Face lift Perth
Is a face or neck lift right for you?
What's covered
Let’s talk about it: what a facelift or neck lift can (and can’t) do
A face lift or neck lift isn’t a magic reset button, and it won’t stop the ageing process. But what it can do is lift sagging skin, redefine contours, and create a smoother, more refreshed appearance. The key is balance—preserving natural movement while reducing excess skin.
What a facelift or neck lift can do
- Tighten loose skin around the jaw, cheeks, and neck
- Improve deep folds around the mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Restore definition to the jawline and chin
- Provide longer-lasting results compared to injectables
What a facelift or neck lift won’t do
- Completely change your face or make you look like someone else
- Stop the ageing process
- Improve skin texture or sun damage (that’s where skincare and superficial resurfacing treatments come in)
The reality check: why some people age faster than others
Ageing is different for everyone, and it’s not just about genetics. Lifestyle, sun exposure, and even how expressive your face is can all play a role in skin sagging and volume loss. Over time, skin elasticity decreases, fat shifts, and gravity does its thing—leading to changes in the face and neck.
Some people start noticing these changes in their 40s, others in their 50s or 60s. The key to a natural-looking face lift is timing—it works best when done before the skin has lost too much elasticity.
Types of facelifts or neck lift: which one is right for you?
Not all face lifts are the same. The right approach depends on your facial structure, skin elasticity, and desired outcome.
- Full face lift i
- Mini face lift i
- Neck lift i
Combining treatments
A neck and face lift can be combined with other procedures to achieve a more balanced and rejuvenated appearance. Some common combinations include:
- Skin resurfacing – Helps improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and enhance the overall glow of your skin.
- Brow lift – Elevates sagging brows and smooths forehead wrinkles to complement the effects of a face lift.
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) – Refreshes tired-looking eyes
These treatments can be discussed during your consultation.
“I want to look younger, but I’m not sure about plastic surgery…”
It’s a big decision, and plastic or cosmetic surgery isn’t for everyone. If you’re on the fence, here’s what to consider:
- If you have mild moderate sagging, a mini face lift might be enough to restore a youthful contour.
- If your neck is your biggest concern, a neck lift may be a better option, often combined with a lower face lift
- If you have moderate to severe laxity of the face and neck, a full face and neck lift may be the most appropriate
- If you’re only looking for subtle changes, non-surgical treatments like skin resurfacing could be a good first step.
A consultation with Dr Tuan Pham can help determine what’s best for your goals—without pressure or obligation.
What happens in a facelift or neck lift?
A modern facelift or neck lift isn’t about pulling the skin tight—it’s about lifting and repositioning the deeper structures for a fresher look. Dr Pham performs almost exclusively deep plane facelifts and deep neck lifts to avoid the overly pulled wind-swept appearance. Here’s a general idea of what happens:
- The anaesthesia – Face lifts are done under general anaesthesia, or local anaesthetic with sedation. Dr Pham will recommend the best option for you based on your needs.
- The incisions – Usually hidden along the hairline and around the ears.
- The lift – The underlying tissues are lifted, repositioned, and tightened to restore volume where needed, while any excess skin is carefully removed.
- The recovery – Most patients are able to resume light daily activities and feel confident being out and about within 10 to 14 days.
The goal? For people to notice you look refreshed—but not be able to tell why.
What are the risks of a facelift or neck lift?
Facelift complications are uncommon, but like any surgery, there are risks. Dr Pham follows the highest standards to minimise them, but some issues can still occur.
General risks of surgery:
- Infection – may need antibiotics
- Bleeding or blood clots – can cause swelling or fluid buildup (seroma)
- Sore throat – from the breathing tube used during anaesthesia
- Scarring – rarely, scars may become raised (hypertrophic or keloid)
Specific risks of a facelift:
- Skin loss – more common in smokers but usually heals on its own. Rarely requires a skin graft.
- Hair loss near incisions – usually temporary but can be permanent.
- Numbness – temporary loss of feeling in cheeks or ears, which improves over months.
- Facial nerve injury – temporary in most cases, but in rare cases (less than 1 in 100 people), it can be permanent, leading to a lopsided appearance.
- Unwanted scarring – some scars may be more visible or uncomfortable than expected.
- Earlobe changes – a pulled-down or altered earlobe shape.
- Asymmetry – subtle differences between the left and right sides.
- Dissatisfaction – the final result may not meet expectations.
- Condition recurrence – ageing continues, and in some cases, revision surgery may be needed.
