Age can take a toll on your skin. First lines appear and then lines can turn into deep creases. If you are bothered by the sign of ageing in your face, then facelift surgery may be right for you.

Before you make the decision to schedule facelift surgery, here are 10 suggested questions to ask:

What is facelift surgery?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens and removes sagging skin on the face and neck. Facial muscles may be surgically tightened to improve their tone. Excess fat may also be removed or repositioned as part of the surgery.

What does a facelift do?

The aim of a facelift is to reduce the signs of ageing by improving the contours of the face and neck. A facelift can help to make the face and skin appear younger and smoother.

What is the best age to have a facelift?

Aging varies from person to person depending on their genetics, facial structure and lifestyle so there is no ideal age to get a facelift. The best time for someone to decide to undergo facial surgery might be the complete opposite for someone else.

Most facelifts are performed for people aged between 50 and 65, but older people can also have facelifts.

Is a facelift right for me?

Facelift surgery is a highly individualised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. Talk to Dr Kennedy before making a decision. Dr Kennedy will assess your condition and general health, and plan the treatment that is best suited to you.

Are facelifts painful?

Your facelift is conducted under general anaesthesia so you be asleep during the procedure. A facelift is not considered a painful procedure and paracetamol is usually sufficient.

When the surgery is completed, you will return home with your head bandaged and possibly have drains in. After 48 hours, we will arrange for you to return to our practice to have these removed.  We fit you with a facial support garment that you wear 23-hours a day for the next week, and whenever you are home for 6 weeks.

The use of ice packs is recommended for the first week.  A soft diet may be preferred early in the post operative period.

We recommend that you sleep in an elevated position for the first week, and that you take it easy.  Activity may be resumed after a week, at a gentle pace.

How long does a facelift last?

The results of a facelift usually last between five and twelve years.   The normal ageing process will continue after facelift surgery. Facelift results are not permanent and does not “stop the clock” of ageing.  The normal ageing process will continue after the surgery.

Will I look different after a facelift?

A question we are regularly asked is ‘Will I look really different after a facelift?’

The goal of a facelift is to give you a chance to reset the clock, not to make you look different.  You will notice subtle differences.  You will look refreshed – like you have gone on a holiday.

Will have scarring after a facelift?

Scars are an inevitable part of any surgery. We know it is a concern for our patients, and the scars from a facelift are barely noticeable. We have several different products available to help with the development of the best scar possible for you.

Dr Kennedy will endeavour to minimise scarring and to keep your scars as inconspicuous as possible by locating the incisions along natural skin lines and creases. Scars do fade with time.

When can I go back to work after a facelift? 

Resting is a crucial part to your recovery after having facelift surgery.  Depending on the extent of your procedure, you will need to take a couple of weeks off work to rest. It is also important to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming and strenuous sports until advised by Dr Kennedy, usually around 6 weeks.

Are their potential risks and complications from facelift surgery?

All surgeries including facelift surgery carry the risk of complications.  Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, lung disease, diabetes or obesity have a higher risk of developing complications.  Smoking also increases risks and interferes with healing.   When you meet with Dr Kennedy you can discuss these risks as well as your health history before booking your surgery.

To book a consultation with Dr Kennedy, please call on 07 3854 0500.