Adelaide specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Jonathan Azzopardi, shares the facts on facelifts, talking us through the transformation journey from start to finish.

Someone visits your King William Road practice wanting a facelift. What’s next?

All patients require a referral from a GP or other specialist before being seen by a plastic surgeon. In my practice, patients will have at least two consultations before commencing the booking process for surgery. A consultation fee is only paid for the first appointment as we want to encourage patients to visit us multiple times and be truly comfortable with the decision they’re making. Patients are also asked to complete a body dysmorphic disorder questionnaire to assist us with ensuring they are only embarking on a journey of cosmetic surgery if psycho socially safe to do so, which is a measure enforced by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. I also always encourage my patients to see other plastic surgeons for a second opinion.

Is there a ‘right age’ to have a facelift?

Patients seeing me for a facelift range from their early 40s to late 70s. Regardless of age, assessment of facial tissues is what determines suitability for a facelift. An important consideration is the anatomical level or plane of dissection, which is deep to a layer called the SMAS, rather than a more superficial plane expected longevity of a facelift. Ageing does not stop; so naturally, the younger a patient is when they have a facelift, the more likely subsequent surgery will be required to maintain that result.

Is there any way to know what someone will look like post-surgery?

A general idea is depicted by explaining the technique and goals, as well as the limitations of a facelift. The specific areas of the face that are targeted, as well as the vectors of lifting, are demonstrated on the patient’s face in front of a mirror. Before and after images of other patients are also shared; however, it’s important to understand that everyone’s face is different and such images serve only as a guide and are by no means a guarantee of expected results. I do not use computer generated images to simulate a potential post operative outcome as I believe this creates inaccurate, false expectations.

You use the en bloc deep plane technique. What is this?

I perform a short scar en bloc deep plane facelift. Deep plane refers to the directly underneath the skin, which is an alternative. In this case, en bloc means that the skin and deeper SMAS layer are not separated, but rather lifted together. This results in less bruising, swelling, post operative bleeding and fluid accumulation. A deep plane approach also allows me to target the anatomical components that are pertinent to achieving the desired outcome and to achieve a more natural result, rather than the artificial win swept appearance that can result from more superficial techniques.

AZZXPARDI
4 King William Road, Wayville
azzxpardi.com
@azzxpardi

Dr Azzopardi is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon – MED0001675516