Facelift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that can help address signs of facial ageing. When researching the procedure many questions come up again and again about the process, recovery, risks and long-term outcomes. Below we have collated answers to some Facelift FAQs.
This page provides general information to help individuals considering a Facelift understand what the surgery involves, what to expect during recovery and how to make informed decisions about their care.
Dr Gary Kode is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon consulting in Melbourne and Launceston and performing Facelift surgery in accredited hospitals in Melbourne.
While this page offers educational guidance, it does not replace personalised medical advice. A consultation with Dr Kode allows a thorough assessment of suitability, discussion of surgical options and tailored recommendations based on individual anatomy and goals.
A Facelift is a surgical procedure that repositions and tightens underlying facial tissue (muscle) and skin to address skin laxity (excess skin). It can be performed on its own or in conjunction with other facial procedures, depending on individual goals, anatomy and surgeon discretion.
Suitability depends on several factors, including facial structure, skin quality, overall health, realistic expectations and more. A personal consultation and assessment with a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon is needed to determine candidacy for the procedure.
A Facelift is not designed to change someone’s identity or make them look like a different person. Instead, it focuses on repositioning existing facial tissues to achieve a refreshed appearance that aligns with the individual’s features and desires.
Facelift surgery focuses on reducing the appearance of age-related changes, so individuals look good for their years rather than looking like a different version of themselves.
There is no specific age for Facelift surgery. Suitability is based on individual anatomy, skin quality, and personal goals rather than age alone.
Some patients may consider surgery in their 40s or 50s, when signs of facial ageing such as excess skin or deeper folds become more noticeable. While others may seek treatment earlier or later, depending on genetics, lifestyle factors and skin elasticity.
Dr Gary Kode assesses each person individually to determine whether Facelift surgery is appropriate and discusses the most suitable approach based on the patient’s facial structure, health, and expectations.
Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon is one of the most important steps when considering any surgery. In Australia, a Facelift must be performed by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is accredited by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and registered with AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
When researching surgeons, consider the following:
Dr Gary Kode is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with consulting rooms in Melbourne and Launceston. He performs Facelift surgery in accredited hospitals in Melbourne and personally manages all stages of patient care, from consultation and surgical planning to post-operative reviews.
The duration varies depending on the type of Facelift being performed and whether other procedures (such as Blepharoplasty or Neck lift) are performed at the same time. A Facelift can take between three to nine hours depending on who does what. Dr Kode is generally able to perform a Full Face and Neck Lift in under 3 hours.
Dr Gary Kode performs Facelift surgery in fully accredited hospitals in Melbourne, under sterile conditions and with a qualified anaesthetic team.
Dr Kode performs Facelift surgery under general anaesthesia. In some cases local anaesthetic with sedation may be suitable. This is discussed during consultation and determined based on patient comfort and the extent of the procedure.
Yes. There are several different types of Facelift surgery that focus on different areas of the face and use different techniques. The type chosen will depend on several factors, including: the areas of concern, degree of skin laxity and the patients desired results. Types of Facelifts include:
Dr Kode will discuss suitable options based on each individual’s anatomy and goals. For more information visit our Facelift Page.
All surgical procedures involve incisions, which means some degree of scarring is expected. During a Facelift, incisions are typically placed in locations that disguise them such as along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. These areas are chosen carefully so that once healed, scars are usually less noticeable.
Scars generally lighten and soften over time, although the appearance will vary between individuals based on skin type, genetics, and healing response.
Protecting healing skin from sun exposure and following post-operative care instructions can support the healing process.
Dr Gary Kode discusses incision placement and expected healing patterns during your consultation so you know what to anticipate after surgery.
Immediately after Facelift surgery, patients are monitored in hospital as the effects of anaesthesia wear off. Patients can expect to experience swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness around the face and neck, depending on the specifics of surgery. Dr Kode will provide a pain management plan for each patient that is tailored to their pain levels and will include prescribed and/or over the counter medication.
A light dressing may be applied to protect the incisions, and patients are generally advised to rest with their head elevated to help manage swelling. Light movement, such as walking around the room can help support circulation during the early recovery period.
Dr Gary Kode provides detailed post-operative instructions and reviews each patient’s progress at follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any questions.
Everyone experiences recovery differently depending on the extent of surgery, individual healing, and overall health. Follow-up appointments allow Dr Kode to assess progress and adjust care recommendations as needed.
Most patients describe Facelift recovery as involving tightness, tenderness, or mild to moderate discomfort rather than significant pain.
