A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy or meloplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of ageing in the face and neck. It can help improve sagging skin, jowls, loose neck skin and changes in facial contour caused by ageing, gravity, sun exposure, smoking, stress and hereditary factors.
A facelift does not stop the natural ageing process, but it may help restore a more refreshed, balanced and less tired appearance.
What Can a Facelift Improve?
Over time, the skin, soft tissues and muscles of the face can lose firmness and elasticity. This may lead to changes such as:
- Jowls beneath the jawline
- Loose or sagging facial skin
- Deep folds around the nose and mouth
- Drooping cheeks
- Loose skin or fat beneath the chin
- A “turkey wattle” appearance in the neck
- A tired or aged facial expression
A facelift may help by removing excess skin, tightening deeper tissues and re-draping the skin around the face and neck.
Facelift, Neck Lift or Both?
The most suitable procedure depends on your facial structure, degree of skin laxity and treatment goals.
Some patients may benefit from a facelift alone, while others may require a combined face and neck lift for a more balanced result. If ageing changes are limited to the neck, a neck lift or neck liposculpture may be considered. However, in many cases, treating the face and neck together creates a more natural appearance.
Your surgeon will discuss which option is most appropriate during your consultation.
Types of Facelift Procedures
There are several types of facelift and neck lift procedures. The right approach depends on the areas being treated and the amount of correction required.
Mini Facelift, S-Lift or Short Incision Facelift
A mini facelift, S-lift or short incision facelift may be suitable for patients with mild to moderate facial laxity, especially around the jowls and upper neck.
This type of procedure is often considered for younger patients, commonly between 40 and 55 years of age, who are seeking a subtle improvement rather than a dramatic change.
The incision is usually shorter and may be limited to the temple area and in front of the ear. The underlying tissue can be tightened and lifted, with excess skin removed where needed.
Potential benefits may include:
- Shorter recovery time
- Less downtime
- Reduced cost compared with more extensive surgery
- Subtle facial rejuvenation
- A refreshed, natural appearance
Many patients return to work within 7 to 10 days, depending on their recovery and type of work.
Face and Neck Lift
A combined face and neck lift may be recommended for patients with moderate to severe facial and neck laxity.
This may be suitable for people with:
- Significant jowls
- Loose facial skin
- Loose neck skin
- A “turkey wattle” neck
- More advanced ageing changes in the lower face and neck
The incision commonly begins around the temple hairline, continues in front of and around the ear, and may extend into the scalp behind the ear. The skin is lifted, and the underlying soft tissues and muscles are repositioned and tightened. Excess skin may then be removed.
In some cases, a small incision may also be placed beneath the chin to improve the neck contour.
Endoscopic Facelift or Mid-Facelift
In selected cases, an endoscope may be used during facelift surgery. This is a small tube with a light and camera that allows the surgeon to view the surgical area on a screen.
An endoscopic approach may be used for certain mid-face procedures, particularly where there is laxity in the cheek area.
Neck Lift
A neck lift is often requested by patients concerned about loose skin beneath the chin or a “turkey wattle” appearance.
A neck lift may improve the neck contour, but it is important to understand that treating the neck alone may not always produce the most natural result. In some cases, a combined face and neck lift may be more appropriate because the face and neck age together.
Can a Facelift Be Combined With Other Procedures?
A facelift may be performed on its own or combined with other facial procedures, depending on the patient’s goals.
These may include:
- Brow lift
- Eyelid surgery
- Neck liposculpture
- Facial resurfacing
- Chemical peel or laser treatment
- Wrinkle relaxers
- Dermal fillers
- Platelet-rich plasma treatment
- Rhinoplasty
- Otoplasty
- Lip surgery
- Chin implant or genioplasty
- Cheek implants
Combination treatment is discussed during consultation and depends on suitability, safety and desired outcome.
Anaesthetic Options
Facelift and neck lift surgery may be performed under:
- General anaesthetic
- IV sedation with local anaesthetic
- Local anaesthetic alone in selected cases
Your surgeon and anaesthetist will discuss the most suitable option for your procedure and medical history.
Your Initial Consultation
Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions and understand what surgery can realistically achieve.
