Facelift and Neck lift

Facelift, Mini Facelift, Deep plane Facelift, Facelift Perth

Facelift Surgery in Perth

Facelift surgery tailored to you

Dr Imani offers facelift surgery for patients who are seeking to address concerns in their face and neck. Every procedure is personalised to suit the individual's anatomy, skin quality, and treatment goals.

Why Choose Dr Imani?

Dr Imani is a Specialist Otolaryngologist Head & Neck Surgeon (Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon) who exclusively practices in the discipline of Facial Plastic Surgery, he has extensive post fellowship training in aesthetic facial surgery. He has a special interest in facial plastic surgery, including both primary and revision facial surgery.

Recognised for his careful, evidence-based approach, Dr Imani aims to deliver a non operated look whilst preserving or enhancing function. Every patient’s face is unique, and surgical techniques are tailored individually after a comprehensive clinical assessment.


Considering a Facelift?

A facelift may be appropriate if you are experiencing:

  • Loss of jawline or chin definition

  • Skin changes (jowls) or mid-face volume descent

  • Deep facial lines and creases

  • Skin laxity or fat descent under the chin or around the neck

  • A desire for longer-lasting results other than non-surgical treatments

You may be a suitable candidate if you are in good general health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about the outcome.


Important Considerations

    •Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

    •Individual outcomes and recovery times vary.

    •The information provided is general and educational in  nature.

    •It does not constitute medical advice nor replace consultation with a qualified health professional.

    •We encourage all patients to seek a second opinion and  consult their general practitioner for a referral before engaging in a surgical consultation.


What Is a Facelift?

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to reposition facial tissues and improve facial structural and skin laxity. The aim is to restore a facial contour while preserving your unique facial identity.  Meaning that your face will not look like someone else, it will be your face with its own unique features.  

The procedure typically involves:

  • Repositioning deeper facial muscle layer (SMAS layer)

  • Redraping and removing excess skin

  • Concealing incisions along natural contours or within the hairline

  • May be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or forehead lift

Facelift Techniques

Dr Imani offers a range of surgical approaches based on the degree of natural ageing and desired outcomes:


Mini Facelift

  • For early signs of facial ageing

  • Less involved technique with shorter incisions

  • Focused on lifting the lower face and jawline

  • Often involves SMAS plication or limited dissection and results in modest changes


SMAS Flap Facelift

  • Addresses moderate to advanced ageing changes to the skin.

  • Lifts the deeper facial tissue (SMAS layer) 

  • Often combined with neck lift surgery

Deep Plane Facelift

  • Releases and repositions skin, fat, and muscle as one unit, creating a single tissue unit tension free vertical lift.

  • Provides a longer-lasting results, results can last 10-20 years depending on genetics, diet, smoking status and general health. 

  • Particularly effective for midface volume descent and neck laxity, as it lifts the face as a unit and restores the descended structures.

Other techniques include the S-lift, MACS lift, short scar facelift, and ponytail lift. Dr Imani will advise on the most suitable approach during consultation.

Personalised Planning

Every facelift procedure with Dr Imani is individually planned. The goal is to:

  • Restore natural contours, not alter your facial identity

  • Achieve results that are age-appropriate and balanced

  • Minimise visible scarring through careful incision placement

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery experiences vary, but typical expectations include:

  • Swelling and bruising that reduce over 2–3 weeks

  • Mild discomfort managed with prescribed medication

  • Return to most activities within 10–14 days

  • Ongoing improvement in contour over 2–3 months

  • Scars that fade and are typically well-concealed

You will receive detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up appointments will be arranged for optimal healing.

What Are the Risks of Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) is a procedure performed to improve the appearance of the face and neck by addressing skin, deep folds, and volume descent. Like all surgical procedures, facelift surgery involves certain risks and potential complications. It’s important to be fully informed and to discuss these with your surgeon before deciding whether the procedure is right for you.

