Face Lift | New Zealand Cosmetic Surgical Specialists

What is a facelift?

A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to address visible signs of aging in the face and neck. These signs may include:

Sagging skin due to relaxation of facial skin
Deepened fold lines between the nose and mouth corners (nasolabial lines), or from the corner of the mouth down to the jawline (marionette lines)
Loss or descent of facial fat
Development of jowls along the cheeks and jawline
Excess skin and fat in the neck, often referred to as a double chin or “turkey neck”, or stringy muscle bands in the neck.

The loss of youthful facial contours can result from various factors, including thinning skin, loss of facial fat, ageing, gravity, sun damage, smoking, genetics, and stress.

Facial rejuvenation will, ideally, be tailored to each individual patient’s concerns and specific goals. As such, while a facelift (in any of its technical variations), will be the main event, a wide array of adjunctive procedures may be recommended to augment the effects of the facelift. These include brow and upper eyelid surgery in the upper face, lower eyelid surgery and/or lifting of the cheek soft tissues in the middle face, and a neck lift in the lower face and neck.

Non-surgical adjuncts can also augment facelift surgery, although on their own their power is more limited. Fat transfer or fillers may also be recommended to restore lost volume, while skin treatments like IPL, dermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser therapy can improve skin quality and texture.

Despite the power of facelift surgery techniques, there are limits to what a facelift can achieve:

A facelift is a restorative surgery and cannot alter fundamental facial features or halt the aging process. Over time the facial tissues will slowly sag again.
Unlike minimally invasive treatments, which may delay the need for a facelift, surgical intervention is necessary to achieve significant results.
Some minimally invasive procedures, like stem cell facelifts, lack sufficient evidence of benefit.

Who is a suitable candidate for facelift surgery?

Facelift candidacy depends on individual factors, and the decision to undergo surgery should stem from personal desires rather than external pressures. Generally, suitable candidates:

Are in good health with no conditions that hinder healing
Do not smoke
Maintain a positive outlook and possess realistic expectations

What should I expect during my consultation?

During the consultation, expect discussions on:

Surgical objectives and expectations
Medical history, allergies, and current medications
Previous surgeries
General health assessment
Facelift options, including any additional ancillary procedures that may be appropriate to achieving your goals
Facial examination, measurements, and photographs
Treatment recommendations and anticipated outcomes
Potential risks, side effects, and the management of these

Open communication is vital during this process, allowing you to address concerns and receive clarification on all aspects of the surgery. It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, from excitement about potential results to preoperative apprehension, and your plastic surgeon is there to support you through these discussions.

What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about Face Lift surgery?

Are you vocationally registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand as a specialist plastic surgeon?
Are you a member of the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons?
Will the procedure be conducted in a hospital or office-based setting, and is the facility accredited for this type of surgery?
What type of anaesthesia is needed for this procedure?
Based on my medical history and condition, is surgery the best option for me? If so, am I a suitable candidate for this surgery?
Which surgical technique do you recommend for my case, and why?
What are the realistic expectations for the outcome of this procedure in my case?
What steps or lifestyle changes are necessary for me to get the best result from my surgery?
What is the anticipated duration of recovery, and what assistance will I need during this period?
What potential risks and complications are associated with this procedure? How would you manage these should they arise?
How will my results change over time?
If I’m unhappy with the outcome, what recourse options are available?

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Disclaimer: This website is intended to provide you with general information only. This information is not a substitute for advice from your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and does not contain all the known facts about this procedure or every possible side effect of surgery. It is important that you speak to your surgeon before deciding to undergo surgery. If you are not sure about the benefits, risks and limitations of treatment, or anything else relating to your procedure, ask your surgeon to explain. Patient information provided as part of this website is evidence-based, and sourced from a range of reputable information providers including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Better Health Channel and Mi-tec medical publishing.