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FACELIFT (RHYTIDECTOMY) SYDNEY NSW

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Sydney Surgery by plastic Surgeon - Dr Jeremy Hunt

FACELIFT (RHYTIDECTOMY) SYDNEY NSW

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Sydney Surgery by plastic Surgeon - Dr Jeremy Hunt

Watch Dr Hunt Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Videos

Dr Hunt's Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Philosophy

Dr Hunt’s philosophy for facelift is to use the most appropriate techniques and practices in order to deliver the desired result for each individual patient.

Avoiding poor results is simply a question of precise and expert assessment of each individual patient’s needs, appropriate choice of the correct procedure for that patient, and then delivery of technique.

It is important that a deep plane facelift (rhytidectomy) focuses on providing an “upward lift”. The effects of gravity bring the tissue of the face and neck downwards, so the solution lies in lifting the tissue upwards.

There are many planes in which to choose to perform a facelift (rhytidectomy), and you will hear about skin lift, S lifts, SMAS plication and suturing. The experience worldwide is showing that the deep plane facelift (rhytidectomy) offers the longest lasting, most natural, as well as the safest way to perform a facelift (rhytidectomy) and for these reasons, Dr Hunt chooses this technique.

The technique has evolved over many years, and after using all available facelift (rhytidectomy) techniques, Dr Hunt feels it offers optimal results for patients. The results of a deep plane facelift (rhytidectomy) have shown to be longer-lasting when compared to traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) techniques and it’s Dr Hunt’s procedure of choice for that reason.

Ageing though is not just limited to the face. For this reason, facelift (rhytidectomy) is commonly performed in conjunction with a neck lift (platysmaplasty) and again, there are multiple surgical procedure options. A platysmaplasty will address laxity of muscle in front of the neck and sagging skin. Sometimes, the deep tissues of the neck need to be manipulated to improve the angle of the neck and define the jawline. The facelift (rhytidectomy) and neck lift (platysmaplasty) are procedures that often get performed together.

Dr Hunt really enjoys the results that can be achieved with this combination of facelift (rhytidectomy) and neck lift (platysmaplasty) procedures.

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Understanding facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery

Facelift surgery, otherwise known as a Meloplasty or Rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed on patients who wish to address the appearance of certain facial features.

The visible changes associated with ageing are a net result of anatomical alterations that occur in all layers of the face. This includes bone loss, loss of skin elasticity, and loss of structure of our facial soft tissue. There are a variety of lifestyle factors that can contribute to your skin quality such as being overweight, sun damage, and smoking.

Over time, our understanding of the complex facial structure has grown, as have our surgical abilities to reverse them. Dr Jeremy Hunt offers a range of facelift (rhytidectomy) procedures. Using techniques such as the deep plane facelift (rhytidectomy), Dr Hunt avoids unnecessary tightening of the facial skin that is commonly used to typify older methods.

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Why Patient Might Consider Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery

There are many reasons why a patient might consider undergoing these procedures such as:

  • Addressing loose or saggy skin
  • Combatting wrinkles and fine lines
  • Improved aspect of the face
  • Altering the contours of the face

Types of face lifts (rhytidectomies)

Dr Jeremy Hunt uses a number of techniques to offer several different types of facelift (rhytidectomy) procedures depending on your aesthetic goal. Each facelift (rhytidectomy) comes with its own set of risks, downtime, and recovery phases. Facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery aims to remove sagging skin and revert the visible signs of the ageing process.

When facelifts (rhytidectomy) were first introduced to plastic surgery, an incision would be made onto the face and neck and the skin would be pulled back. However, this “skin-only” wasn’t reliable and so over time plastic surgeons were able to develop new techniques by introducing mini facelift (rhytidectomy) procedures, the deep plane facelift (rhytidectomy), and a plethora of other facelift (rhytidectomy) techniques.

Two of the most common basic facelift (rhytidectomy) techniques are explained below:

Mini-Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

The mini facelift (rhytidectomy) is a modified version of traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery. During your mini facelift (rhytidectomy), your plastic surgeon uses limited incisions with an aim to lift the fat pads of the face and tighten facial muscles in the lower midface and address jawline contour.

The mini facelift (rhytidectomy) has proved to be a more common cosmetic procedure for younger patients. Candidates for a mini facelift (rhytidectomy) are those who are younger and display minimal photoaging and wrinkles and have moderate elasticity of their facial tissues.

Traditional Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery performed by Dr Jeremy Hunt aims to restore support for the deep tissues of the face and neck while simultaneously addressing facial volume.

A full facelift (rhytidectomy) is traditionally performed to provide a comprehensive result. The traditional full facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery is often carried out in conjunction with a neck lift (platysmaplasty), brow lift (browplasty), and lip lift if deemed necessary.

This facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure allows Dr Hunt to address the signs of ageing around the eyes, remove excess skin around the cheeks and neck, and tackle the frown lines around the mouth.