General Risks Associated with Surgery

  • Bleeding or haematoma: A collection of blood beneath the skin may occur and might require further treatment or drainage. Stopping (two weeks prior to surgery) anti inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, meloxicam, naproxen, fish oils, Vit E, and herbal medications will lessen the lileyhood of bruising or bleeding.  If you are on prescribed medication which causes bleeding - a plan will be drawn after consultation with Dr Imani regarding management of your regular medication.    

  • Infection: Although uncommon, infections can develop and may need antibiotics or further surgical management.

  • Adverse reactions to anaesthesia: Depending on the type used, complications such as nausea, allergic reactions, or breathing issues can occur.  Your specialist anaesthetist who is administering the anaesthesia will be discussing this with prior to the surgery.  

Risks Specific to Facelift Surgery

  • Swelling and bruising: These are expected after surgery and usually resolve over several weeks.

  • Scarring: All surgery leaves scars. Incisions are typically placed in discreet areas, but some patients may experience thickened or more visible scarring.

  • Nerve injury: Temporary or, rarely, permanent changes in facial movement or sensation can occur due to nerve involvement.

  • Skin irregularities or tissue loss: In some cases, poor blood flow can affect skin healing, especially in individuals who smoke.

  • Facial asymmetry: Swelling and healing variations can lead to temporary or persistent asymmetry.

  • Hair loss: Hair thinning or loss may occur near the incision sites, particularly around the temples and scalp.

Other Considerations

  • Individual outcomes may vary: The results of facelift surgery depend on several factors, including age, skin condition, anatomy, and healing response. More than one procedure may be required to achieve or maintain the desired outcome.

  • Not suitable for everyone: A thorough consultation is required to assess whether facelift surgery is appropriate for your specific needs and health circumstances.

  • Informed consent is essential: Before proceeding, your surgeon will explain the risks, benefits, recovery process, and alternative treatment options.

Longevity of Results

Facelift results are long-lasting but do not stop the natural ageing process. Some patients undergo one procedure, while others may consider further treatment in the future. Healthy lifestyle choices and sun protection can help maintain outcomes.

Consultation with Dr Imani

During your consultation, Dr Imani will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and provide personalised advice. High-quality care, clear communication, and realistic expectations are central to the process.

Important Disclaimers

• Any surgical or non-surgical procedure carries risks.

•  Individual outcomes, results, experience and recovery times vary based on individual’s genetics, environmental factors, diet, exercise, sun protection, smoking and general health. Individual’s outcomes are only relevant for that individual and they do not necessarily reflect or guarantee the same outcome for another individual given the same treatment.

•  The information provided is general and educational in nature.

•  It does not constitute medical advice nor replace consultation with a qualified health professional.

•  We encourage all patients to seek a second opinion and consult their general practitioner for a referral before engaging in a surgical and non-surgical consultation with us.

Still have questions?

Contact us to arrange your consultation with Dr Imani.


 

Facelift Surgery Information – Dr Imani, Perth WA

Anaesthesia

Facelift surgery may be performed under either:

  • General anaesthesia, where you are fully asleep

  • Local anaesthesia with sedation, where you remain sedated but unaware

The type of anaesthesia used will depend on your health history and the complexity of your procedure, and will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Hospital Stay

  • The procedure is always performed in an accredited hospital.

  • Some patients may stay overnight with a qualified nurse in attendance, while others may be suitable for same-day discharge.

Duration of Surgery

  • Approximately 4 to 10 hours, depending on the surgical plan and individual considerations.

After Surgery

  • Dressings are replaced with a facial support garment the day after surgery.

  • Hair washing may be resumed after 24 hours post surgery.

  • Drains (if used) are generally removed within the first day.

  • Head elevation (using 2–4 pillows) is recommended for the first 7 days to help reduce swelling.

