Facelift & Neck LiftFacial Rejuvenation Surgery
Restore a naturally youthful facial contour — lifting sagging cheeks, softening jowls, and defining the jawline — with lasting results from our specialist plastic surgeons in Erina, NSW.
Overview
What is a facelift?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that restores a youthful facial contour by lifting and repositioning the deeper facial tissues — not just the skin. Modern techniques focus on the SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system), the structural layer beneath the skin, to produce natural-looking, long-lasting results.
A neck lift (platysmaplasty) is frequently performed alongside a facelift to address loose neck skin and the platysma muscle — creating a defined jawline and smooth neck contour that complements the facial result.
Together, a facelift and neck lift address the most visible signs of facial ageing in a single, cohesive procedure — with results that aim to look refreshed and natural.
Signs of facial ageing addressed
What facelift treats
These are the changes that bring most patients to us — natural results of ageing that cannot be addressed by non-surgical treatments alone.
Jowls
Sagging of the lower cheek and jawline that blurs the facial contour
Cheek descent
Flattening and drooping of the mid-face and cheek volume
Deep facial folds
Pronounced nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Loose neck skin
Excess skin, banding, or a "turkey neck" appearance
Undefined jawline
Loss of the sharp jaw-to-neck angle due to skin laxity
Platysmal banding
Visible vertical cords in the neck caused by the platysma muscle
Surgical options
Choosing the right approach
The best technique depends on the degree of facial ageing, skin quality, and your goals. Your surgeon will assess all of these carefully and recommend the most appropriate approach.
Full SMAS facelift
A well-established approach for facial rejuvenation. The SMAS layer is lifted and repositioned — not just the skin — producing long-lasting, natural results. Addresses mid-face, jowls, lower face, and can be combined with a neck lift.
- Lifts deeper facial tissues for lasting results
- Addresses mid-face, jowls, and lower face
- Most comprehensive rejuvenation
- Results typically last 7–10 years
Deep plane facelift
A more advanced variation that releases and repositions deeper facial ligaments. Suited to patients with more significant facial descent, particularly in the midface and nasolabial area.
- More complete midface rejuvenation
- Addresses deep nasolabial folds
- Longer-lasting results
Neck lift (platysmaplasty)
Targets loose neck skin and the platysma muscle via incisions behind the ears and a small incision under the chin. The platysma muscle is tightened to create defined neck contour. Most commonly combined with a facelift.
- Removes loose neck skin
- Tightens platysma muscle
- Defines jawline and neck angle
- Can be performed alone for isolated neck laxity
Submentoplasty
A more limited procedure via a single incision beneath the chin to address early platysmal banding and mild neck laxity without a full neck lift incision pattern.
- Minimal scarring
- Suited to isolated neck concerns
- Shorter recovery
Mini facelift
Shorter incisions limited to the area around the ear, suited to patients in their 40s–50s with early jowling and mild facial laxity. Faster recovery than a full facelift with good results for the right patient.
- Shorter incisions and faster recovery
- Suited to mild-to-moderate facial ageing
- Can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation
- Results last 5–7 years
Step by step
The procedure
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1
Consultation and planning
Your surgeon assesses your facial anatomy, skin quality, degree of ageing, and goals. Photographs are reviewed and a tailored surgical plan — including which technique and whether to combine with a neck lift — is created and explained in full.
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2
Pre-operative preparation
Stop all blood-thinning medications and supplements two weeks prior. Smoking must cease at least four weeks before surgery — it significantly impairs wound healing and increases complication risk. Fast from midnight the night before.
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3
Anaesthesia
A full facelift is performed under general anaesthesia. A mini facelift may be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. An accredited anaesthetist manages your comfort throughout.
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4
Incisions and tissue access
Incisions are made in the natural creases in front of and behind the ear, and within the hairline. These are carefully designed to be hidden and near-invisible once healed. The skin is elevated to expose the underlying SMAS layer.
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5
SMAS lift and repositioning
The SMAS layer is lifted, tightened, and re-secured. This is the key step that produces natural, long-lasting results — lifting the underlying structure rather than simply pulling skin. Neck muscle repair is performed at this stage if included.
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6
Skin re-draping and closure
Excess skin is carefully removed and the remaining skin is re-draped without tension over the repositioned structure. Wounds are closed with fine sutures. Small drains may be placed and are removed at the first post-operative visit.
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7
Hospital stay and follow-up
Most patients stay one night in hospital. A head bandage or wrap is applied. Follow-up appointments at 1 week, 4–6 weeks, and 3 months track your healing progress and scar care.
Recovery
What to expect after surgery
Facelift recovery is very manageable for most patients. The key is giving yourself enough time before social or professional commitments. Most many patients find by how well-concealed the bruising is after the first two weeks.
Days 1 – 3
Hospital and rest at home
You spend one night in hospital. A bandage or wrap is in place. Swelling and bruising peak in the first 48 hours. Rest with your head elevated. Drain removal typically occurs at 24–48 hours.
Week 1
Suture removal and wound review
Sutures and any remaining dressings are removed at your 7-day review. Bruising and swelling are still present but improving. Hair washing and gentle activity are permitted. Keep out of direct sun.
Weeks 2 – 3
Return to desk work
Most patients return to sedentary work. Bruising has largely resolved and residual swelling is well-disguised with makeup. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending forward.
Weeks 4 – 6
Social confidence returns
Most patients are comfortable in social and professional settings. Numbness and tightness continue to settle. Light exercise resumes. Sun protection of scars is essential.
