Face Lift

What is a face lift?

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that addresses visible signs of facial ageing, including skin laxity, jowling, loss of jawline definition, and descent of the lower face and neck tissues. Neck rejuvenation techniques such as submental liposuction, platysmaplasty, or targeted gland management may also be used to improve the cervicomental angle and refine neck contour.

Dr Katie-Beth Webster provides facelift consultations in Melbourne, offering a detailed assessment of the face, jawline, and neck. Treatment is tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals, with the focus on achieving a natural, balanced, and refreshed result rather than an overdone appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Patients may consider a facelift if they are concerned by:

    • jowls or heaviness along the jawline

    • loose skin in the lower face

    • loss of facial definition

    • soft tissue/ fat pad descent in the mid to lower face

    • neck laxity contributing to an aged appearance

    • facial ageing that does not respond adequately to non-surgical treatments

    In general, the most suitable candidates are those with facial and neck sagging, with enough tissue quality and skin elasticity for surgery to be planned appropriately. (BAAPS)

  • A facelift consultation involves assessment of:

    • facial proportions and symmetry

    • skin quality

    • tissue descent in the cheeks and lower face

    • jawline definition

    • neck contour

    • the relationship between the face and neck

    • general medical history

    • medications and smoking status

    • previous facial procedures

    • healing factors and recovery planning

    Standard patient guidance also emphasises discussing the recommended technique, recovery period, and risks before proceeding. ASAPS

    For some patients, the lower face is the main concern. For others, the neck, brow, eyelids, skin quality, or facial volume are also relevant. Treatment planning should always be individualised.

  • A facelift does not stop the ageing process, and it does not treat every facial concern on its own. Fine wrinkles, skin texture, brow position, eyelid concerns, or volume loss may require separate assessment.

  • Recovery varies between patients, but bruising, swelling, tightness, and temporary altered sensation are common in the early postoperative period. ASPS patient guidance describes swelling and bruising as expected after facelift surgery, with many patients improving significantly over the first one to two weeks, though ongoing settling continues beyond that. (ASAPS)

    Most patients should expect:

    • swelling and bruising in the first one to two weeks

    • temporary tightness or firmness

    • numbness or altered sensation in some cases

    • gradual improvement over the following weeks

    • scar maturation and tissue settling over a longer period

    Final refinement takes time, and the face continues to settle after the early recovery phase.

  • As with any operation, facelift surgery has risks and limitations. Reliable patient information sources note that risk discussion is an important part of consultation and consent.

    Risks and considerations discussed during consultation may include:

    • bruising and swelling

    • scarring

    • asymmetry

    • contour irregularity

    • temporary or prolonged numbness

    • healing issues

    • under-correction or recurrent laxity over time

    • need for further treatment in selected cases

    The goal of consultation is to determine whether surgery is appropriate and what outcome can realistically be expected.

  • The aim of facelift surgery should be to refresh the face while maintaining natural facial character and balance

Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers facelift consultations in Melbourne, with appointments available in Box Hill and East Melbourne.

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