow access to lift and reposition the deeper tissues of the face.
The muscles and soft tissues are carefully adjusted to refine your facial contours, while the neck is also addressed to improve definition under the chin and along the jawline.
Once the underlying structure has been lifted, any excess skin is gently removed, and the incisions are closed with precision sutures.
In most cases, surgical drains aren’t required. A light bandage will be placed for the first 24 hours to provide gentle compression and support.
Recovery After Facelift Surgery
Healing after facelift surgery is a gradual process, but with the right care and support, many people find it surprisingly manageable.
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease as your body recovers and your refreshed appearance emerges.
Immediate Recovery
Once your surgery is complete, a light bandage will be applied for the first 24 hours, followed by a supportive chin strap to help minimise swelling and maintain the newly lifted contours.
Mild discomfort, facial swelling, and bruising are common in the first few days and can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your doctor.
You may also notice some tightness or numbness in the treated areas; these sensations are temporary and typically fade over time.
Keeping your head elevated, especially while sleeping, is strongly encouraged during the first few days. This small adjustment can significantly reduce facial swelling and support your overall healing.
Returning To Daily Activities
Most swelling and bruising start to improve within the first week. Many people feel ready to return to work and light social activities within 10 to 14 days.
Camouflage makeup can gently conceal any lingering bruising, helping you ease back into your routine with added confidence.
Strenuous exercise and high-impact activities are postponed for around three weeks to allow your tissues to heal properly.
Based on your recovery progress, your cosmetic doctor will explain what to expect and when it’s safe to resume specific activities.
Long-Term Recovery And Results
As the weeks pass, your incision lines will continue to settle and fade. Because incisions are carefully placed along natural skin lines and hair-bearing areas, any scarring is often discreet and improves with time.
While you may start noticing results fairly early, the final outcome becomes more visible over the following months as swelling fully subsides and the facial tissues stabilise.
With the right aftercare and sun protection, your facelift results can last for many years.
While the natural ageing process continues, many people enjoy their refreshed appearance long after surgery and may opt for a simpler touch-up procedure in the future if needed.
Risks And Considerations
Like any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries some risks, including:
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Infection
- Delayed healing
- Allergic reaction to anaesthesia
- Facial nerve injury (rare)
- Prolonged swelling or bruising
- Unsatisfactory scarring
Discuss your full medical history, including any health issues, slow healing tendencies, or previous surgeries, with your surgeon to ensure the most optimal approach.
Choosing The Right Surgeon
A successful outcome starts with choosing the right practitioner. Look for:
- An experienced doctor with a focus on facial procedures
- Before-and-after photos (if available)
- Transparent discussions about outcomes and risks
- Clear communication and support throughout your journey
In Australia, AHPRA-registered health practitioners are required to follow strict professional standards. Always confirm your surgeon’s credentials and experience.
Cost Of Facelift Surgery In Australia
Pricing for facelift surgery in Australia varies based on the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience, and the setting.
While private health insurance might not cover elective cosmetic procedures, it’s important to get a personalised quote after a consultation.
Supporting Your Recovery At Home
Here are a few helpful tips to support your healing:
- Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling
- Avoid sun exposure and use SPF once healed
- Stick to the recommended surgery medications
- Avoid smoking, as it may delay healing
- Eat nutritious meals to support tissue recovery
Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions can make a big difference in your outcome.
Facelift Surgery VS Other Facial Procedures
When it comes to rejuvenating your appearance, there are several options available. Choosing the right path depends on your goals, level of facial ageing, and the kind of results you’re hoping to achieve.
Let’s explore how facelift surgery compares to some of the most popular alternatives.
Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery addresses the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jawline, and neck. It’s a more involved surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin, reposition underlying tissues, and restore a more youthful contour.
The results are typically long-lasting and can offer significant improvement in facial definition and firmness.
Ideal for:
- Moderate to advanced signs of facial ageing
- Sagging jowls or neck skin
- Deep lines or facial folds
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery targets the upper or lower eyelids, removing excess skin or fat that may cause puffiness, sagging, or a tired appearance.
