Partial Facelift Surgery in Sydney with Dr Kernohan
A partial facelift is a modified version of a standard facelift surgery. This procedure is performed, using shorter incisions than a traditional facelift. The incisions are made around the hairline and skin of the lower half of the face will be lifted to alleviate excess skin.
The surgery may be suitable for you if signs of ageing started to occur but you want fewer incisions and require only a small amount of skin removal. Contrary to what the name suggests, a partial facelift is still a complex cosmetic procedure and you should choose your plastic surgeon wisely.
Dr Michael Kernohan FRACS (Plas) is a specialist plastic surgeon in Sydney. Find out more about what the procedure involves, the recovery time, and the potential benefits of surgery.
Download Dr Michael Kernohan’s Facelift Surgery Guide
Benefits of a Partial Facelift Surgery
The potential benefits of partial facelift include but are not limited to:
1. Fewer Incisions Compared to a Full Facelift
As the procedure is not as extensive as a standard facelift fewer incisions are made compared to a traditional facelift. Dr Kernohan will make smaller surgical incisions.
2. Scarring
As the partial facelift involves smaller surgical incisions, the scarring is less extensive. The incisions are typically made around your ears and hairline.
3. Visible results
The results of a partial facelift are visible. Just because it is not as extensive as a traditional facelift, doesn’t mean it is any less effective in the lower face.
Is a Partial Facelift Right for Me?
Partial Facelift surgery is a customised procedure, but it may not be suitable for everyone.
During a consultation Dr Kernohan will assess your face, medical history, general health and create a facial treatment plan that is suitable for you.
Partial Facelift might be suitable for you if you meet the following criteria:
- You are experiencing skin ptosis, mainly on the lower half of the face, including a loss of jaw definition, excess skin on the cheeks, and jowls
- You are satisfied with how the upper half of your face looks- brow line, forehead but need help with ageing skin on the lower half of the face
- You are interested in alleviating excess skin but do not desire a traditional or deep plane facelift surgery
- You are in your 40s and 50s
- You are physically healthy and do not have any chronic illnesses
- You don’t smoke or can quit smoking for a specified time duration
- You have lost contour in the lower half of the face
Partial Facelift surgery might not be a suitable option for you if you:
- Are allergic to anaesthesia
- Struggle with bleeding problems and have poor healing abilities
- Deal with many chronic illnesses or comorbidities that can hinder the healing process
- Have significant loose skin on the upper half as well as the lower half of the face
It is important to know that suitability for the partial facelift procedure can only be determined after a consultation with Dr Kernohan. He will perform a medical examination and ask about your aesthetic goals and medical history and then determine whether you are the right candidate for the procedure or not.
Your Partial Facelift Consultation with Dr Kernohan
Ensure your consultation is with a plastic surgeon who is registered with AHPRA as a specialist in plastic surgery. Dr Kernohan will ask you about your general health and examine you as required.
If, after careful assessment, you are deemed eligible for a partial facelift surgery expect to discuss the type of surgery, principles of the operation, likely outcomes and potential risks of surgery.
You may have more than one consultation. It is difficult to take on board all the information in just one consultation, and it is crucial that you have time to think about the information you have heard and get a chance to ask any questions.
Key points to discuss at the consultation include:
- Your expectations and the expected outcomes of surgery
- The benefits of the surgery
- Any concerns about surgery risks, complications or limitations
What is a Deep Plane Facelift Video
Preparing for Partial Facelift Surgery
Before your Partial Facelift Surgery, you will be assessed by an anaesthetist. The assessment covers overviewing your overall health and fitness prior to carrying out the tests and investigations. Most patients are required to undergo a series of blood tests, ECG, and chest x-ray to ensure they are the right fit for the procedure. You will be photographed for hospital records and to give you a before and after comparison.
Make sure to let Dr Kernohan know about any current medications, allergies, and any illnesses you are dealing with at the time of the consultation. Make sure that you feel informed with the information given to you by Dr Kernohan. Every cosmetic surgery comes with its own set of risks and benefits. Make sure you fully understand them prior to committing to surgery.
Dr Kernohan will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for partial facelift surgery. Do not wear makeup or jewelry on the day of the surgery. Make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
Let Dr Kernohan know about all the medications, supplements and herbs you take. You will be asked to quit any blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory medications, supplements and any of the counter drugs as they can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. If you smoke, you will be asked to quit smoking several weeks before the surgery as it can hinder your recovery.
Partial Facelift Procedure
Partial Facelift surgery is a complex surgery that can be performed under either local or general anaesthesia. Once the anaesthesia is administered, Dr Kernohan will create markings around the hairline and ears.
Once the markings are made, Dr Kernohan will create the incisions. Unlike a traditional facelift, a partial facelift makes smaller incisions.
After that, the underlying skin tissues are manipulated and excess skin is removed. Dr Kernohan will pull your skin tissue upwards to its new position. Once the process is completed, he will close the incisions with the help of sutures.
What to Expect After a Partial Facelift?
After the surgery, you will be sent home on the same day (in some cases, Dr Kernohan might ask you to stay overnight). Your face will be covered in dressings and possible drains to remove the excess fluid. The stitches will stay in your face for several days. Then you will be required to come in for a follow-up visit.
You will experience bruising, and swelling on the treatment site for the initial few days. It is important to stay clear of physically intensive activities such as intense workouts, heavy lifting and exercises. It can take you several weeks to recover from the surgery.
How Much is a Partial Facelift Surgery in Sydney?
If you want to undergo partial facelift surgery in Sydney, the cost can vary significantly based on the experience and qualifications of the surgeon, geographical location, facility and other factors.
Check out the prices and fees page for more information. Or contact Dr Kernohan’s team to organise a consultation.
Medicare – Mini Facelift Surgery
Cosmetic procedures performed for aesthetic purposes only are not covered by Medicare or health insurance. Find out more details about Medicare item numbers.
Read more about a Partial facelift payment options on our prices page.
Finding the Right Facelift Surgeon for you in Sydney
Choosing the right plastic surgeon for you is one of the most important steps in your facial surgery experience. An experienced, plastic surgeon can help you achieve the results you desire and lower the likelihood of risks and complications occurring during the recovery period.
Make sure that the surgeon you choose is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and has years of experience performing partial Facelift surgeries. Research the credentials and experience of your surgeon thoroughly.
Make sure to take your time in choosing the plastic surgeon for your surgery in Sydney. The plastic surgeon should be someone you can connect with and speak freely and honestly about your goals and expectations.
Ask Your Partial Facelift Surgeon the Right Questions
It is important to ask the right questions during the initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, some questions you will likely want answered, include:
- Which surgical facility do you recommend for my surgery?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with partial facelift surgery?
- How do you plan to handle any risks and complications?
- What if something goes wrong during the surgery?
- How involved you will be during the recovery phase?
- What if I am not satisfied with the results of the surgery?
Now, that you have done your research, read enough, consulted the surgeon, asked all the right questions, it is time to trust your instinct.
Partial Facelift Surgery FAQs
Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding the partial facelift surgery:
