Rhytidectomy

About the Procedure

Age-related changes in the face may include changes to the underlying bone structure, a reduction in subcutaneous volume, and decreased skin elasticity. These factors can alter facial contours and definition, and may contribute to the appearance of lines or folds in the skin.

What is Rhytidectomy (Facelift)?

Rhytidectomy, also known as facelift surgery, is a procedure that repositions the soft tissues of the midface and lower face and removes areas of excess skin. This typically involves adjustment of the deeper musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layers as well as the skin to support a change in facial contours.

Dr Steven Liew (FRACS, MED0001151298) performs a deep-plane rhytidectomy (facelift), a technique that mobilises deeper facial layers to reposition soft tissues while minimising surface skin tension.

Surgical Approach

Dr Liew’s surgical approach focuses on repositioning deeper facial tissues through the deep-plane surgical technique to support natural facial movement and reduce reliance on skin tension.

Results

Rhytidectomy (facelift) may be considered for individuals with age-related facial changes such as skin laxity, changes in soft tissue positioning, loss of volume, and reduced skeletal support. These factors can alter facial contours and definition over time.

Individual outcomes and recovery experiences vary. This procedure repositions deeper facial tissues and removes areas of excess skin to address these structural changes. A consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon is required to discuss suitability, potential risks, and what may be reasonably expected based on your individual anatomy and clinical needs.

• A surgical approach that may address anatomical changes in the upper, mid, and lower regions of the face.
• Repositioning and adjusting deeper soft tissue structures to address changes related to ageing and volume distribution.
• Removal of areas of excess skin and adjustment of soft tissue to address laxity associated with age-related changes.

What to Expect from Rhytidectomy?

During your preoperative consultation, Dr Steven Liew (FRACS, MED0001151298) will perform a detailed assessment of your facial anatomy, soft tissue distribution, and skin characteristics to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

Rhytidectomy (facelift) involves the elevation and repositioning of facial soft tissues, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), followed by the removal of areas of excess skin. In some cases, adjunctive procedures — such as autologous fat transfer — may be used to address changes in facial volume associated with ageing.

This procedure is typically performed to address structural changes in the mid and lower face. The approach is individualised based on your anatomy and clinical requirements.

Who May Be Suitable for Rhytidectomy (Facelift) Surgery?

Rhytidectomy, commonly referred to as facelift surgery, may be considered for individuals with moderate to advanced signs of facial ageing. These may include reduced soft tissue volume, decreased skin elasticity, and changes in underlying structures that can alter facial contours and definition.

Facelift surgery is a procedure that addresses changes in the mid and lower face. It may be appropriate for patients considering surgical options for functional or anatomical reasons related to soft tissue laxity.

For individuals with more localised concerns, or those not seeking surgical intervention, non-surgical options may be available. These alternatives, where appropriate, can be discussed during a consultation with a registered health practitioner.

Differences Between Rhytidectomy and Cervicoplasty

Rhytidectomy (facelift surgery) and cervicoplasty (neck lift surgery) are distinct procedures that address different anatomical regions and structural concerns.

• Rhytidectomy (Facelift Surgery): Focuses on the mid to lower face. This procedure repositions facial soft tissues and removes areas of excess skin to address age-related changes, such as skin laxity and soft tissue descent.
• Cervicoplasty (Necklift Surgery): Targets the cervical (neck) region. It typically involves removing excess skin and, in some cases, tightening the platysma muscle to address soft tissue laxity or structural changes beneath the jawline.

These procedures can be performed independently or, when clinically appropriate, in combination. In selected cases, combining rhytidectomy and cervicoplasty allows for surgical management of structural changes across both the lower face and neck regions in a single operation.

Cervicoplasty specifically addresses the submental and anterior cervical areas—the region beneath the chin and along the front of the neck—by removing excess skin and, where indicated, supporting the underlying muscle structure.

Differences Between Rhytidectomy and Browplasty

Rhytidectomy (facelift surgery) and browplasty (brow lift or forehead lift) are two distinct procedures that target different regions of the face. While both are performed to address age-related changes or soft tissue laxity, they focus on separate facial thirds.

• Rhytidectomy (Facelift Surgery): This procedure addresses structural changes in the mid and lower face. It typically involves repositioning soft tissues and removing areas of excess skin to adjust contours in regions such as the jawline, cheeks, and lower face.
• Browplasty (Brow or Forehead Lift): This procedure focuses on the upper third of the face. It may involve repositioning the brows and, in some cases, adjusting the underlying muscle and soft tissue. This can be considered in cases of brow descent (brow ptosis) or to address lines and folds across the forehead or between the brows.

These procedures can be performed independently or, where clinically appropriate, combined with other procedures, such as blepharoplasty, depending on individual anatomy and treatment goals.