Introduction
As we age, the natural effects of gravity, sun exposure, and changes in skin elasticity can lead to sagging cheeks, jowls, and deeper facial lines. A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to restore a more youthful and refreshed facial appearance by tightening underlying tissues and repositioning sagging skin.
If you are considering facial aesthetic surgery, understanding what a facelift involves, who is a suitable candidate, and how recovery works is essential for making an informed decision.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift targets the midface, jawline, and neck area (i.e. with a neck lift), addressing:
✅ Sagging cheeks and jowls
✅ Deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)
✅ Loose neck skin or muscle banding (often combined with a neck lift)
Modern facelift techniques focus on repositioning the deeper SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layers, such as “Deep Plane Facelift”, rather than just tightening the skin. This approach achieves natural, longer-lasting results rather than an over-pulled look.
Who Is a Good Surgical Candidate?
You may be a suitable candidate if you:
- Are bothered by sagging skin, jowls, or deep facial creases
- Are in good general health and a non-smoker (or can stop smoking for 6 weeks before surgery)
- Have realistic expectations and understand that while a facelift can make the face less wrinkled, it does not “stop ageing”
✅ Age Range: Most patients are between 40–70 years, but suitability depends on facial anatomy rather than age alone.
How to Prepare for Surgery
- Choose a Qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Look for a surgeon with FRACS (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery) certification and extensive experience in facial aesthetic surgery. - Discuss Your Goals
Your consultation should include:- A detailed assessment of skin quality, facial structure, and overall balance
- Discussion of whether complementary procedures (e.g., blepharoplasty, fat grafting, or skin resurfacing) may enhance results
- Plan for Recovery
Stop smoking, avoid blood-thinning medications as advised, and arrange 2–3 weeks of downtime after surgery.
What to Expect During Recovery
- First Week: Bruising, swelling, and tightness are normal. Head elevation and cold compresses can help reduce swelling.
- Return to Social Activities: Most patients feel comfortable in public after 2–3 weeks, though residual swelling can persist for several weeks.
- Final Results: As swelling settles, results become more refined over 3–6 months, with scars fading gradually over time.
How Long Do Results Last?
A facelift does not stop ageing, but it can reposition the soft tissue to 5–10 years off the appearance. Maintaining results with healthy skin care, sun protection, and non-surgical treatments (such as laser or anti-wrinkle injectable treatments) can prolong its benefits.
Risks and Safety Considerations
Facelift surgery is safe when performed by an experienced specialist, but it is still an invasive surgical procedure. Its risks include:
- Bruising or prolonged swelling
- Numbness or temporary nerve weakness (usually resolves within months)
- Rare complications such as bleeding or infection or skin necrosis
- Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result (e.g. prominent scars, hairline disposition, residual signs of aging such as fine lines, etc.)
Choosing a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon reduces these risks and ensures a natural, balanced outcome.
Is a Facelift Right for You?
A facelift can restore a more refreshed appearance, and making the face less-wrinkled. However, it should always be approached with realistic expectations and performed by a surgeon who prioritises safety and natural results.
About Dr Paul Cheng
I’m Dr Paul Cheng, FRACS, a Specialist Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon practising on the Gold Coast and in Ballina, NSW. My approach to facial aesthetic surgery focuses on natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy.
If you’d like to learn more about whether a facelift is right for you, please book a consultation or follow me on Instagram @dr.paulcheng for educational updates.