This procedure can help refresh the eyes and is often combined with facelift surgery for balanced results.
Ideal for:
- Droopy or heavy eyelids
- Under-eye bags or puffiness
- Enhancing a refreshed and alert appearance
Brow Lift
A brow lift raises sagging eyebrows and smooths forehead lines, especially deep frown lines.
It’s typically used to address the upper third of the face and can complement other procedures like eyelid or facelift surgery.
Ideal for:
- Low or drooping brows
- Forehead wrinkles or deep creases
- Lifting and opening up the eye area
Neck Lift
A neck lift targets ageing concerns specific to the neck, such as excess fat, loose skin, and visible muscle bands.
Often performed alongside facelift surgery, a neck lift can redefine the jawline and smooth the neck for a more youthful, balanced appearance.
Ideal for:
- Loose or sagging neck skin
- Excess fat under the chin or along the neck
- Visible neck bands or muscle laxity
Choosing The Right Procedure For You
Each person’s facial features, concerns, and goals are entirely unique. While one procedure may suit some people, others may benefit from a combination of approaches for a more comprehensive result.
An experienced cosmetic doctor will take the time to assess your facial structure, skin quality, medical history, and personal preferences to develop a tailored treatment plan, whether that’s a traditional facelift surgery, a neck lift, or a thoughtfully combined set of procedures to support your overall facial harmony.
How To Prepare Emotionally And Physically
Preparing mentally and physically can improve your experience:
- Stay informed by asking questions
- Set realistic expectations
- Ensure you have support at home during the early days
- Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be visible scars?
Facelift incisions are carefully placed along natural skin creases and within the hairline to help keep them discreet. While all surgery involves some scarring, these marks typically fade and become less noticeable over time, especially with proper care and sun protection.
Is a face lift the same as a thread lift?
Not quite. A thread lift is a non-surgical treatment using dissolvable threads to lift the skin gently. It offers subtle, short-term results and minimal downtime.
In contrast, a facelift is a surgical procedure that repositions deeper facial tissues for more significant and longer-lasting rejuvenation.
Who is a good candidate for facelift surgery?
Face lift surgery may be suitable for individuals who are experiencing visible signs of facial ageing, such as sagging skin, deep lines, or loss of definition in the jaw or neck area.
Candidates should generally be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes. During a detailed consultation, your cosmetic doctor will assess your health, goals, and suitability.
Conclusion: Your Next Step Towards A Refreshed You
Deciding to undergo facelift surgery is a deeply personal choice, one that can help you feel more confident and aligned with your image. Whether you’re aiming to address excess skin, redefine facial contours, or simply feel refreshed, the journey starts with the right information and support.
If you’re ready to explore facelift surgery, speak with an experienced cosmetic doctor in your area.
A professional consultation will help you understand your options, assess your suitability, and guide you through a personalised path to a more youthful facial appearance.
There’s no need to rush. Take your time, ask questions, and choose what feels right for you. When you’re ready, the right team will support your next chapter in Sydney.
Facelift surgery is one call away. Book a personal consultation with our experienced team to receive guidance tailored to your goals. There’s no pressure, just honest advice and support to help you make an informed decision.
Contact Dr Alan Evans at (02) 9526 8000 today to begin your journey towards a refreshed, confident you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should always seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Facelift Surgery. (n.d.). Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/surgical-procedures/facelift-surgery/
Healthdirect Australia. (2024, June). Facelift. Healthdirect. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/facelift
Herndon, J. (2023, May 26). Facelift: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go. Healthline. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/face-lift
Tiourin, E., Barton, N., & E. Janis, J. (2021). Methods for Minimizing Bleeding in Facelift Surgery: An Evidence-based Review. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 9(8), e3765. https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003765
Want A Face Lift? Here Are 10 Tips. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/face-lift-ten-tips
Facial laser treatments have become one of the most popular procedures for skin rejuvenation in Australia and beyond. Whether you're seeking smoother skin texture, fewer fine lines, or relief from sun-damaged skin, there's a growing Read more