Facelift Double Bay, Sydney (Meloplasty)

As we age, the production of collagen, elastin, and proteins that provide structure and elasticity to the skin decreases.

Over time, the fat pads in our faces can shift downwards resulting in volume loss in the areas such as the cheeks and under the eyes, which create a hollower appearance.

Along with the above, gravity plays a part in the natural ageing process, pulling down the skin and underlying tissues, creating laxity in the jowls and neck.

Many patients may choose to address facial concerns with non-surgical treatments, but for a longer lasting outcome, patients may consider a facelift.

What are the two different types of facelifts?

There are two types of Facelifts that Dr Rastogi can perform on patients who are seeking facial improvement.

The first is called a SMAS facelifts (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), which combines the tightening of the underlying facial muscles with the overlying skin. This is generally a procedure offered to patients who are wanting to prolong their existing facial appearance or have it as a preventative treatment.

The second is called a Deep Plane facelift, which tightens the deeper layers of the facial tissues. Due to the extent of this procedure, patients are generally at an older age with more advanced stages of ageing.

Should I get a deep plane facelift or a SMAS facelift?

To understand what type of facelift would be beneficial to you, you may send through images for Dr Rastogi to review prior to booking a consultation. You can send these images to reception@rastogi.com.au.

Outcomes

• Removing excess skin around the jawline
• Moving the fat pads back into a higher position – filling out potential hollowness in the cheeks
• Removing fat and excess skin in the neck (necklift)
• Results are long lasting, however, this does not stop the natural ageing process, so you may see results lasting between 7-10 years
• Incisions are carefully placed where the face and hair merge and in front and back of the ear

Suitable candidates

If you want to address excess skin on the face and neck or concerns such as jowls, you may be a suitable facelift candidate.

To be considered as a suitable candidate, you will need to be in good overall health. A thorough evaluation of your suitability for the procedure will be conducted during your consultation. Contraindications to a facelift can include certain medical conditions, allergies and skin conditions.

It’s important that candidates have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure. During your consultation, you’ll discuss your reasons for undergoing the procedure and your expected results.

Suitable candidates should be willing to commit to post-operative and preparation instructions. Dr Rastogi will provide you with personalised instructions during your consultation, which can include to restrict activity levels, follow a healthy lifestyle and follow a skincare plan.

Ensuring your suitability for the procedure is important when it comes to minimising risks and preventing complications from occurring, both during and after the procedure.

Your facelift consultation

Dr Rastogi’s clinic offers two different consultations, and you will need both prior to your procedure.

You will start with an initial video consultation with Dr Rastogi, and this goes for about 20-30 mins. This is booked on a Tuesday afternoon and the cost is $200, processed at the time of booking.

This is a perfect opportunity to discuss your areas of facial concerns and discuss suitability.

Following the video consultation will be an in room consultation with Dr Rastogi, and this goes for about 1–1.5 hours. This is booked on a Monday afternoon, or a Tuesday morning and the cost is $300, processed at the time of booking. We will go through the procedure in depth, discuss preparation, recovery, quote breakdown, risks and complications and surgical dates if you wish to have this information.

You will leave the consultation with a copy of all your notes and information so you can take your time making an informed decision.

The consultation fee covers your two consultations with Dr Rastogi and any additional consultations required to ensure all your questions are answered.

Surgery preparation instructions

Before a facelift, it is essential to maintain good overall health. Dr Rastogi will provide personalised preparation instructions based on your needs and the procedure details.

You may be instructed to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption for a set period of time before your procedure to promote optimal healing. You will need to discuss any medications or supplements you are currently taking during your consultation, as certain substances may need to be temporarily discontinued before the procedure. This includes blood-thinning medications and herbal supplements that can affect blood clotting.

In the weeks leading up to your facelift, you should follow a well-balanced diet and stay hydrated to support your body’s healing ability. If you like, you can prepare your home for the post-operative recovery, creating a comfortable space to recuperate. You can stock up on necessary supplies, such as prescribed medications, ice packs, and other necessary items. We recommend organising someone to pick you up after your procedure and support you during the earlier days of your recovery.

If you would like a preparation and recovery guide, please email reception@rastogi.com.au.

The day of your facelift procedure

Before your procedure, you’ll discuss the details of your personalised procedure plan during a consultation. Dr Rastogi will tailor the steps of the procedure to your needs and decide on the most appropriate techniques to use.

The procedure is performed in hospital. The hospitals are Waratah Private Hospital in Hurstville and Double Bay Day Hospital in Double Bay.

If you require an overnight stay, you may wish to choose having your surgery at Waratah Private Hospital.

You will need someone to collect you after your surgery and stay with you overnight. If you do not have a support person, or you’re travelling by yourself, our lovely team can assist with options for you, so you are looked after following surgery,

When you have presented to the hospital, the admission team will be on the front desk and ask you to fill out paperwork. The hospital fee will be processed at this time.

Soon after, you will be escorted to the preparation area, where you will speak with our amazing anaesthetist, speak with Dr Rastogi and nursing staff to ensure you are comfortable and excited.

At the beginning of the surgery, patients are administered general anaesthesia. Incisions are then made, usually at the points where the face and hair meet. The placement and length of these incisions will be discussed during the consultation process, as they are where patients can expect their scars to be.

Once the incisions are made, the skin is carefully lifted and the underlying tissues may be repositioned or tightened. Depending on the patient’s needs, fat may be redistributed or removed. Dr Rastogi performs SMAS facelifts (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), combining the tightening of the underlying facial muscles with the overlying skin. Excess skin may be removed before the incisions are carefully sutured closed. Patients will be monitored in the hospital immediately after the procedure.

