Face Lift

A Face Lift, also known as meloplasty is a surgical procedure that tightens and removes sagging skin on the face from the cheek, jaw and neck area. Facial muscles may be surgically tightened to improve their tone. The aim of the procedure is to reduce the visible signs of ageing and help to create a smoother, more refreshed appearance.

Dr Preketes offers four types of face lifts which all vary in technique which include a Full Face Lift, Mid Face Lift, Lower Face Lift and Mini Face Lift.

What To Expect

Consultation

We’ll discuss your goals, assess your health, and review treatment areas to help you make an informed decision. Formal quotation will be provided following your initial consultation.

To ensure your consult runs smoothly and you depart our clinic with confidence, please
bring the following to your appointment:

GP referral
Copies of recent scans or reports
A list of questions that you would like to discuss with Dr Preketes

Private Hospital Admission

A Face Lift is performed by Dr Preketes under a general anaesthetic in Somerset Private Hospital or Nepean Private Hospital and generally requires an overnight stay.

Recovery

During recovery, you will rest, follow the provided aftercare instructions, and receive support from Dr Preketes and our dedicated team. You will be expected to attend regular dressing changes and reviews in our clinic as part of your post-operative care plan.

Results

After your recovery period you will be able to see your results that generally continue to improve up 6 months post operation. Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is important and can aid in promoting the longevity of your results.

Face Lift Facts

Is it right for me?

Face Lift surgery is a highly individualised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. Dr Preketes will assess your condition and general health, and plan the treatment that is best suited to you.

Facelift surgery may be a good option for you if:

You have sagging in the mid-face
You have deep creases below the lower eyelids
You have deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
You have fat that has fallen or is displaced
You have loss of muscle tone in the lower face which may create jowls
You have loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw, creating the appearance of a double chin
You are physically healthy and you do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery
You have realistic expectations of what face lift surgery can accomplish
You are a non-smoker or have stopped smoking

What are the risks?

General risks and complications

All surgeries have potential risks and complications that can arise. Some generalised risks are:

Risks of anaesthesia including allergic reaction or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack
A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can move to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) or to the brain and may be life threatening
Pain and discomfort
Allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and lotions if experienced can cause a delay in healing

Dr Preketes will discuss specific risks and complications during your consultations, however, for a more comprehensive list that relate to a Face Lift, please see our Resources tab.

Is there a Medicare rebate available?

Generally, Medicare does not cover purely cosmetic procedures like a facelift, but it may cover medically necessary reconstructive surgeries, such as those addressing trauma, congenital conditions, or disease related facial abnormalities.

You will need to undergo a consultation with Dr Preketes to confirm your eligibility.

What do I need to do after surgery?

Generalised preparation prior to surgery:

Be as fit as possible to help the recovery process
Reach your optimal weight
Check with your surgeon about your medications as some may need to be stopped
Stop smoking

Health Information and Medications:

You will also be asked to provide a complete medical history including any health problems you have had, any medication you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have.

You may be advised to stop taking certain medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and medicines that contain aspirin. You may also be asked to stop taking naturopathic substances such as garlic, gingko, ginseng and St John’s Wort as they may affect clotting and anaesthesia. It is important to tell Dr Preketes EVERYTHING you are taking.

Will I have scarring?

Dr Preketes takes great care in his surgical technique with aim of providing an aesthetically pleasing outcome, although scarring is an inevitable part of any invasive surgery.

Scar management options can be discussed during your consults and with our dedicated team.

How much down time is needed?

After a Face Lift, downtime is usually around 2 weeks, during which most swelling and bruising will subside. Full recovery typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.