Questions you may wish to ask include:
- Am I a good candidate for facelift or neck lift surgery?
- What result is realistic for me?
- Which procedure would best suit my face and neck?
- How long will the operation take?
- What is the expected recovery time?
- What are the risks and possible complications?
- Will I need medication after surgery?
- What are the costs involved?
It can be helpful to write down your questions before the appointment and take notes during the consultation.
Making an Informed Decision
Cosmetic surgery is a personal choice and should be considered carefully. It is important to have realistic expectations and understand that surgery cannot guarantee happiness, success or perfection.
The aim of facelift and neck lift surgery is usually to create a natural, refreshed and balanced appearance. Good communication between patient and surgeon is essential.
You should feel comfortable with your surgeon and confident that your concerns have been understood. Seeking another medical opinion is reasonable if you are uncertain.
Medical History and Suitability
Before surgery, it is important to provide a complete and honest medical history. This information helps your surgical team plan the safest and most appropriate treatment.
You should tell your surgeon about:
- Previous facial or cosmetic surgery
- Current or past medical conditions
- Heart, lung or kidney disease
- Prolonged bleeding or excessive bruising
- Previous blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Gastric reflux
- Current medications
- Aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication, warfarin, Xarelto or other blood thinners
- Insulin or oral contraceptive medication
- Vitamins, supplements or herbal medicines
- Allergies or adverse reactions to medications or anaesthetic drugs
- Psychological or psychiatric conditions
- Past keloid scarring or poor healing
- Connective tissue disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or scleroderma
- Previous radiotherapy to the head, neck or breast area
Your surgeon will examine your facial features and discuss the benefits, limitations and risks of the procedure recommended for you.
Recovery After Facelift or Neck Lift Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and the individual patient.
Swelling, bruising and numbness are common after facelift or neck lift surgery. Most swelling improves significantly within six weeks to three months, although final results may take six to twelve months to fully settle.
Numbness around the ears or cheeks can occur and usually improves gradually over time.
Follow-up appointments are important to monitor healing, assess results and take postoperative photographs where required.
Smoking and Alcohol Before Surgery
Smoking and alcohol can increase anaesthetic and surgical risks. They may also delay wound healing and increase the risk of skin complications.
Patients are usually advised to stop smoking and avoid alcohol for two to three weeks before surgery and for around three weeks after surgery, or as directed by their surgeon.
Risks of Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery
All surgery carries risks. While modern surgery is generally safe, complications can occur even with high standards of care.
General risks may include:
- Wound infection requiring antibiotics
- Bleeding, blood clots or seroma
- Chest infection
- Sore throat from the breathing tube
- Raised, thickened or keloid scarring
Specific risks of facelift and neck lift surgery may include:
- Skin loss due to impaired blood supply, especially in smokers
- Temporary or permanent hair loss near incision sites
- Unsatisfactory or unexpected appearance
- Numbness of the cheeks or ears
- Temporary nerve weakness
- Rare permanent facial nerve damage
- Lopsided facial appearance
- Painful or unattractive scarring
- Changes to the earlobe shape
- Asymmetry between the left and right sides of the face
- Dissatisfaction with the final result
- Recurrence of facial or neck laxity over time
- Need for revision surgery
Your surgeon will discuss the risks relevant to your procedure in more detail during consultation.
Final Results
The final outcome of facelift or neck lift surgery is not immediate. Swelling, bruising and tissue changes take time to settle.
Most swelling improves within the first few months, but the final result may take six to twelve months to become fully apparent.
While every effort is made to achieve a natural and balanced result, no surgical outcome can be guaranteed. Some patients may experience irregularities, asymmetry or changes that may require further treatment.
Before You Book
Facelift and neck lift surgery can help improve visible signs of ageing in the face and neck, but it is important to make an informed decision.
A consultation allows you to discuss your concerns, understand your options and decide whether surgery is suitable for you.
To learn more about facelift or neck lift surgery, book a consultation to discuss your goals, suitability, procedure options, recovery and potential risks.
Book an appointment
For appointments and enquiries, please contact Ent Melbourne on (03) 9081 9006 or email A current referral may be required for specialist consultation.