Pain Management

  • Most patients report mild discomfort, typically managed with paracetamol or medications prescribed postoperatively.  Laser surgery to the face performed at the same time increases the pain level, you will be prescribed with adequate pain medication and will be guided through this by the specialist anaesthetist and Dr Imani.

Recovery Timeline (Estimated)

  • Return to work: 10–14 days depending on the type of surgery and your individual circumstances and the type of work that you do.

  • Resume strenuous activities: 4 weeks

  • Bruising usually resolves: around 2 weeks

  • Sun exposure should be minimised for several months to support healing

Individual recovery timelines vary. Adhering to pre- and post-operative instructions will support your recovery.

Expected Longevity of Results

  • Facelift results may last between 10 and 20 years, noting that ageing will continue naturally.

  • Individual outcomes vary depending on skin quality, lifestyle, sun exposure, smoking, general health, genetic and other personal factors.

Risks and Considerations

All surgical procedures carry risks. These may include and are not limited to the following:

Common Risks

1. Swelling and Bruising

• Very common after surgery.

• Peaks within the first few days and typically subsides within 2 weeks.

2. Pain and Discomfort

• Expected in the early recovery period.

• Usually managed with prescribed pain medication.

3. Scarring

• Scars are typically hidden around the ears and hairline.

• In rare cases, scars may be thick, wide, or pigmented.  Keloid scars are very rare.

 

Moderate to Serious Risks

4. Haematoma (Blood Collection Under the Skin) or Seroma (fluid/serum collection under the skin flap)

• Most common complication (~1–3% of cases).

• Can cause swelling, pain, and skin discolouration.

• May require surgical drainage.

5. Nerve Injury

• Temporary or permanent injury to facial nerves can cause:

o Weakness or paralysis of facial muscles.

o Asymmetry in facial expressions.

o      Facial numbness - common in the first 3 months, very rarely permanently

• Most nerve issues resolve within 6 months, but permanent damage is rare.

6. Infection

• Uncommon unless the patient is diabetic or has autoimmune disease.

• If it occurs, may require antibiotics or additional treatment.

7. Skin Necrosis (Skin Loss)

• Caused by reduced blood flow, especially in smokers.

• May require wound care or revision surgery.

 

Aesthetic Risks

8. Unfavourable Results

• Asymmetry, overcorrection, or under-correction.

• Visible or distorted earlobes ("pixie ear deformity" - hallmark of poor surgical technique).

• Overly tight or unnatural appearance (hallmark of poor surgical technique, rare with deep plane facelifts, more common with skin and SMAS facelifts).

9. Hair Loss Along Incision Lines

• Temporary or permanent.

• Can occur along the temples, scalp or behind the ears where incisions are made.

 

Anaesthesia-Related Risks

10. Reactions to Anaesthesia

• Includes allergic reactions, nausea, or breathing issues.

• Serious complications are rare but possible with general anaesthesia.

 

Delayed Healing or Poor Wound Healing

• More likely in:

o Smokers

o Diabetics

o Individuals with poor circulation or immune conditions


Other Possible Risks

11. Fluid Accumulation (Seroma)

• Collection of clear fluid under the skin.

• May require aspiration (needle drainage).

12. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

• Very rare but serious risk related to long surgical procedures and immobility.

• Prevented by early mobilisation and sometimes medication.

 

Before proceeding, a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner is strongly recommended.

Cost of Facelift Surgery in Perth

Understanding the Costs of Your Surgery

The total cost of your surgery depends on several factors and includes fees from different providers who are involved in your care. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Surgical Fee

• This is the fee for Specialist surgeon’s services and is based on the complexity of your surgery and the surgeon’s expertise and experience.

Surgical fees range from $15,000-$50,000.00 depending on what procedures are involved, the complexity of your particular case

• You will receive a detailed surgical fee estimate after your consultation outlining the possible inclusion of any Medicare and Private health insurance rebates.

2. Hospital Fees

• These include costs for your hospital admission and operating room use, charged on an hourly basis.

