Considering a facelift?Find out what it can change, and what it can't.

A facelift that works beneath the SMAS, the supporting layer under the skin and fat of the face. The ligaments that tether the cheek and jaw are released, and the SMAS and skin are lifted together as one unit. It's mainly used to address jowls, the jawline and descent of the cheeks.

Facelifts differ mainly in which layer is lifted. A skin-only lift lifts the skin on its own. SMAS techniques tighten or fold the SMAS separately from the skin. A deep plane facelift releases the retaining ligaments and lifts the SMAS and skin together. Each approach has its place, and Dr Moradi will explain which suits your face.

Often the neck is addressed at the same time. A neck lift tightens the platysma, the main supporting muscle of the neck, and may include liposuction and a small incision under the chin. Not everyone needs one. Dr Moradi will tell you whether your neck would benefit.

A facelift doesn't change skin texture, fine lines or sun damage, and it doesn't address the eyelids or the brow. Those need other treatments, such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift. It also doesn't stop ageing: your face will keep changing over time.

Incisions run in front of and behind the ear and into the hairline, and sometimes under the chin if the neck is addressed. All facelift scars are permanent. They usually fade over the following months, but some people form thickened scars, and hair loss near the incisions can occur, often temporarily.

Facelift scars are permanent. They are placed around the ear and into the hairline, and sometimes under the chin. The changes can be long-lasting, but a facelift doesn't stop ageing, and your face will keep changing over time. Results vary between individuals.

Risks include bleeding or haematoma, infection, poor wound healing or scarring, injury to the facial nerve causing temporary or, rarely, permanent numbness or weakness, hair loss near the incisions, skin irregularities, facial asymmetry, reactions to anaesthesia, blood clots (DVT) and, rarely, cardiac complications, and results that don't meet expectations or need further surgery. Dr Moradi will go through each one with you, and the full list is on his facelift page.

A facelift is performed under general anaesthetic, and an overnight stay may be recommended. You'll need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Swelling and bruising are greatest in the first week and settle significantly within about two weeks. Most people return to work within one to two weeks and to normal activities within two to four. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least two weeks, and avoid smoking, vaping and alcohol. Some residual swelling can take several months to settle. Dr Moradi will give you a recovery plan specific to your surgery.

It varies between individuals and is influenced by genetics, skin quality and lifestyle. The changes can be long-lasting, but a facelift doesn't stop the changes that happen over time.

Yes. Australian rules require a referral from your GP before a cosmetic surgery consultation. Consultations are usually available within two to three months, and surgery is usually booked 10–12 weeks after your first consultation. You'll have a second consultation and a cooling-off period of at least seven days before surgery. Facial surgery is for adults 18 and over.

The cost depends on your surgical plan, including whether a neck lift or other facial procedures are added and the length of your hospital stay, so we don't publish a single figure. After your consultation, our patient coordinator gives you a written, itemised estimate covering the surgeon's and surgical assistant's fees, the anaesthetist's fee, hospital costs, any post-operative garments and routine follow-up appointments. Please ask our team about the consultation fee when you call.