Facelift
In Sydney, New South Wales
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Facelift Surgery in Sydney
A facelift tightens loose skin and the underlying tissues of the lower face and neck. The goal is a natural-looking result that suits your face. Dr Joseph Rizk is a specialist plastic surgeon performing facelifts in Sydney. Contact us for a personalised consultation.
Face Lift Before & Afters

Results shown are only relevant to this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Results may vary due to many factors, including the individual's genetics, diet and exercise.
What is a Facelift?
At Rizk Plastic Surgery in Sydney facelift surgery (also known as a Rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that addresses age-related changes in the lower face and neck, such as loose skin and jowls.
This type of surgery tightens and repositions the tissues of the face and neck. It involves tightening or removal of loose skin, elevation of the underlying facial muscle layer, and removal of excess fat from the cheeks, chin and neck where needed. Facelift surgery involves an incision along your hairline, and around the ear, which allows your underlying facial muscle tissue to be tightened, and any excess skin and fat removed.
Mini facelifts are similar to the full procedure. However, they differ in the extent of work performed. Generally, mini facelifts are less invasive and require less downtime and recovery time. Mini facelifts may be suitable for individuals with less skin laxity and early age-related changes.

Benefits of a Facelift procedure
A facelift addresses age-related changes such as loose skin and sagging in the lower face and neck. Facelifts don't change your fundamental features. A rhytidectomy can address changes such as:
- •Jowls
- •Excess fat under the chin
- •Loose skin and bands in the neck
- •Loose skin of the lower face
- •Deepening of the folds between the nose and mouth
A facelift can reduce these changes, although results vary between individuals. Keep in mind that a facelift cannot stop the ageing process, so ongoing care of your face and skin is important, as is a healthy diet and regular exercise. What's more, a facelift can be combined with various other cosmetic procedures such as neck lifts, chin lifts, brow lifts, eyelid surgery, and fat grafting as part of a treatment plan tailored to each individual.
Am I a candidate for a Facelift?
A Rhytidectomy procedure may be suitable for men and women concerned about loose skin and sagging in the lower face and neck. It is also important that candidates for a facelift have relatively healthy skin with enough elasticity and resilience to heal well.
Good candidates are people who are generally in good health. People without any disease that could interfere with the healing process. This can include heart disease, diabetes, or circulatory problems. Also, you should be free of any infections since they can cause complications during surgery and hinder recovery as well. Good candidates will also be non-smokers and people in good mental health. As outlined above, there are some situations where a facelift may not be the best option for a patient.
During your consultation for a facelift Sydney plastic surgeon, Dr. Rizk will discuss your complete medical history and talk you through other options if a facelift is not right for you. As with all cosmetic treatments, Dr Rizk advocates the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Your Facelift procedure
Prior to your surgery, Dr Rizk will outline any steps you need to take to prepare adequately. These may include taking certain medications or adjusting those you already take. If you smoke, you'll be asked to stop. And if you take any supplements, make sure to let Dr Rizk know because some may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. You will be under general anesthesia during your surgery, so you'll be unconscious and you should plan for a friend or family member to take you home. Facelift is performed in an accredited facility; many patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay, as Dr Rizk advises.
Limited or "mini-facelifts" involve localized incisions that are much smaller, but the extent of the work is more limited as well, so they are not able to address concerns that involve the entire face. However, the recovery and aftercare required for a mini-facelift are much less than for a full procedure. Once the "under-the-skin" work has been completed, Dr Rizk will then redrape the skin and remove any excess skin as needed. He will finalise the procedure by closing the entire incision with stitches or, in some cases, skin adhesives.