Once the procedure has been completed, you will stay in recovery until you wake up from the general anaesthetic. Dr Rastogi will come and see you when you wake up and check in with you.

You will be wearing a facial garment for only 48 hours, which can be removed after this time frame. This is to reduce swelling as much as possible.

When you are ready to be discharged, the hospital will contact your support person to collect you.

The evening of your procedure, you may feel lightheaded from the general anaesthetic, which is why you need a support person when you get home. We ask that you sip on water to stay hydrated prior to going to bed. We highly recommend having a few pillows under your head when sleeping so that your head is elevated, and above your heart.

A soft diet is also recommended for the first 24 hours.

Recovery and post-operative appointments

After a facelift, Dr Rastogi will provide you with personalised instructions to help you support your body’s healing process. You will also be able to discuss your recovery timeline and details of when to return to work, resume an exercise routine and resume other activities.

You’ll have a thorough consultation before your procedure so that you can prepare for your recovery. You may need to organise prescriptions, arrange for support during recovery and purchase items that you will need.

Following your procedure, you will need to organise for someone to pick you up from the hospital and support you during the earlier days of recovery. Activity can be limited, so having someone to assist you with certain tasks, such as household chores, is important.

Our team will be on call after hours if you need support during your recovery.

General recovery instructions

To manage swelling and bruising after your procedure, you can apply cold compresses as directed by Dr Rastogi. While getting plenty of rest, you should avoid bending over, lifting heavy objects, and engaging in activities that may strain the facial muscles. If possible, you should sleep with your head elevated, using an extra pillow to help reduce swelling. This is especially important during the initial days after surgery. It is important that when you can, commence light walking the day after surgery and the days following to keep the blood flowing through your body. This is to minimise the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

You should protect your face from direct sunlight throughout your recovery. We recommend applying an SPF 50+ sunscreen to prevent sun damage to healing skin. Drinking enough water and maintaining a nutritious diet will also help support your body’s healing process. You will need to refrain from smoking and limit alcohol intake during the recovery period, as these can impede the healing process. Dr Rastogi can specify the period of time that you will need to avoid these substances.

You will receive instructions on how to care for your incisions, including keeping them clean to avoid complications such as infection. You’ll receive advice on when you can shower after surgery and when you can resume washing your hair, as the incisions are typically placed where the face and hair merge. However, the placement of your incisions will be discussed during your consultation. You may also be instructed to apply a topical cream on your incisions to help prevent noticeable scarring.

If you notice any concerning symptoms during your recovery, such as excessive pain, persistent swelling, or signs of infection, you will need to contact the clinic for further advice.

Recovery timeline

Recovery is different for each patient; however, a full recovery is between 6-7 weeks.

During the first 6 weeks you can commence certain activities, such as returning to work, exercise, swimming, and flying.

During the first week you will have some initial swelling, which is normal for any surgery. The swelling normally subsides by day 4.

You will feel some initial tightness, and again, this subsides by day 4. Bruising is generally minimal, but like the above timelines, every patient is different, and recovery depends on the patient’s health, lifestyle and genetics.

When picking a date for surgery, you will need to account for any travel, holidays, or commitments to events so that recovery is your priority.

International travel is normally ok after 4 weeks and domestic is ok after 4-7 days.

During your consultation, we will give you a recovery timeline, so you are well prepared. If you would like a copy of our post operative guide, please email reception@rastogi.com.au.

Post-operative appointments

You will need to return the clinic for post-operative appointments to monitor the progress of your healing.

Your first appointment will be about three to four days after surgery. You will be able to discuss your progress with Dr Rastogi and our nurses and ask any questions. During your first appointment, we will organise your remaining follow-up appointments.

One of your following appointments will be the Monday after the first post operative appointment, and this is to remove your sutures.

Facelift costs with Dr Rastogi in Sydney or Double Bay

Your procedure costs can be discussed during your consultation with Dr Rastogi in Sydney or Double Bay.

The quote given at your in room consultation covers the surgical fee, 4.5 hours of theatre time in hospital, anaesthetist fee, and post op appointments.

There are a few payment options that our team can discuss with you at any time. These payment options include: all major credit cards and multiple payment plans.

Quotes are influenced by individually varying factors, such as the total procedure time and the complexity of the procedure. However, our team are always happy to give an estimated cost over the phone or via email.

Risks and complications

All procedures come with some form of risk, which should be discussed in detail during the consultation process. With Dr Rastogi, you can discuss what you can do to minimise risks while preparing for your procedure and what steps to take during recovery to reduce risks afterwards.

Some risks are minor and may not require medical attention, such as initial swelling, while others can be more serious and will require medical intervention should they occur. When discussing the risks that are associated with the procedure, you can discuss what symptoms to look out for that could indicate a complication has occurred.

Our team is available to contact after hours should you have any questions or concerns.

The risks and complications of a facelift can include:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Irregularities
• Asymmetry
• Loss of sensation
• Hair loss
• Nerve injury causing numbness / lopsided face
• Neuralgia
• Parotid Duct Injury
• Hematoma (A collection of blood outside of blood vessels)
• Scarring
• Skin necrosis
• Skin discolouration (such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation)
• Allergic reactions to medications, anaesthesia, or materials used during the surgery
• Seroma (fluid accumulation)
• Delayed healing
• General anaesthesia risks