 

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery - How Is It Performed

Facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery is performed by following a series of steps. Although a cosmetic surgery, facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery is still somewhat invasive, and so requires the use of an appropriate treatment room and anaesthesia.

Step One – Anaesthesia

Prior to your surgery, and assuming that all preoperative checks have been completed, you will be met by an anesthetist who will optimise a medication regime to put you at ease throughout your surgery. Facial surgery typically requires the use of general anaesthesia, meaning that you will be put to sleep.

Step Two – Incisions

Once you are under anaesthesia, your surgeon will commence your facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery by making multiple small incisions. The depth and size of these incisions vary depending on the degree of outcome which you are expecting and the facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure you have decided to undergo.

Traditional incisions begin at the hairline around the temples, continue around the natural contour behind the ear, and sometimes under your chin (if you are having a neck lift).

Step Three – The Lift

Once the incisions are complete, Dr, Hunt will identify the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), which is the underlying musculature of the face that is lifted. Going under this SMAS layer is entering the “ deep plane” and this is where the SMAS layer, fat pads and muscle are lifted from. This upward and outwards movement aims to accentuate your jawline, address jowls and deep marionette lines at the corner of the mouth, and deep nasolabial folds that run from the base of the nose down past the corner of the mouth. The cheek fat pad will be elevated on the cheek bone, aiming to achieve an overall natural-looking definition to your face.

The tightening is done on the deeper layers of the skin so as not to create an obvious “skin-tight” look.

Step Four – Suturing Incisions

Once the skin, and depending on your procedure, the facial muscles have been tightening, Dr Hunt will secure it in place, removing excess skin during the process. A drain may be placed to prevent the build-up of fluid and reduce pressure on the incision sites. The incisions will then be sutured shut.

5 Myths About Face lifts

With facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery being amongst the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the country, it is inevitable that you may hear certain myths or rumours regarding the procedure safety and outcome. For example:

1. Conservative Treatments Are Better
Facelift (rhytidectomy) procedures are one of the first techniques devised by plastic surgeons. And so, many people think that they may be outdated, with similar results being able to be achieved using conservative or non-surgical treatments.

Although there are a variety of treatments out there to treat signs of ageing, many patients report more natural and longer-lasting results following facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery.

2. You can be too old or too young for a facelift (rhytidectomy)
Everybody ages at a different rate, experiencing the signs of ageing differently. Although commonly performed in those between the ages of 40 and 65, you may find that you may not be a good candidate until you reach the late 60s or 70s. Likewise, those who smoke or have chronic illnesses that affect facial musculature may find themselves eligible at a younger age.

3. Facelifts (rhytidectomy) will completely change the way you look
If you’ve seen somebody completely transformed and looking “plastic”, it usually means that either surgery has gone wrong, or they have opted to go for their desired look. Advancements in medical technology allow surgeons to alter your face by providing aesthetically pleasing natural results. Dr Hunt’s philosophy is not the change who you are are and the way you look.

4. You will have obvious scars
Surgeons are able to place incisions within the natural contours of the face and neck to help provide minimal visible scarring.

5. All facelifts (rhytidectomy) are the same
Each facelift (rhytidectomy) is performed differently depending on the patient’s characteristics. You’re not going to wake up looking like somebody else. You will, however, receive a completely individualised and unique treatment plan.

5 Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Mistakes

Along with myths and rumours, multiple mistakes can be made when opting for a neck lift (platysmaplasty) or facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery. These include:

1. Not doing your research
You must use your due diligence to select an appropriately qualified plastic surgeon who has the credentials needed to perform facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery. Rushing your decision can lead you to choose a surgeon who, although may have had a few successful procedures, may have not been trained and certified by the appropriate boards. Dr Hunt is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons ( FRACS), a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons  (ASPS)  and Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic surgeons ( ASAPS). Also a member of the American society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and International Society of Plastic Surgeons ( ISAPS), these credentials are ones you can count for when looking for a surgeon who maintains the highest levels of technical expertise.

2. Choosing a bargain
Our prices, as well as most other facelift (rhytidectomy) costs in Australia, are priced to pay for your surgeon’s qualifications and any equipment that may be used. Although this does not mean that the most expensive surgeon is the best, it is important to keep perspective surrounding facelifts (rhytidectomy) costs when choosing your surgeon.

3. Not reading up on the risks and precautions
As with all invasive surgery, cosmetic procedures carry a degree of risk that is minimised by following the appropriate clinical protocols. Unfortunately, risk cannot be reduced to zero. Understanding your potential risks (which will be explained during your consultation process) will help you identify them quickly and allow you to seek appropriate treatment.

4. Not giving your full medical history
Certain conditions, whether chronic or acute, may be a cause for concern when performing surgery. It is therefore vital to inform your surgeon of your entire medical history during your initial consultation in order to prevent complications.

5. Not expecting scars
Although a myth, a common mistake made by patients is assuming that a facelift (rhytidectomy) will be scar-free. This is, unfortunately, not the case. Although Dr Hunt will do everything within his capacity to reduce the visibility of your incisions, some patients may experience a certain degree of visible scarring.