Your Facelift Procedure Recovery
The recovery process from your facelift greatly depends on the extent of the procedure you have performed. Dr Rizk will provide you with any prescriptions you may need for pain or antibiotic medication as well as any aftercare instructions you will need. There will be dressings or bandages covering your face; make sure not to remove these before Dr Rizk recommends.
You should expect there to be significant swelling, discoloration, and bruising around the impacted areas that will resolve in time, depending on your body's natural healing properties. Depending on your needs, Dr Rizk may also utilise small tubes to drain excess fluid from the surgical sites, and he'll let you know the proper way to care for these as well.
Your face, forehead, and/or neck will probably be tender and sore for several days as well. Your medication should be adequate to address any discomfort you have, but you can contact Dr Rizk if you have any concerns. As always, call for emergency medical attention immediately in the case of any severe or life-threatening issues. Following your surgery, Dr Rizk will schedule any follow-up visits to check on your progress and remove any stitches or drainage tubes, if necessary.
Double Bay, Sydney
Book a consultation with Dr Rizk
Every patient receives a personalised treatment plan tailored to their goals. Consultations are available in person at Double Bay or virtually. Cosmetic surgery requires a GP referral, at least two consultations with Dr Rizk (at least one in person) and a cooling-off period of at least seven days before surgery is booked.
Risks and possible complications
All surgery carries risks. Dr Rizk will discuss the risks that apply to you at your consultation.
Possible risks of facelift surgery include:
- •Bleeding and haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), which may need to be drained
- •Infection
- •Wound-healing problems, including skin loss, which is more likely in smokers
- •Visible or thickened scarring around the ears and hairline
- •Injury to the facial nerves, causing weakness of facial movement, usually temporary
- •Numbness or other changes in sensation of the face and ears
- •Hair loss near the incisions and changes to the hairline
- •Asymmetry and contour irregularities
- •Changes to the shape or position of the earlobes
- •Risks of anaesthesia and blood clots (DVT/PE)
- •Need for revision surgery
Results vary between individuals and further surgery may sometimes be needed.
Your Facelift results
Many patients return to work within two to three weeks; this varies. It may take longer than that for your face to feel back to "normal." This is because of the process your facial skin and muscles undergo to relax and settle into their new position.
After the swelling and bruising have subsided, the final result becomes clearer. A facelift typically tightens the skin along the jawline and neck. Results vary between individuals, and the face continues to age after surgery.
It is important to remember that each person's body is unique, so your results will not exactly match someone else's. Also, following Dr Rizk's instructions closely and staying vigilant with your skincare routine will be vital to maintaining your facelift's results.
Complementary Procedures
Some people choose to combine their facelift with one or more other procedures that address other areas of the face. Combining procedures can increase the length of surgery and recovery, and Dr Rizk will discuss whether it is appropriate for you. Some common complementary procedures for a facelift are:
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is surgery to change the shape or size of the nose, and in some cases to improve breathing.
Blepharoplasty
Also called "eyelid surgery," Blepharoplasty targets the form and function of either the upper eyelid, the lower, or both. Often, patients choose this to reduce sagging in the upper eyelid, which can make the eyes appear tired and can even impair vision. Likewise, lower Blepharoplasty can reduce puffiness and bags beneath the eyes.
Brow Lift
While a facelift addresses the middle and lower portions of the face, a brow lift addresses the forehead and brows. A brow lift tends to be less extensive than a facelift. It can reduce forehead creases and raise a low brow position.
Neck Lift
Excess fat, loose skin and vertical bands can develop in the neck with age. A neck lift (including "platysmaplasty") tightens the neck muscles and removes excess skin and fat to reduce these changes.
Face Contouring
Some people considering a facelift are also concerned about facial volume loss. Options can include:
- •Facial Implants — prosthetic devices are implanted under the skin to fill out sunken places
- •Fat Transfer — fat is harvested from another area of the body and injected under the skin of the face
Non-surgical Treatments
Some patients consider non-surgical procedures to address skin texture and pigmentation following a facelift. These treatments carry their own risks. Common treatments include intense pulsed light (IPL), laser treatments, chemical peels, microneedling, and dermabrasion.
Other face surgeries performed by Dr Rizk
In terms of Face surgery, Sydney offers a variety of procedures under Dr Rizk. These include:
Facelift FAQs
A deep plane facelift releases and repositions the deeper structural layer of the face (the SMAS and underlying ligaments), rather than simply tightening the skin. The aim is to reposition the deeper tissues that contribute to facial sagging, rather than only the surface. Other facelift techniques, such as SMAS facelifts, tighten the muscular layer beneath the skin. Each technique has its own benefits and risks. Dr Rizk will assess your anatomy during your consultation to recommend the most appropriate technique for your goals.
Facelift costs in Sydney vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, whether complementary procedures (such as a neck lift or blepharoplasty) are performed at the same time, anaesthesia fees, and hospital costs. Dr Rizk provides a detailed, personalised quote following your consultation. In some cases, a portion of costs may be partially covered by Medicare if there is a functional component. Please contact our rooms on 1300 707 007 for more information.
Most patients are comfortable returning to work and light social activities within 2–3 weeks. Significant swelling and bruising typically resolve within the first 2 weeks, though subtle swelling can persist for 2–3 months as the deeper tissues settle. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4–6 weeks. Dr Rizk will provide you with a tailored recovery plan and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Facelift results are generally long-lasting, but they are not permanent and vary between individuals. Results depend on your skin quality, lifestyle factors (sun protection, smoking, diet), and the natural ageing process, which continues after surgery. Maintaining a good skincare routine and healthy lifestyle will help preserve your results.
Dr Rizk performs facelift surgery under general anaesthesia in an accredited facility. You will be unconscious during surgery and will not feel anything. You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure and to stay with you for the first 24 hours of recovery.
There is no fixed age requirement for a facelift. Facelift is usually considered by adults with skin laxity; suitability is assessed individually. What matters most is your general health, skin elasticity, and realistic expectations — all of which Dr Rizk will assess thoroughly during your consultation.
Learn more about Facelift procedures in Sydney with a consultation with Dr Joseph Rizk
Are you ready to find out if a facelift procedure is right for you? Contact the rooms of Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Joseph Rizk. You can fill in the consultation form on this page or give us a call on 1300 707 007, Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.




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Dr Joseph Rizk (MED0001186612) aims to make sure that each patient is heard, respected, and treated well. His approach is to give you the accurate medical information you need to make informed decisions about your course of treatment, including its risks and recovery.
Double Bay
Suite 301, Level 3
451 New South Head Road
Double Bay NSW 2028

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