Discomfort is usually most noticeable in the first few days after surgery and tends to ease as swelling subsides.
Patients are urged to rest, avoid strenuous activity and follow all post-operative instructions closely during this period.
Initial recovery may take one to two weeks, although healing will continue for several months.
Most people are able to return to work and social activities after two to three weeks, depending on how they feel and the physicality of their activities.
Light movement, such as short walks, are often recommended early in recovery to support circulation and reduce stiffness. Strenuous activity, bending, and heavy lifting should generally be avoided for at least three to four weeks after surgery.
Dr Gary Kode recognises that every patient heals differently and believes individuals should assess how their body feels during recovery. He advises patients to start slow and only increase activity when it feels comfortable to do so.
During follow-up appointments, Dr Kode reviews each patient’s progress and provides personalised guidance on when to resume exercise or other physical activities.
In the first few weeks, incision lines may appear pink or slightly raised as the skin begins to repair. Over the following months, scars will typically begin to lighten and soften as healing progresses.
Most patients find that scars continue to mature and settle for 12 to 18 months.
The final appearance can vary depending on individual factors such as skin type, genetics, and how the body heals.
Dr Kode monitors progress at each follow-up appointment and provides guidance on ongoing care and sun protection (as ultraviolet exposure can darken healing scars and affect their long-term appearance).
While some changes become visible as swelling subsides in the first few weeks, it can take several months for the face and neck tissues to fully settle.
It can take over 12 months for the final results to become apparent.
The results of Facelift surgery can be long-lasting; however, the procedure does not stop the ageing process. While the underlying structures of the face are repositioned during surgery, skin and tissues will continue to change over time.
Many patients find that the procedure helps them maintain a more refreshed facial appearance for several years. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, sun exposure, and skin care habits can all influence how long results last.
Dr Gary Kode focuses on achieving outcomes that complement each individual’s facial structure. During consultation, he discusses what patients may realistically expect over time and provides guidance on maintaining skin health after surgery.
Some individuals choose to undergo Facelift surgery alongside other procedures for a more comprehensive result. Procedures can include:
This is determined on a case-by-case basis after thorough assessment and discussion of goals and health considerations.
Facelift surgery costs can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the type of Facelift performed, hospital fees, anaesthetic costs and surgeon’s fees.
As each surgery is tailored to the individual, an accurate quote is provided following a detailed consultation and surgical plan.
The cost of a Facelift in Melbourne varies significantly depending on factors such as the technique used, the surgeon’s experience, the hospital or facility fees, anaesthesia requirements, and more.
More complex surgeries or those addressing multiple areas (Multiple procedures) will incur a higher cost.
A detailed quote is provided only after a consultation, where Dr Kode will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and explain the details of the procedure.
In most cases, Facelift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure. This means it is not eligible for Medicare rebates.
Medicare generally only provides support for procedures that are medically necessary. For example, surgery performed to alleviate functional issues or reconstruct after trauma.
Because a Facelift is performed for aesthetic reasons, costs are typically out of pocket. During your consultation, Dr Gary Kode and his team can provide a detailed quote outlining all associated fees, including surgical, anaesthetic, and hospital costs.
It’s always recommended to check to confirm your individual eligibility and coverage.
In most cases, Facelift surgery is considered elective and is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. However, if there are medical reasons for surgery, limited rebates may apply. This can be discussed in more detail during consultation.
Facelift surgery, like all surgical procedures carries some potential risks. These can include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, delayed healing, and changes in skin sensation.
Individual risk levels can vary depending on overall health, medical history, and the extent of surgery.
Dr Gary Kode discusses all potential risks during consultation so patients can make an informed decision and understand what to expect.
For more information visit Risks of Cosmetic Surgery and Complications – Dr Gary Kode
Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. In Facelift surgery, strict sterile techniques and accredited hospital facilities help reduce this risk.
Patients are advised to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping incision areas clean and monitoring for redness, warmth, or discharge. If signs of infection occur, contacting Dr Kode promptly allows early management to reduce complications.
Facelift surgery involves repositioning facial tissues, which can sometimes affect the facial nerves. Most changes in sensation or movement are temporary, such as numbness or mild weakness, and tend to resolve as healing progresses.
Rarely, some nerve changes may persist longer term. Dr Gary Kode uses careful surgical techniques to reduce this risk and monitors nerve function throughout recovery.
The information provided on this FAQ page is for general educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Facelift surgery carries potential risks, complications, and outcomes that vary for each individual. For detailed information about your suitability, risks, and expected results, you should consult directly with a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon, like Dr Gary Kode.