Face Lift Specialists in Sydney

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that may help address visible signs of facial ageing such as skin laxity or volume loss.

A facelift (rhytidectomy) may be considered for both functional and aesthetic reasons. In some cases, it can assist with improving facial symmetry or muscle tone in individuals affected by facial nerve conditions such as those occurring after a stroke.

When performed for cosmetic reasons, facelift surgery may help address concerns related to skin laxity or deep facial folds associated with the natural ageing process.

What is involved in a facelift?

There are a number of different facelift techniques and the right one for you is largely dependent on what results you are trying to achieve and the overall goal of undergoing the procedure.

Most patients require more than just tightening the skin; they generally require the firm underlying layer of the face called the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) also be lifted. The SMAS is the layer with the strength and firmness which will hold the facial contours, post-surgery.

Over-tightening of the SMAS layer can give an unsightly “wind-blown” look which is why it is crucial you choose a highly qualified surgeon suitable for you and your needs. Dr Leo Kim ((FRACS (Plast) MS(Plast) MBBS(Hons) B.Com)) is Sydney’s fully qualified, meticulous plastic surgeon specialising in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Your surgical options will be discussed further during your consultation.

Facelift Recovery

Patients may experience discomfort, but medication prescribed by your doctor can relieve sensitivity and soreness. Bruising and swelling will also be present for the first few days. Sutures are removed about 5 to 10 days after surgery.

Patients will be out-of-action for around the first 2 weeks, and strenuous exercise and demanding activities should be avoided for the first 4 weeks post-surgery.

The scar is usually hidden just in front of the ear. It is sometimes placed behind the ear and into the hairline. Scars will tone down approximately 1-year post-surgery and results will start to be seen.

Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake can help extend the youthful appearance of skin.

What to know before a facelift

A facelift is a highly personalised surgical procedure, however it may not be suitable for everyone. Some deciding factors to take into consideration before undergoing a facelift include:

• Your Surgeon (Dr Leo Kim) – What results you wish to achieve and what your chosen surgeon can achieve will be discussed in your consultation.
• Final Results – You will not be able to see the final results immediately post-surgery. They may take up to 12 months to emerge, at which point Dr Leo Kim will assess in your follow-up appointments.
• Smoking – If you are serious and committed to undergoing a facelift surgery, quitting smoking is required. Smokers are at an increased risk of severe complications and Dr Leo Kim will refuse to operate on you if you are a smoker.
• Risks associated – During your initial consultation, Dr Leo Kim will carefully evaluate the results and ensure the surgery does not impede anything. More risks associated can be found below.

Risks associated with a facelift

Any invasive surgical procedure poses risk. These risks will be discussed with you in detail at your consultation.

• Infection – Though relatively uncommon, you will be provided with prophylactic antibiotics to further minimise the risk of infection after the surgery.
• Bleeding – Bleeding can occur and while a little light bleeding is no concern, excessive bleeding can cause accumulation of blood under the skin, called a haematoma. This rarely impacts the long-term outcome, but it can require returning to the operating theatre to clean out the blood and stop any points of bleeding that were not evident at the time of surgery.
• Failure to achieve the desired result – Perfect symmetry can be difficult to achieve depending on what you start with. Dr Leo Kim will see you at least twice before the surgery to fully assess your needs and make sure that you both understand and agree on your desired result and what is possible.
• Risk of poor wound healing – This is very rare in procedures where only a very small incision is made, however, it is something to keep in mind during recovery.
• Nerve Damage – A longer-term nerve injury “neuropraxia” can take takes days or weeks to recover and some nerve injuries are permanent. However, nerve injuries around the face can, in rare circumstances, have serious consequences; they could result in numbness in the ear or inability to move some muscles in the face.

Facelift Surgery Sydney CBD

During your consultation with Dr Leo Kim at Quayside Specialists in Sydney CBD, you will receive clear, personalised information about the treatment options available to you, so you can make an informed decision.

Contact us today to book a consultation or make an enquiry.