While these risks exist, most patients heal well and are happy with their results. Dr Pham will discuss your personal risk factors and how to minimise complications.
What about scarring?
One of the biggest concerns people have is whether a facelift will leave visible scars. The good news is that modern surgical techniques focus on minimising scarring by careful tissue handling and placing incisions in discreet locations, such as:
- Along the hairline
- Behind the ears
- Under the chin (if a neck lift is included)
Over time, these incisions fade and become barely noticeable. Proper post-operative care, including scar creams and avoiding direct sun exposure, can further reduce their visibility.
What to expect after surgery: post-recovery timeline
Healing after a facelift or neck lift takes time, and while you’ll see some results quickly, the full effect develops over several months. Here’s what to expect:
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable. You’ll need to take it easy and keep your head elevated.
Most patients feel comfortable going out in public. Bruising starts to fade, and makeup can help cover any discoloration.
Swelling continues to subside, and the incisions start to blend with your skin.
The final results become more visible as your skin settles and scars begin to fade.
Most people return to normal activities within two weeks, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for about four to six weeks. Dr Tuan Pham will provide a personalised recovery plan to help you heal as smoothly as possible.
What else should I expect during facelift recovery?
In addition to swelling and bruising, there are a few more things to keep in mind for a smooth recovery:
- Dressing & drains – Your head will be wrapped in a soft bulky dressing for a few days after surgery. Very rarely, patients have small drains, which are usually removed the next day. The dressing is removed and a facial corset is worn for one week, then nightly for a further few weeks (as advised by Dr Pham).
- Sutures & staples – Non-dissolvable sutures and staples are typically removed within 5 to 7 days. Most sutures used are dissolvable. Applying Vaseline four times daily helps keep the area lubricated, making removal more comfortable and promoting faster healing.
- Numbness – The skin in front of your ears may feel numb for several months, with full sensation returning in about 6 months.
- Washing your hair – You can wash your hair on the second day after surgery, letting water, soap, and shampoo trickle over the incisions. Avoid scrubbing the area.
- Skin hydration & healing – Applying Antibiotic Ointment, Vaseline, Bio-Oil, or moisturiser to the incisions 4 times a day helps healing.
- Follow-up appointments – If you’re not staying in the hospital, you’ll see Dr Pham 1–3 days after surgery for a dressing change and wound check, then again 4–5 days later for suture removal.
- Makeup & camouflage – Bruising can usually be covered with makeup after one week.
- Sun protection – Always wear a hat and sunglasses outside. After surgery, our team will let you know when it’s safe to use sunscreen and facial creams. Avoid unprotected sun exposure for three months to prevent pigmentation of incision lines.
How should I take care of myself after surgery?
- Rest is key – Take it easy for the first 24 hours and keep your head elevated with 2–3 pillows for a week.
- Avoid strain – No bending, lifting, or heavy activity. If you have kids, bend at the knees or sit down and let them come to you.
- Expect swelling & bruising – Mild pain, swelling, and disrupted sleep are normal and will improve with time.
- Get help if needed – Having assistance for the first 2–3 days is strongly recommended.
- Returning to normal – Light daily activities are fine after a few days, but no smoking, heavy drinking, or driving for one week. Plan for 1–2 weeks off work.
When should I call the doctor?
Contact Dr Pham’s office or the hospital if you have:
- Fever over 38°C, chills, or high fever
- Heavy bleeding from the wound
- Significant redness or discharge around the incision
- Severe swelling that doesn’t improve
Following these guidelines will help you heal smoothly and safely.
Real talk: is a facelift or neck lift worth it?
A face lift is a personal choice, and it’s not about achieving perfection. It’s about feeling confident in the way you look. If you find yourself constantly adjusting your skin in the mirror or avoiding photos, it may be worth exploring your options.
What’s next? (Your options & next steps)
- Not sure if a face lift is right for you? Consider a mini lift for a smaller, more subtle change.
- Concerned about your neck? A neck lift may be the best solution.
- Looking for a non-surgical option? Let’s talk about injectables or skin resurfacing treatments.
Dr Tuan Pham will walk you through your options—no pressure, just honest advice.
Let’s talk!
Still have questions? Let’s chat.
- Book a consultation to discuss your goals.
- Follow Dr Tuan Pham on Instagram for insights, tips, and before-and-after examples.
Your face, your choice. Let’s find what works best for you.
Topics
# Face lift Perth
# Neck lift Perth
# Mini Face lift Perth
# Dr Tuan Pham
# Plastic Surgery Perth