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FAQ's - Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Written by Dr Isolde Hertess | Feb 26, 2024 4:46:34 AM

Dr Hertess Plastic Surgery Gold Coast offer an array of face surgery options. This includes Upper Eye Lid Surgery, Neck Liposuction, Face and Neck Lift, Ear Surgery, Ear Lobe Repair and Brow Lift. 

Ageing is an inevitable part of life, as we age our skin loses elasticity, and can droop & sag. A facelift, also known as Rhytidectomy is designed to tighten and remove excess skin. This improves the appearance and contours of the neck, jaw, face and neck. One of our most popular surgeries at Dr Hertess Plastic Surgery Gold Coast, it can also reduce the appearance of jowls. Our face generally shows the first signs of ageing, whether it’s from over exposure to the sun, smoking, a poor diet or other lifestyle choices - our facial features cop the brunt of it. 

What does a Facelift actually do?

This surgical procedure intends to remove excess fat, tighten the underlying muscles and reposition the skin on your face and neck. By removing fatty tissue it restores the facial contour and definition of the face by returning the support layer of the skin to its’ original position. This leaves patients with a more contoured face and more flattering shape. As we mature, we can see jowls begin to appear, a facelift can help to improve the appearance of this sagging skin between the jawline and the corner of the mouth. A facelift can also reduce nasolabial folds, smile lines, wrinkles, marionette lines, sagging cheeks, and neck bands. 


How do I know if I am a suitable candidate for a Facelift?

  • Any man or woman wanting to rejuvenate their appearance and to reduce the signs of ageing on and around the face. 
  • Those who see visible signs of a reduction in facial volume or a flattened appearance around the cheeks, or sagging of skin and decreased elasticity 
  • A heaviness or boxiness around the lower part of the face 
  • If you are between the age of 30-70 (this varies from patient to patient)
  • You are in overall good health and are preferably a non-smoker
  • You have realistic expectations of your aesthetic goals and the outcomes


What does Facelift surgery entail at Dr Hertess Plastic Surgery Gold Coast?

You will have an initial consultation with Dr Hertess where you will discuss your goals in detail and the risks or complications involved with Rhytidectomy. 

At surgery, anaesthesia will be administered and an incision is made beginning at the hairline at the temple area. This incision continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. At this point, your surgeon will sculpt and redistribute fat from the face, jowls and neck. Often the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted, this depends on the degree of the surgery and patient’s individual goals. After this, the skin is rewrapped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away.  

You may be suitable for a ‘mini-lift’ if sagging skin and ageing is less obvious. A ‘mini-lift’ uses shorter incisions at the temples, continuing around the ears. 

In some cases a second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an ageing neck. Finally, sutures or skin adhesives close the incision. 


How soon will I see results?

Your results following facelift surgery can take several months to become fully visible. This is due to the natural healing process of the body. Some patients will experience immediate tightening and lifting of the facial tissue and skin after surgery. Don’t be alarmed at the potentially obscure results directly after surgery, these can disguise the positive enhancements until proper healing as occurred, improvement will be visible over time. This will also depend on a patients specific body composition and response to the facial trauma. Be patient and check in with your surgeon if you have any concerns. 

How do I book an initial consultation with Dr Hertess Plastic Surgery Gold Coast?

You can book a consultation with a team member in our clinic by calling (07) 5601 0492 or by clicking here. 




 

Know your surgeon - Dr Hertess's qualifications: 

  • Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
  • Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
  • Member of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

Dr Hertess (MED0001372020) Registered Medical Practitioner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (Specialist Registration in Surgery - Plastic Surgery).