Dr Sharp:

In contemporary plastic surgery, facelift surgery (rhytidectomy or meloplasty) procedures fall on a spectrum of operations that can be performed to reduce folds around the mouth, mid face excess skin, an undefined jawline and skin laxity in the lower face and upper neck.

Therefore some patients with early lower face ageing only require a small amount of excess skin to be removed in front of – or below – the ear to see an improvement in the jawline definition they seek. These are modified or commonly known as ‘mini’ facelifts.

Above: before and 3 months after Facelift surgery with Dr Sharp. 

Generally, most standard facelifts involve some plication or detachment of the SMAS layer, so the underlying facial structure can be lifted and tightened. When this occurs, the surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes anywhere from 3 to 4.5 hours. Small drains are required for 24-48 hours and a support garment is worn following surgery.

Most patients take at least 2 weeks off work to allow bruising and initial swelling to dissipate. Patients return to our clinic at intervals during the first 6 months for diligent post operative care.

The total cost factors in the surgeon, surgical assistant, anaesthetist, hospital and theatre fees – as well as post operative compression garment and multiple post operative appointments. Each facelift procedure is tailored to suit the patient, so the cost can vary.

The cost of facelift surgery with Dr David Sharp in Brisbane includes: 

• post operative Fraxel laser
• LED therapy for 6 weeks post surgery
• postoperative compression garment and care pack
• postoperative care for 12 months after surgery including unlimited postoperative appointments

Facelift is suitable for patients who are at a healthy weight, and may be performed at the same time as fat grafting and blepharoplasty surgery. When other procedures are added, the total cost increases, due to the additional time required in theatre.

As with all cosmetic surgery, our patients are provided with a comprehensive written estimate of fees document following their initial consultation, detailing all inclusions.

Cost is an important consideration when undergoing surgery, but its also important to weigh up:

Facelifts are expensive, but please keep in mind that this is a lengthy, complex procedure that requires advanced anatomical knowledge, many years of specialist surgical training and skilled post operative support. Ask lots of questions at your pre operative consultations, and seek the opinion of more than one specialist plastic surgeon when planning this procedure.

Visit our facelift page to read more about benefits, risks and the recovery involved.