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Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) Gold Coast Facial Lift Surgeon

Choose Dr Terrence Scamp for your face lift (rhytidectomy) surgery at our Marina Mirage practice on the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast face lift rhytidectomy

A facelift, also called rhytidectomy surgery, removes excess skin and tissue from the face. The procedure may be suitable for men or women who have aesthetic concerns about signs of ageing. Although facial ageing can be reduced with topical treatments, skin wrinkling and laxity eventually cannot be avoided. Therefore, it is common for people to seek surgery to treat ageing symptoms that cannot be treated with other methods.

A person may seek this procedure to address concerns such as cheek descent, jowls, and loose skin on the neck. Surgery aims to elevate certain facial areas to treat these concerns. However, the results will depend on your own facial features, skin condition, and surgical plan. This means choosing a surgeon who will tailor your plan according to your goals and natural features is important.

Gold Coast facelift surgeon Dr Terrence Scamp works with each patient to understand their goals and desired outcomes. This allows for the creation of a unique and tailored plan. If you are interested in facelift surgery, speak to Dr Scamp in a consultation.

Gold Coast Plastic Surgeon What is rhytidectomy or facelift

As we get older, it is common for our faces to show most of the visible signs of ageing. Wrinkles and deep folds can appear over the cheeks and eye region, while jowls and skin laxity around the jawline can also develop. This is due to the skin losing its natural elasticity and a decrease in collagen production as we age. Although a healthy lifestyle and good skincare routine can help reduce signs of ageing, some people may seek a surgical solution to these cosmetic concerns.

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to treat these visible signs of ageing, address creases and wrinkles, as well as tightening loose skin. Using incision techniques, the surgeon works to remove any excess skin and fatty cheek deposits according to the patient’s goals. For many patients, this can create an appearance that better aligns with their aesthetic ideals. However, future patients should keep in mind that surgery will not change their natural facial structure. Results will vary, and there are risks involved. Therefore, speaking thoroughly with Dr Scamp is important to decide if this procedure is right for you.

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See a Qualified Surgeon consultation process

Prior to having a face lift, patients will meet with Dr Terrence Scamp for a consultation. This will allow us to fully explain the procedure and to see whether surgery can achieve the results the patient is looking for. Dr Terrence Scamp will examine the face and decide what incision method is most suitable for the patient. If a patient wishes only to alter the cheek area, Dr Terrence Scamp may decide that a mid-facelift is the most suitable procedure. This will involve making small incisions inside the lower eyelid, as well as an incision in a natural crease in the cheek to hide scarring.

During the consultation process, patients are encouraged to ask questions or voice any queries. You should ensure to express what you hope to achieve so that Dr Scamp can tailor the procedure to your goals. In addition, the risks and recovery time will be explained in depth by Dr Terrence Scamp so patients are aware of what to expect from surgery.

Face lift cost in Gold Coast

The cost of a facelift (rhytidectomy) depends on the individual factors discussed in the consult. Due to the variable nature of the surgery and the fact that each patient has different needs, your surgical plan should reflect your unique needs and goals. Once we have an idea of what your surgery will involve, we can then provide you with a clearer idea of the consequent costs.

There are many factors to consider when planning a rhytidectomy procedure. Firstly, there is the type of facelift. Each type corresponds to certain techniques, which all carry their own costs. For example, some patients may require a mid or mini facelift. Others may require a dual-plane technique or other approaches. You will discuss your options with Dr Scamp, and he will advise you on the suitable technique for your goals.

The total cost of the surgery is made up of multiple components:

  • Anaesthetist fees
  • Hospital fees
  • Aftercare
  • Follow-up appointments
  • Surgeon’s fee

Being aware of these fees will help you to prepare for surgery. Also, some patients may wonder if Medicare will cover a portion of their fees. Since facelift rhytidectomy is usually a cosmetic surgery that is not medically required, it is unlikely that Medicare will provide any rebates. Aid from private insurance will depend on the type of coverage you have.

If you are seeking further details about the cost of this procedure, Dr Terrence Scamp can provide you with more details during your consultation.

