Rhytidectomy – also known as a Facelift.
What is rhytidectomy consultation?
A rhytidectomy consultation is an appointment with a qualified surgeon to assess concerns involving facial structure, soft tissue descent or age related changes affecting the mid and lower face. People may seek this consultation when they notice changes in jawline definition, skin laxity or alterations in facial contour.
Only a trained medical practitioner can determine whether rhytidectomy is appropriate after reviewing your anatomy, medical history and expectations. The consultation focuses on clinical assessment and suitability, not on promoting surgery.
What areas does it address?
During the consultation, the surgeon may assess:
• Soft tissue position in the midface
• Laxity along the jawline
• Lower facial contour
• Prominence of nasolabial or marionette folds
• The relationship between the face and neck
• Whether non surgical or conservative options should be considered
The aim is to understand your individual presentation and determine whether a surgical approach may be clinically appropriate and safe.
Who may be referred for a rhytidectomy consultation
A GP may refer someone for specialist review if they:
• Have noticeable facial soft tissue descent
• Are concerned about changes along the jawline or lower face
• Experience age related changes that affect facial proportions
• Seek medical advice regarding structural facial ageing
• Are in good general health and able to consider surgery
A referral does not mean surgery will be recommended. Suitability is confirmed only after full clinical assessment.
What happens during the procedure?
Suitability depends on several factors reviewed during consultation, including:
• General health and medical history
• Facial soft tissue support
• Skin elasticity and healing considerations
• Facial nerve pathways and anatomical variations
• Personal circumstances and expectations
• Whether alternative pathways may be more appropriate
Not all individuals will be candidates. Your surgeon will explain reasons for suitability or non suitability based on clinical findings and safety considerations.
Understanding what the procedure involves
If the surgeon believes rhytidectomy may be appropriate, they will outline general information in a medical context. This may include:
• Typical incision locations around the ears and hairline
• How deeper facial support layers may be repositioned
• When excess skin removal may be considered
• What is commonly expected during early recovery
Suitability also includes reviewing psychological factors and wellbeing to ensure surgery is appropriate. These discussions support informed consent only. The surgeon will also explain circumstances where rhytidectomy is not advised.
Downtime and aftercare
If surgery is recommended, general recovery expectations may include:
• Early swelling or bruising
• Temporary changes in sensation
• Activity restrictions for several weeks
• Guidance on sleeping position and wound care
• Scheduled follow up appointments
• Signs that require prompt review
Recovery varies between individuals. Recovery can take longer if complications occur. Timeframes vary and cannot be guaranteed. Personalised instructions are provided during consultation. Personalised instructions will be provided during consultation.
Surgical or non-surgical?
Surgical
A rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure that must be performed in a licensed and accredited medical facility.
Who performs this procedure?
In Australia, rhytidectomy must be performed by a registered medical practitioner with accredited training in facial surgery. This may include:
• Specialist Plastic Surgeons
All procedures must take place in accredited hospitals or licensed surgical facilities with appropriate anaesthetic and postoperative support.
Patients are encouraged to:
• Confirm the clinician’s qualifications
• Ask about experience with facial surgery
• Ensure the facility is accredited
• Discuss postoperative care and follow up planning.
This procedure must be carried out in a licensed hospital or day surgery with appropriate anaesthetic care.
Is a referral required
Yes. People considering elective cosmetic surgery need to follow a regulated pathway designed to support informed and safe decision making. Every person must complete the following steps before any procedure can be booked.
• A current GP referral is required before seeing a surgeon. This helps ensure your broader health needs are reviewed and that cosmetic surgery is the right pathway to explore.
• You must attend a minimum of two consultations with the surgeon who would perform the operation. At least one of these appointments must occur in person. These consultations allow time to review your medical history, assess suitability and discuss risks in detail.
• A cooling off period is required after the final consent appointment. This time is set aside for you to think carefully about the information provided, ask more questions if needed and decide whether to proceed.
These steps apply to all elective cosmetic surgery in Australia. They are in place to support careful consideration and protect patient safety.
Risks and considerations
All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will outline risks that may include:
• Infection or bleeding
• Scarring
• Delayed wound healing
• Temporary or permanent changes in facial sensation
• Asymmetry or contour changes
• Facial nerve injury
• The possibility of revision surgery
A full risk discussion forms part of informed consent. There are also risks linked to anaesthesia and general surgery. Your surgeon will discuss a more detailed list. This list is not complete.
Frequently asked questions
Is rhytidectomy covered by Medicare in Australia
Medicare may provide limited support only in reconstructive situations, such as post traumatic concerns. Procedures performed for aesthetic reasons are not usually eligible. Eligibility can be confirmed after specialist assessment.
Will there be visible scars
Incisions are often positioned along natural creases around the ears and may extend into the hairline. Your surgeon will explain expected incision placement and provide guidance on caring for the area during healing.
How long do results last
Changes vary between individuals. Natural ageing continues after surgery and may influence facial tissues over time. Your surgeon can explain the factors that affect long term changes.
Is a rhytidectomy painful
Some discomfort is expected during early recovery. Your surgeon will outline what is commonly experienced and how discomfort is usually managed.
Can this procedure be combined with other treatments
Your surgeon may discuss whether additional facial procedures are clinically appropriate for your presentation. This is assessed on an individual basis.
