As we age, the skin on our face can lose its elasticity, causing it to sag and develop wrinkles. While there are non-surgical treatments available to address these concerns, sometimes a more drastic solution is necessary. This is where a face lift, also known as a rhytidectomy, comes in. A face lift is a surgical procedure that can help improve the visible signs of facial aging by removing excess skin, tightening the underlying muscles, and repositioning the skin to create a more renewed appearance.
Face Lift Surgery, at a glance
Target area: Sagging jowls, cheeks and nasolabial lines
Time off work: 1-2 weeks
Total recovery: 6-weeks
Compression garment: 2 weeks full-time wear, 6 weeks total
Scar position: In front of ears, around the earlobe & into hairline
What Is a Face Lift?
A face lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that can help reduce the visible signs of facial aging. The procedure involves making incisions around the hairline and ears, lifting and repositioning the skin, tightening the underlying muscles, and removing any excess skin. The result is a more refreshed and renewed appearance. While a face lift is not a permanent solution to the aging process, it can provide long-lasting results. It is important to have a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for a face lift and to discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure.
Types of Face Lifts
Face lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure that can be tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each patient. There are several types of face lift surgeries, each designed to address different concerns and provide varying degrees of improvement. Here are some of the most common types of face lifts:
| Type of Face Lift | Procedure | Incision Placement | Targeted Area | Recovery Time | Ideal Candidate |
| Full Face Lift | Comprehensive | Hairline, around ears, sometimes under chin | Lower two-thirds of face | 2-3 weeks | Advanced signs of facial aging |
| Mini Face Lift | Less invasive | In front of ears | Middle third of the face | 1-2 weeks | Mild to moderate signs of facial aging |
| SMAS Face Lift | Underlying muscles focused | Hairline, around ears | Lower two-thirds of face | 2-3 weeks | Sagging facial tissues |
| Deep Plane Face Lift | Extensive procedure | Hairline, around ears- Slightly longer incisions | Lower two-thirds of face | 3-4 weeks | Significant signs of facial aging |
Full Face Lift
Full face lift also known as a traditional face lift, this procedure targets the entire face and involves making incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. It tightens and lifts the skin, removes excess fat, and repositions the underlying muscles for a more refreshed appearance.
Mini Facelift
A mini face lift (also called S lift, or mini lift) is a facial procedure. Mini lift is designed to tighten your face, neck and smoothen any wrinkles and skin folds that might be fading out your jaw and necklines. In compare with traditional facelift, mini face lift is a less extensive surgical procedure. Best for patients who have only mild to moderate signs of aging that don’t require a full face lift to improve.
Many clinics market the mini face lift as a very simple “lunchtime lift” or “weekend face lift”, implying that it’s almost an effortless procedure; however, this is not true. Despite its name, the mini face lift is still a complicated surgical procedure. Only highly skilled certified plastic surgeons are able to perform it. Experienced surgeons, like Dr Doyle, take their time performing the mini facelift with incredible precision and meticulous techniques. They ensure that their patients get the best possible results. Moreover, like with any other surgical procedure, you need some time to recover and return to your daily life after surgery.
SMAS Lift
The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) face lift is a popular technique for facial refreshing that targets the underlying muscles of the face. This procedure involves making incisions around the hairline and ears to access the SMAS layer, which is a thin layer of fibrous tissue that covers the muscles of the face. By lifting and repositioning the SMAS layer, the surgeon can create a smoother, more radiant appearance. This technique can also be combined with other procedures, such as facial fat transfer or eyelid surgery, to achieve more comprehensive results.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift is one of the best facial renewing procedures and is considered a long-lasting type of facelift. The procedure is often combined with other surgeries to achieve the best results. This facial procedure is best suited for patients who are unhappy with their appearance and have aging signs. The results of this cosmetic surgery can be seen in before and after pictures, so it is advisable to discuss the procedure with Dr. Doyle before scheduling the procedure.This is a more extensive type of face lift that targets the deep tissues and muscles of the face. It involves making incisions along the hairline and around the ear to access the deep plane layer, which is located below the SMAS layer. The deep plane facelift provides a more dramatic improvement in the mid-face and jowl area.
