Compare AHPRA-registered surgeons offering facelift (rhytidectomy) in Australia. Read Google reviews, see typical AUD pricing and check qualifications before you decide.
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure for moderate to significant sagging of the lower face, jawline and neck. It lifts and repositions the underlying tissues and removes excess skin. A facelift can change sagging in these areas, but it does not stop ageing or change skin texture, and results vary between individuals.
Australian plastic surgeons perform various facelift techniques, from mini facelifts addressing early jowling to deep plane facelifts for more extensive sagging. Modern techniques focus on repositioning underlying tissues rather than simply pulling skin, which aims to avoid the "windswept" appearance associated with older techniques.
Patients reported a median out-of-pocket cost of $23,663 for a facelift in Australia (CostDoc, 30 patient reports), with the middle half paying $18,868 to $35,000 and a full range of $16,500 to $43,000. Cosmetic facelifts are not covered by Medicare. These figures are patient-reported out-of-pocket costs, not specialist quotes, and specialist plastic surgeons' all-inclusive fees often run higher. Ask each surgeon for a quote itemising the surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and follow-up.
Day 1-3: Rest with head elevated. Facial compression bandage may be worn for 1-3 days. Drains may be placed and removed within 2-3 days. Expect significant swelling and bruising.
Week 1: Sutures typically removed around day 7-10. Major swelling subsiding but bruising still visible. Keep head elevated and avoid bending over.
Week 2-3: Most patients comfortable being seen in public with makeup. Return to desk work possible. Swelling continues to resolve.
Facelift is major surgery requiring appropriate surgical expertise and accredited facilities. Choosing a FRACS-qualified plastic surgeon with extensive facelift experience is essential for both safety and optimal results.
Common post-operative effects include swelling, bruising, numbness, and tightness. Potential complications include hematoma (blood collection), nerve injury causing temporary or rarely permanent weakness, hair loss around incisions, and wound healing issues. Following all post-operative instructions carefully minimises these risks.
Patients reported a median out-of-pocket cost of $23,663 for a facelift in Australia (CostDoc, 30 patient reports), with the middle half paying $18,868 to $35,000 and a full range of $16,500 to $43,000. These are patient-reported figures, not specialist quotes, and specialist fees often run higher. Get an itemised written quote before you commit.
It varies between people and is not guaranteed. The face continues to age after surgery, and skin quality, weight change, sun exposure and smoking all affect how long the effect lasts. Ask your surgeon what is realistic for you.
Most facelift patients are 45-70 years old. Timing depends on the degree of sagging and your skin quality rather than age alone, so discuss it with your surgeon.
Mini facelifts address early jowling with smaller incisions and shorter recovery. Full facelifts address more significant sagging of the entire lower face and neck.
Most patients return to public activities at 2-3 weeks. Full exercise resumes at 4-6 weeks. Final results are visible at 3-6 months.
Facelift incisions are usually placed in the hairline and natural ear creases. With proper technique and scar care they usually fade over time, although how noticeable they are varies between people.
This page is general information for prospective patients researching facelift (rhytidectomy) in Australia. It is not personal medical advice. Clinical timing, eligibility, risks and outcomes vary: discuss your specific case with an AHPRA-registered practitioner at consultation.