Surgery technique

There are many facelift incision techniques that can be used, and the most appropriate technique will depend on the patient’s needs. The most common incision method that is used can be made at the hairline, continuing down to the front and behind the ear. Following the natural contour of the face can help to minimise scarring after the procedure. For men, the incision will follow the natural direction of the beard in order to conceal scars. Although Dr Scamp will aim to hide scars, patients should know that scarring is expected after surgery.

The Procedure

A face lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves patients going under a general anaesthetic. This will help the patient to be comfortable throughout the procedure, which will last around two to four hours. The duration will depend on the elasticity of the skin and the extent of the creases and folds that the patient has.

Dr Scamp will mark where the incision sites will be prior to surgery, and once the patient is under a general anaesthetic, he will create the incisions. Your facial skin is lifted from its underlying tissue, and the excess is trimmed off. The deeper tissues are also repositioned to adjust the contour of your face. In addition, the surgeon may tighten or reposition the muscles. If necessary, a small incision beneath permits the removal of fat and smoothing of the cord-like muscle bands in your neck.

If the patient is concerned about facial laxity in the mid-cheek area, we may perform a procedure called a mid facelift. This is when the surgeon makes incisions inside the lower eyelid or in another area that provides access to the central cheek region. Once Dr Scamp has made the required adjustments to the facial tissue, he will close the incisions.

Dr Scamp will close the incision sites with sutures to promote healthy healing. He will also wrap the face in bandages to prevent any infections that will delay the healing process. Small tubes may be attached behind the ears to drain any blood or excess fluid build-up.

Rhytidectomy facelift recovery

It is common to experience swelling, numbness and bruising after having a facelift. However, this will gradually decrease over the two weeks after surgery.

Since you won’t be able to drive after surgery, you should organise for someone to drive you home. We can issue pain relief to help patients feel more comfortable during the early stages. Most patients are able to return to work within two weeks. However, you should avoid strenuous activities, exercise and sudden facial movements for a couple of weeks. In addition, the skin will be sensitive for a few months after surgery and should be protected with sunblock.

There are also some general recovery instructions that you should follow. Dr Scamp will further clarify your instructions, which may include the following:

  • Sleep on your back with your head elevated
  • Drink water and eat a healthy and balanced diet
  • Keep your incision sites dry
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol
  • Ensure that you get plenty of rest
  • Attend follow-up appointments

The results should be gradually visible once the swelling and bruising subsides. However, patients typically see the final outcome after six months.

Surgery risks and complications

Facelift plastic surgery, or rhytidectomy surgery, comes with risks. As each patient will need to make an informed decision, you should be fully aware of the risks of your procedure. If you notice any adverse side effects or healing problems after surgery, you should contact us right away. We will be able to guide your next steps and make recommendations based on your symptoms.

The risks include:

  • Visible scarring
  • Anaesthesia reactions
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising and discolouration
  • Numbness
  • Infection
  • Poor healing
  • Asymmetry
  • Unwanted results
  • The need for further surgery

To reduce the risk of these things occurring, it is best to follow the post-op instructions of Dr Scamp.

Face lift (rhytidectomy) results

The results of a facelift are somewhat different for every patient. This is due to the fact that every patient will have a different treatment plan according to the facial contours they desire. A facelift procedure involves removing excess skin and adjusting facial tissue to a more uplifted position. Therefore, many patients are able to achieve their desired aesthetic. However, you should discuss your expectations with Dr Scamp beforehand to ensure you are aware of the risks.

Facelift is a broad term, and details of the procedure performed are individualised to suit each patient’s needs. There are many variations to the facelift procedure and placement of incisions. Every facelift technique aims to keep the incisions hidden as much as possible. Dr Scamp will design incisions to suit your particular needs. He may place the incisions in the hairline or in the natural contours behind or in front of the ears. Following surgery, scars will be concealed by your hair or with makeup. However, note that there is a risk of visible scarring.

After facelift surgery, you may have some tightness and numbness in your face and neck. As your skin will remain somewhat sensitive for a few months, protection from the sun, including sunblock, is essential. You can wear cosmetics for a few days following surgery. Patients often are back to work within a couple of weeks.

The Most FrequentlyAsked Questions

What is a face lift?

What is the recovery time for a face lift surgery?

Am I a good candidate?

How long will a facelift last?