3 – 6 months
Full result visible
All swelling has resolved and the final result is fully apparent. Scars are maturing and fading well. The refreshed, natural appearance is now stable and long-lasting.
12 – 18 months
Scars fully matured
Incision lines are well-concealed within natural creases and have faded to near-invisible for most patients. Results remain stable for many years ahead.
Fees
Cost of a facelift in NSW
All fees are discussed transparently at your consultation. A full written quote is provided before any commitment is required. Facelift surgery is a cosmetic procedure and Medicare rebates do not apply.
| Fee component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's fee | $13,250 – $16,550 |
| Anaesthetist's fee | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Hospital / facility fee | $4,500 – $6,800 |
| Compression garment | Included |
| Pre & post-operative care | Included |
| Total range | $20,250 – $27,850 |
Note: fees above are for a facelift with or without neck lift as a combined procedure. A standalone neck lift is quoted separately at consultation.
Your surgeons
Meet the team
Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Associate Professor Hussain has extensive experience in cosmetic facial surgery including facelift and neck lift procedures, with a focus on natural, harmonious facial rejuvenation.
Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Mohaghegh brings specialist expertise in facial rejuvenation surgery, working toward refreshed, natural-looking outcomes tailored to each patient's facial anatomy and goals.
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Seyedabadi is a specialist plastic surgeon with a keen aesthetic sensibility for facial surgery, combining technical precision with a patient-centred approach to achieve natural and lasting results.
Are you a candidate?
Good candidates for a facelift
The best facelift results come from patients who are in good health, have realistic expectations, and are seeking improvement rather than perfection. Your surgeon will assess your facial anatomy and skin quality in detail at consultation.
Informed consent
Risks and considerations
Facelift surgery is safe and well-established when performed by a qualified specialist plastic surgeon. All potential risks are discussed fully at your consultation before any decision is made.
Haematoma
The most common complication — a collection of blood beneath the skin. Risk is minimised by careful surgical technique, blood pressure control, and avoiding blood-thinning medications prior to surgery. Managed promptly if it occurs.
Nerve injury
Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the face and neck is common and usually resolves within weeks to months. Significant permanent nerve injury is rare in experienced hands.
Scarring
Incisions are placed in natural creases around the ear and hairline. Most scars are well-hidden and fade to near-invisible over 12–18 months with diligent scar care and sun protection.
Hair loss near incisions
Temporary thinning near incision lines can occur, particularly at the temples. This typically resolves within a few months as the scalp heals.
Wound healing
Smoking significantly increases wound healing complications. All patients must stop smoking for a minimum of four weeks before surgery. Other risk factors are identified and managed at the pre-operative assessment.
Asymmetry
Minor asymmetries are normal during the healing period as swelling resolves unevenly. Significant persistent asymmetry is uncommon and can be addressed with minor revision if needed.
Skin irregularities
Temporary contour irregularities may be present during healing. These almost always resolve as swelling settles over the first few months.
Anaesthesia risks
All general anaesthesia carries a small baseline risk. A thorough pre-operative health assessment and the involvement of an accredited anaesthetist minimises this significantly.
FAQs
Common questions
The questions patients ask us most about facelift and neck lift surgery — including what people search when looking for facial rejuvenation on the Central Coast of NSW.
Ask us a questionFacelift surgery in NSW typically ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 depending on the extent of the procedure and whether a neck lift is included. At Coastal Plastic Surgery in Erina, the surgeon's fee ranges from $13,250 to $16,550, with anaesthetist fees of $2,500–$4,500 and hospital fees of $4,500–$6,800, giving a total range of $20,250–$27,850. A full written quote is provided at consultation. Facelifts are cosmetic and Medicare rebates do not apply.
Most patients return to desk work within 2–3 weeks. Bruising resolves within 3–4 weeks and most patients are comfortable in social settings at 4–6 weeks. The intended result is typically more visible at 3–6 months as all swelling resolves. Scars continue to mature and fade for up to 12–18 months.
Modern facelift techniques focus on repositioning the deeper SMAS tissue layer rather than just pulling skin — which is what creates the unnatural "windswept" look associated with older techniques. At Coastal Plastic Surgery, the goal is a refreshed, natural appearance that looks like a well-rested, younger version of yourself — not an operated result.
A full facelift uses more extensive incisions and repositioning to address moderate-to-significant facial ageing across the mid-face, jowls, and lower face, with results lasting 7–10 years. A mini facelift uses shorter incisions for earlier jowling and mild laxity with faster recovery and results lasting 5–7 years. Your surgeon will recommend the right approach based on your degree of facial ageing at consultation.
Facelift results typically last 7–10 years, though this varies with skin quality, lifestyle, sun exposure, and genetics. Ageing continues naturally after surgery — a facelift turns back the clock rather than stopping it. Many patients choose a secondary procedure a decade or more later to maintain their results.
Not always, but the two procedures are most commonly performed together. Improving the face while leaving an ageing neck can create an imbalance in the overall result. Your surgeon will assess your neck at consultation and recommend whether including a neck lift would improve the overall harmony of your outcome.
Facelift incisions are placed within the natural creases in front of and behind the ear and along the hairline — positions that are well-hidden even when wearing hair up. A neck lift may add a small scar beneath the chin. With proper scar care and sun protection, incision lines fade to near-invisible for most patients over 12–18 months.
Facelift and neck lift surgery at Coastal Plastic Surgery is performed by Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain, Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh, and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi — all FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons based in Erina NSW, serving patients from across the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Greater Sydney.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a private consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons at our Erina clinic. We will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and provide a personalised plan and written quote — with no obligation.