Benefits
Face lift surgery can help tighten loose skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and restore facial volume for a more radiant and refreshed appearance. In addition, a facelift can also address sagging facial skin around the neck and jawline, which is a common concern for many individuals. Other potential benefits of a face lift include enhanced facial symmetry, and a more defined facial contour.
Those who have a facelift with me often say that their friends and family tell them how refreshed they look after surgery.
Dr. Doyle
Good Candidate
Not everyone is a good candidate for face lift surgery. The procedure is typically recommended for individuals who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure. In general, a good candidate for face lift surgery:
- Is in good physical health and does not have any medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during or after the surgery.
- Has noticeable signs of facial aging, such as loose skin, wrinkles, or sagging around the neck and jawline.
- Has realistic expectations for the results of the procedure and understands that a face lift cannot stop the aging process.
- Is a non-smoker or is willing to quit smoking for a period of time before and after the procedure to reduce the risk of complications and promote healing.
- Is willing to follow the pre- and post-operative instructions provided by their plastic surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.
It is important to note that each individual is unique and that a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is necessary to determine if face lift surgery is right for you.
Face Lift Procedure
The face lift procedure typically involves several steps to address the signs of aging on the face and neck. First, the patient will be given general anesthesia to ensure their comfort during surgery. Then, the surgeon will make incisions in strategic locations based on the type of facelift being performed. The underlying muscles and tissues will be repositioned and tightened to create a smoother, more radiant appearance. Excess skin will be removed, and remaining skin will be re-draped to reduce wrinkles and sagging. Additional procedures, such as fat grafting, may also be performed for optimal results. It’s important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon and follow pre- and post-operative instructions to minimize the risk of complications and achieve the desired outcome.
Face Lift Before and After | Real Patient Gallery
View All Face Lift Images by Dr Doyle
Download the Guide
Recovery and After Care
After Surgery, it’s important to take time to properly recover in order to achieve the best possible results and minimize the appearance of facelift scars. Recovery time will vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure, but generally patients can expect to experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort for the first few days. Post-operative care instructions may include keeping the head elevated, applying ice to reduce swelling, and avoiding strenuous activities. Protecting the incision sites from UV radiation is also important to prevent darkening of scars. Most patients can return to normal activities within two to three weeks, but full recovery can take several months. Your surgeon will monitor progress and provide guidance on scar management techniques to minimize the appearance of facelift scars over time.
Long Lasting Results
To ensure the best possible long-term results from a face lift procedure, it’s important to take good care of your skin and overall health. This may include maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive sun exposure. Additionally, using high-quality skincare products and undergoing periodic maintenance treatments, such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing, can help prolong the results of the facelift. It’s important to follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon to minimize the risk of complications and achieve the best possible outcome. Regular check-ups with your surgeon can also help identify and address any issues before they become more significant.
Book Your Free 15 Minute Phone Chat Now
Risk and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, face lift surgery carries certain risks and potential complications. By following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon and closely monitoring your recovery, you can minimise your risk of complications and enjoy a successful facelift surgery outcome.
These risks may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Blood clots
- Delayed wound healing
- Anaesthesia risks
Minimizing Risks with a Skilled Surgeon
Choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon is crucial for minimizing risks and achieving the best possible results. Dr. Mark Doyle is a specialist plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facial plastic surgery and a commitment to patient safety and satisfaction. During your initial consultation, Dr Doyle will thoroughly evaluate your facial structure, discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure and provide detailed information on the risks and benefits associated with face lift surgery. With Dr Doyle’s expertise and attention to detail, you can feel fully informed in your decision.
Next Step – Book a Consult with Dr Doyle on the Gold Coast
Book a consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Mark Doyle on the Gold Coast. He will help patients from Brisbane and Gold coast to find out if face lift surgery is right for them.
Medical References:
- Safety and Adjuncts in Face Lifting – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal
- Treatments and Procedures: Facelift and Mini-Facelift – Hopkins Medicine
- What are the steps of a facelift procedure? – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Facelift – the current concept of complex facial renewing
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plast) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience performing Breast, Body, Face and Nose surgery. Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 30+ years of experience. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are absolutely NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons in our clinic.
As a highly esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr Mark is committed to achieving the best possible results for all his breast, body, face and nose patients, both men and women.
