Face and Neck Lift
As we age, natural changes such as gravity, sun exposure, and a decrease in skin elasticity can lead to sagging skin, deep facial lines, and loss of definition in the jaw and neck. A face and neck lift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that helps restore a more refreshed appearance by addressing common signs of ageing.
This procedure works by tightening underlying muscles, repositioning facial tissues, and removing excess skin. It can effectively improve the appearance of jowls, deep nasolabial folds, loose skin under the chin, and diminished jawline definition.
At Sydney Plastic Surgery, Dr Barnouti offers tailored face and neck lift procedures. Options include the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift, deep plane facelift, and combination treatments such as brow lifts and eyelid surgery. Every plan is customised to suit your facial anatomy, skin quality, and goals.
A Personalised Approach
Aging commonly leads to a loss of facial volume and sagging in the mid-face and neck. Many patients who enquire about facial surgery are also concerned with:
- A softened or undefined jawline
- Loose skin or vertical neck bands
- Deep lines around the eyes or mouth
Modern facelift techniques focus on lifting and repositioning deeper facial structures, not simply pulling the skin tighter. This results in more natural, longer-lasting outcomes.
Additional treatments may be recommended to complement your results, including:
- Skin resurfacing
- Liposuction of the neck or jowls
- Fat transfer to restore volume
- Laser therapy or TCA peels
These are only offered if appropriate for your skin type and concerns.
Types of Facelift Procedures
During your consultation, Dr Barnouti will assess your needs and recommend one of the following facelift techniques:
Mini Facelift
- Small incision hidden in the hairline
- Best for early signs of ageing
- 2–5 days recovery
Short Scar Facelift (S-Lift or MACS Lift)
- Incision around the front of the ear only
- No scar behind the ear
- 5–8 days recovery
Full SMAS Facelift and Neck Lift
- Incision in front and behind the ear (“omega scar”)
- Lifts deeper facial tissues and neck
- 8–14 days recovery
Complete SMAS Facelift Package
Includes facelift, neck lift, brow lift, blepharoplasty, fat transfer, and skin resurfacing
What to Expect at Your Consultation
You are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment. Bringing a photo of yourself in your 20s or 30s (not smiling) can help with planning a natural outcome.
During your consultation, Dr Barnouti will:
- Review your medical history
- Examine your facial structure
- Evaluate skin quality, facial symmetry, and ageing patterns
- Discuss your goals and expectations in detail
He will also explain the difference between facial rejuvenation (restoring appearance) and facial reshaping (altering facial proportions), helping you understand what is realistically achievable.
The Surgery
Face and neck lift surgery is performed under either local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case. It typically takes 90 minutes to six hours.
Key steps include:
- Making discreet incisions based on the procedure type
- Lifting and tightening underlying muscles and fascia
- Removing or repositioning fat and excess skin
- Fat transfer or volume enhancement, if required
Dissolvable stitches are used to minimise downtime and discomfort. Additional procedures, such as eyelid or tear trough surgery, may be included based on your personalised plan.
Additional Procedures That May Be Combined
- Upper or lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
- Neck lift and liposuction
- Brow lift
- Lip lift, augmentation or resurfacing
- Tear trough treatment
- Cheek enhancement with fat or implants
- Nasolabial fold and marionette line treatment
- Rhinoplasty
- Chin reshaping
- Laser or skin resurfacing
- Lipofilling / fat injections