Recovery Time

The recovery process varies between individuals. However, below is a rough guideline to the recovery process following a facelift (rhytidectomy).

The first couple of days – Depending on the facelift (rhytidectomy) technique performed by Dr Hunt, you will wake up with a large bandage covering your face and head, and have a drain inserted in the incision sites. You may be required to stay in the hospital overnight for observations. Patients typically report pain that peaks around 48 hours after surgery that can be alleviated using painkillers. Swelling and bruising is very common, and so applying regular ice compresses is important once the dressings are removed. You will visit Dr Hunt during the first week for a follow-up and suture removal.

Week 1 and 2 – You may be wearing a compression garment to help with the pain. In addition, you should try and refrain from straining or carrying out strenuous household activities and exercises.

Week 3 and 4 – You will notice considerably less swelling, but any tightness or numbness may still be felt which is completely normal. You should start feeling comfortable attending social events using makeup to mask any left-over bruising.

Week 6 to 12 – This is when patients typically come to the end of their recovery. Dr Hunt will clear you for more intense activities if you are doing well.

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Costs Sydney - How much does a facelift (rhytidectomy) cost in Sydney NSW?

The cost of a facelift (rhytidectomy) in Sydney, Australia varies for each patient depending on the type of facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure, the extent of the results you are looking for, and the time required in theatre.

Your total cost will include surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist fee, hospital fees and surgical aftercare & support.

A detailed facial surgery consultation with Dr Jeremy Hunt is required during which he will perform a comprehensive assessment of your facial features, establish any medical history concerns, and provide you with an accurate cost for your procedure.

You can also learn more about your anticipated costs for a facelift (rhytidectomy) or any other plastic surgery procedure on our Surgical Costs page.

Speak With Dr Jeremy Hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt aims to achieve the desired results using different surgical techniques.

Dr Hunt prides himself on providing the most appropriate techniques and practices for all patients, which begins from the first consultation.

A One on One Consultation with Dr Hunt is $300 and lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

Next Step – Fill in the Enquiry form or call Dr Hunt’s Team on 1300 157 200.

NEXT STEPS

Always Do your Research 

Browse our FAQs page

Book your First Surgery Consultation

Your Surgeon Consultation Fee is $300
You will need a Referral from your GP
Phone the team or email to Book your consultation

Prepare for your Plastic Surgeon Consultation

Bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information
Take lots of notes and read the documents provided
Dress in simple clothes as you may need to undress
Bring your GP Referral and your test results

 

Enquire Now

Facelift FAQs - Your Questions Answered

Can I combine a facelift (rhytidectomy) with a neck lift (platysmaplasty) and other procedures?

Answer:

Yes. In fact, most patients tend to have a facelift (rhytidectomy) in conjunction with a neck lift (platysmaplasty), brow lift (browplasty), or lip lift.

Is there an ideal age for facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery?

Answer:

Typically, patients are aged between 40 and 65 when opting for facelift (rhytidectomy) surgery. However, those who smoke or have chronic illnesses affecting their facial musculature can be good candidates at a younger age. Likewise, you may not be a good candidate for a facelift (rhytidectomy) until your late 70s.

What are the Different Types of Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery?

Answer:

Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt discusses the different types of face lift surgery and the results they can achieve. More and more people are choosing to undergo facial surgery. A facelift (rhytidectomy) aims to reduces lines and tighten sagging skin on the face that has lost its natural elasticity due to ageing. A facelift (rhytidectomy) should be subtle, achieving a rejuvenated look rather than looking unnatural, tight or pulled back.

1. Traditional Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) tightens the facial muscles and aims to remove excess fat from the underlying facial tissue. An incision is made along the hairline, starting at the temple and running down behind the ears and into the hairline. Scars usually fade quickly and the positioning of the incision means most scarring will be hidden by the hairline.

2. SMAS Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A SMAS facelift (rhytidectomy) targets the lower two-thirds of the face and mainly addresses sagging skin, excess fat, jowls and loss of volume in the cheeks.

3. MACS Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A MACS (minimum access cranial suspension) is less invasive that a traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) as it requires much smaller incisions and offers a quicker recovery time. The incisions are much smaller, with the tightening of the facial muscles and removal of fat performed through these small incisions.

Can it be combined with other facial procedures?

Answer:

A full assessment is required when patients come to Dr Hunt for a facial procedure and this ranges from the neck through to the face, eyes and the brows. If patients are seeking procedures for all these areas, then a neck lift (platysmaplasty) could be performed at the same time as a facelift (rhytidectomy) and this is a very common combination in Dr Hunt’s practice. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or brow surgery (browplasty) can be added as needed, and each procedure is tailored to patient-specific needs and requirements.

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About Dr Jeremy Hunt

Dr Hunt has worked with thousands of patients across his 20-year career. This is reflected in his role as Spokesperson for the ASPS – Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. Dr Hunt is also a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

Dr Hunt has a strong interest in helping his patients achieve their desired results by employing the most appropriate practices for each individual patient.

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