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What to Expect from a Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure that lifts and tightens the facial tissues. Patients who undergo facelift surgery can generally expect changes in their, facial firmness and skin texture.

Dr Mark Doyle is an experienced facelift Specialist Plastic Surgeon who combines advanced techniques with a focus on patient care. Learn more about his approach to facelift and necklift surgery

Understanding Facelift Surgery

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing excess skin and lines on the face and neck. It aims to tighten the skin and underlying tissues. The procedure involves making incisions around the hairline, behind the ears, or under the chin to access the deeper layers of tissue. Once these tissues are repositioned, excess skin is removed, and the incisions are carefully closed. To see the results of this procedure, visit Dr Mark Doyle’s face and neck lift gallery.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Facelift?

Facelift surgery is generally recommended for individuals who are looking to address changes in their facial appearance. Age alone is not the determining factor; rather, the individual’s overall health, skin condition, and specific concerns should guide the decision.

Ideal candidates for facelift surgery typically have:

Good overall health, with no significant medical issues that could affect surgery or recovery

The Facelift Procedure

Pre-Surgery Preparations

Proper preparation before facelift surgery helps to achieve better surgical outcomes and minimises complications. Here are some key steps to follow leading up to your surgery:

  • It’s important to quit smoking well in advance of the surgery, as smoking interferes with blood circulation and can impair the healing process.
  • Alcohol and vaping can increase the risk of complications during surgery, so it’s recommended to avoid these for at least two weeks before your procedure.
  • A nutritious diet helps prepare your body for surgery and promotes faster healing after the procedure. Focus on foods rich in protein, vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for skincare to optimise your skin’s health leading up to surgery.
  • Discuss any medications or supplements you take with your surgeon, as some may need to be adjusted or paused before surgery.

Surgical Steps Involved

Facelift surgery typically involves the following stages:

  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia is used to ensure comfort during the surgery.
  • Incisions: The surgeon will make incisions, typically along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin.
  • Tissue tightening: Once the incisions are made, the surgeon lifts and tightens the underlying muscles and tissues. 
  • Excess skin removal: Excess skin is trimmed away.
  • Closing incisions: The incisions are carefully closed with sutures, and the skin is repositioned.

The procedure typically takes several hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

facelift surgery brisbane and gold coast

Post-Surgery Recovery

The recovery process following a facelift varies for each individual, but most people can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Week 1: During the first week, rest is crucial. Swelling and bruising will be most noticeable, but these symptoms will generally, gradually subside. You may be prescribed pain medication to manage discomfort and are expected to wear a compression garment to help minimise swelling
  • Week 2 to 3: By this time, swelling and bruising will generally minimise,  though some residual swelling may persist. You can begin to return to light activities, but strenuous exercise should be avoided.
  • Month 1: Most patients can resume normal activities within 3 to 4 weeks, though it’s still important to avoid activities that could disrupt healing.

It may take months for the full results to be visible and for all residual swelling to subside. During this time, be sure to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully.

For detailed information on recovery, check out our blog on General Recovery Time for a Facelift.

FAQs

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

The cost of a facelift on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, QLD can vary based on the surgeon’s experience and the complexity of the procedure. You should consult with your surgeon for an accurate estimate based on your specific needs and surgery goals.

How Long Does Facelift Surgery Take?

A facelift typically takes several hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. If additional procedures, such as a neck lift, are performed at the same time, the surgery may take longer.

Are Facelifts Permanent?

While a facelift may improve the appearance of skin and facial texture for some time, it is not permanent. The aging process will continue, and over time, new signs of aging may appear.

Will I Have Visible Scars After a Facelift?

All surgeries leave scars, and facelift surgery is no exception. However, the incisions for a facelift are placed along the hairline and behind the ears to minimise visibility. These scars typically fade over time and can often be hidden by the ear, face and hair.

What Is the Recovery Process Like After a Facelift?

The recovery process involves some swelling and bruising, but most patients can resume light activities after 2 to 3 weeks. Full recovery takes several months, during which time it’s important to follow all post-surgery care instructions. For more information on the recovery process, visit our page on Recovery After Surgery.

Your Journey Starts Here: Consultation and Next Steps

If you’re considering a facelift on the Gold Coast or Brisbane, QLD to address changes in your facial formation, booking a consultation with Dr Mark Doyle is the next step. Dr Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience and he will review your surgery goals, assess your facial structure, and give advice specific to your anatomy.

Our surgical clinic is conveniently located on the Gold Coast, making it a premier destination for patients travelling from Brisbane and beyond. Many Brisbane residents choose to make the short journey to the Gold Coast for Dr Doyle’s expertise and personalised care. Whether you’re local to the Gold Coast or visiting from Brisbane, we strive to ensure your facelift surgery experience is seamless and stress-free.
Schedule a consultation today.

About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plast) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience. He specialises in face lift surgery in Gold Coast and Brisbane, and also offers a range of body and breast procedures.

Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Doctor and surgeon. He has completed all required training to be a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and is driven by an committed to providing excellent standards of care.

NEXT STEPS

Do Your Research

What to Bring to Your Plastic Surgeon Consultation

  • Bring a friend or relative for support and discussion regarding your choices
  • Take notes and read all provided information thoroughly
  • Read about what to expect in your Initial Surgery Consultation

Book Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

  • Get a Referral from your GP or specialist – this is required to book a consultation with Dr. Doyle.
  • Email us or call on 07 5598 0988 to arrange your consultation appointment.
  • Pay your $300 Consultation Fee in advance to secure your consultation.

Please contact us to arrange to book a consultation with our Specialist Plastic Surgeon or to speak with our Patient Care Advisor.

Send an enquiry form today or phone 07 5598 0988 during Clinic Hours.

*DISCLAIMER: All information on Dr Mark Doyle website is general and is not intended to be medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are stock images used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure.

Dr. Mark Doyle AHPRA Registration: Dr Mark Doyle MED0001375519 Specialist Plastic Surgery – MBBS FRACS FRCS

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Dr Doyle and his team are dedicated to patient care and education in face, nose, neck and eye surgery.

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