​​5 Signs You May Be Ready for a Facelift

Facelift surgery, also known as “rhytidectomy,” is a procedure designed to alter signs of ageing in the lower third of the face and upper neck. This major aesthetic surgery involves a complex reworking of facial tissue and typically requires up to a month of recovery time.

Every patient has their own reasons for exploring surgical facial rejuvenation. As such, a consultation with a qualified provider is the best way to determine whether a facelift may be appropriate at this or a later time. To potentially help with your decision, our Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon has compiled five signs that may indicate you could be a suitable candidate for facelift surgery, pending individual assessment.

1. Informed Expectations and Personalised Surgical Planning

A fundamental component of successful surgery is understanding what the procedure can and cannot accomplish. Patients considering facelift surgery should be fully informed about the benefits, limitations, potential risks, and recovery process.

At Dr Vlad Milovic’s clinic, the consultation process is designed to prioritise informed decision-making. Each patient undergoes at least two detailed appointments with Dr Milovic to allow time for questions, discussion, and personal reflection. These meetings are tailored to your individual needs and goals, and may also explore alternative procedures if applicable.

The surgical plan is developed after a comprehensive facial assessment and discussion of your aesthetic concerns. Depending on your anatomy and preferences, Dr Milovic may recommend one of several facelift techniques – including the deep plane facelift, MACS, S-lift, or hybrid facelift method (which incorporates fat grafting) – to create a more balanced, natural-looking outcome.

2. A Clear Understanding of Potential Risks

Like all surgical procedures, facelift surgery carries the potential for complications. These may include bruising, swelling, discomfort, changes in sensation, scarring, or other risks associated with anaesthesia or healing. Some patients may also experience asymmetry, prolonged swelling, or the need for revision procedures. Additionally, certain more severe complications (such as infection, poor wound healing, and nerve damage) are associated with all surgical procedures; however, these concerns are considered less common when the procedure is performed by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon.

Our practice is committed to clear communication and ethical care. We encourage all patients to review the potential risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes during the consultation process as part of informed consent, in accordance with AHPRA’s 2025 guidelines.

3. Appropriate Health and Lifestyle Factors

Health status plays a critical role in determining suitability for any elective surgery. Ideal candidates for facelift surgery should be in good general health and free from unmanaged medical conditions that could compromise healing. During the consultation process, Dr Milovic will ask about your medical history, current medications, and any past surgeries to determine whether surgery may be appropriate.

Patients must also be willing to abstain from smoking for a minimum of six weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine has been shown to impair circulation, interfere with wound healing, and increase the risk of complications. Other factors, such as existing scar tissue or skin quality, may also influence surgical planning.

4. A Desire to Alter Signs of Facial Ageing

Facelift surgery is most commonly sought by individuals who want to alter the cumulative effects of facial ageing. These may include:

• Sagging or inelastic skin along the jawline or under the chin
• Deep creases between the nose and mouth or from the mouth to the chin
• Volume loss in the midface
• Soft tissue descent and diminished muscle tone
• Generalised skin laxity in the lower face and neck

By targeting the underlying facial structures – particularly the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) – a facelift can reposition and tighten tissue, remove excess skin, and restore smoother contours. Patients experiencing a rapid progression of facial ageing may benefit from early surgical intervention to help stabilise changes and prolong definition.

5. Goals Localised to the Lower Face and Neck

Facelift surgery is specifically designed to target the lower face and neck; as such, patients whose cosmetic concerns are primarily localised to this region may be well-suited for the procedure. In some cases, neck lift techniques may be incorporated into a facelift to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation.

A Final Note

Facelift surgery is not appropriate for everyone, and the decision to proceed should only be made after a detailed assessment with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon. If you are experiencing signs of facial ageing and would like to explore potential options, Dr Milovic can provide a personalised treatment plan based on your facial structure, lifestyle factors, and overall goals.

Editor’s note: This blog was originally posted on August 17, 2021