Facelift Surgery — Surgical Facial Rejuvenation

$15,000 to $35,000+, depending on the surgical technique, complexity, anaesthesia requirements and hospital facility fees. A detailed written cost estimate is provided following your consultation, once the most appropriate approach has been determined for your anatomy and goals. We recommend requesting a full itemised fee breakdown from any provider you're considering, so you can compare like with like. Medicare and private health insurance don't typically cover facelift surgery performed for cosmetic reasons.

Suitability depends on your overall health, medical history, skin quality, degree of facial tissue change, and treatment goals. Good candidates are generally in good health, non-smokers (or willing to cease smoking prior to surgery), and have realistic expectations. Not everyone who enquires is suited to surgery — in some cases, non-surgical treatments like Ultherapy or a Thread Lift may be a more appropriate starting point.

There's no set age — suitability is based on your facial anatomy, degree of tissue change, skin quality and overall health, not age alone. Some patients notice early structural changes in their mid-forties; others don't consider surgery until their sixties or beyond. What matters is whether the changes are causing you concern, assessed during consultation.

A mini facelift (MACS) typically uses smaller incisions and addresses earlier or more limited lower face laxity, while a full facelift involves more comprehensive repositioning of underlying tissues — including the SMAS layer — and may also address the neck. The most appropriate approach is determined during consultation based on your anatomy and goals. Read more about Mini Facelift (MACS) surgery →

Modern techniques reposition the underlying structural layers of the face — particularly the SMAS — rather than simply pulling the skin tight, aiming for a natural, rested appearance. This avoids the stretched or "operated" look associated with older techniques. The goal is always a better, more youthful version of you.

Yes — the goal is to restore structural changes without altering your natural features or facial identity. Modern techniques work with your anatomy rather than against it. Dr Prochazka will take time to understand what concerns you most and set realistic expectations. No surgical outcome can be guaranteed, and results vary between individuals.

Typically ten years or more, depending on the surgical technique used, individual ageing patterns, skin quality, and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking. Techniques addressing deeper structural layers — such as Deep Plane or High SMAS — tend to provide more durable support. A facelift doesn't stop ageing; some patients complement results with non-surgical treatments over time to help maintain skin quality.

Most patients require 1–2 weeks away from work and social activities, with more strenuous activity typically restricted for 4–6 weeks. Swelling and bruising are common in the first 1–2 weeks and gradually improve. Structured aftercare — including scheduled follow-ups, 24-hour medical support access, and LED light therapy where appropriate — is part of your surgical journey, not an add-on.

Yes — it's often combined with other procedures for more comprehensive rejuvenation, including blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), fat transfer to restore volume, and neck lift procedures where significant neck laxity is present. Combined procedures are discussed during consultation based on your individual anatomy and goals.

All surgical procedures carry risks, including bleeding or haematoma formation, infection, temporary or longer-lasting changes in skin sensation, visible or unfavourable scarring, delayed wound healing, asymmetry, and — rarely — nerve injury affecting facial movement. A thorough discussion of risks, benefits and alternatives forms part of every consultation.