• Quotes are provided directly by the accredited hospitals where your surgeon operates at.

• If your procedure meets certain clinical criteria, private health insurance may cover some or all of these fees, especially if the surgery qualifies under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

• Our staff will guide you through obtaining this quote.

 

3. Anaesthetist Fees

• If general anaesthesia is required, a specialist anaesthetist (FRANZCA-accredited) will be involved.

• They charge separately and will provide their own hourly rate quote.

• Again, we’ll assist you in connecting with them to obtain the necessary details.

• You do not have to source an anaesthetist; we have set specialist anaesthetist who work with your surgeon on designated dates.

 

4. Other Incidental Costs

• These may include:

o Medications

o Post-surgery garments

o Travel or hotel stays (especially if you're coming from outside the Perth metropolitan area)

 

Important Notes

• We are only able to provide the quote for the surgical fee. Hospital and anaesthetist fees are separate and managed independently.

• Our team is here to support and guide you through obtaining all the necessary quotes.

• Medicare and private health insurance rebates may apply if your surgery is deemed medically necessary and includes an eligible MBS item number.  

If you have any questions or need help at any stage, please don’t hesitate to reach out—our friendly staff are here to assist you.


Pre-Operative Instructions (Summary)

Two weeks before and after surgery:

  • Avoid smoking, alcohol, and nicotine-containing products

  • Stop vitamin E, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other anti-inflammatories (unless otherwise advised)

  • Take Vitamin C (2000–3000mg daily, if tolerated) and Vitamin B Complex

  • Disclose all medications and supplements to your surgeon

The day before surgery:

  • Wash face and hair with antibacterial soap/shampoo

  • Avoid all hair and skincare products

  • Begin antiviral medication (if prescribed for patients with cold sore history)

Night before and morning of surgery:

  • Fast for at least 6 hours before your scheduled time

  • No jewellery or metal items to be worn

  • Wear loose-fitting, button-down clothing

  • Arrange for transport and aftercare (a responsible adult should stay with you for at least 36 hours)

Post-Operative Care and Medication

Post-operative medications may include:

  • Antibiotics (e.g., Cephalexin or Augmentin)

  • Antiviral agents (if indicated)

  • Pain management (Paracetamol or Opiate medication if severe)

  • Anti-anxiety medication (if required)

  • Wound care ointments (e.g., Kenacomb/Aquaphore, Vaseline, parafin based ointment)

Specific instructions will be provided in your personalised post-op care plan.

Items to Prepare at Home

  • Paracetamol

  • Vitamin C and B Complex

  • Antibacterial soap and shampoo

  • Cool compress eye gel packs

  • 3% Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning of the suture lines (not for eye area)

  • Natural/artificial tears (for eyelid procedures)

  • Cetaphil or Dermeze cleanser (gentle formula)

  • Aquaphor or petroleum jelly (especially if laser resurfacing is performed)

Important Disclaimers

  • Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

  • Individual outcomes and recovery times vary.

  • The information provided is general and educational in nature.

  • It does not constitute medical advice nor replace consultation with a qualified health professional.

We encourage all patients to seek a second opinion and consult their general practitioner for a referral before engaging in a surgical consultation.

Important Information and Disclaimers:

• Any surgical or non-surgical procedure carries risks.

•  Individual outcomes, results, experience and recovery times vary based on individual’s genetics, environmental factors, diet, exercise, sun protection, smoking and general health. Individual’s outcomes are only relevant for that individual and they do not necessarily reflect or guarantee the same outcome for another individual given the same treatment.

•  The information provided is general and educational in nature.

•  It does not constitute medical advice nor replace consultation with a qualified health professional.

•  We encourage all patients to seek a second opinion and consult their general practitioner for a referral before engaging in a surgical and non-surgical consultation with us.

Still have questions?

Contact us to arrange your consultation with Dr Imani.

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