Breast augmentation using breast implants, typically silicone implants, is currently the most popular and common cosmetic surgery performed in Sydney. This procedure involves the insertion of implants to enlarge and enhance a woman’s breasts. This requires only a few days of recovery and has very good rates of success and high satisfaction.

Liposuction has been so far the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in Sydney to achieve immediate sculptured and defined bodies, particularly following weight loss programs. It is not surprising therefore, that both men and women consider Cosmetic Surgery to improve their self confidence and more importantly for some, for health reasons. Sydney patients importantly consider the length of time to recover and any possible adverse effects and consequently they achieve realistic and desired results. Liposuction as a form of cosmetic surgery is commonly performed on women and men on their abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, and upper arms.

Another procedure in Sydney that is very popular among women following weight loss and pregnancy and men after significant weight loss is a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty). This is performed when liposuction or other cosmetic surgery, weight loss or exercise alone will not address the sagging abdominal skin and spreading abdominal muscles. A Tummy Tuck tightens the lax skin and abdominal muscles, creating a defined abdomen. The scar is located below the underwear line and is easily hidden by clothing. Tummy Tuck scars typically fade to a fine scar with care and appropriate scar management.

Rhinoplasty, commonly called a “nose job”, is another popular cosmetic surgery in Sydney where the nose is reshaped, producing an aesthetic and attractive nose and therefore facial features. The nose is an important and central feature of the face. Trauma or normal aberrations of the nose can result in a loss of self confidence by patients seeking Rhinoplasty surgery. Patients in Sydney who undergo Rhinoplasty either want to enhance, change the shape or augment their nose.  Rhinoplasty alone may not correct breathing problems; these patients will need to seek the advice from an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon to help improve breathing difficulties.

Other common cosmetic surgeries in Sydney are face and neck lift and breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty). Face and neck lift surgery are performed for patients seeking a longer term result while breast reduction decreases the breast volume and shape to a natural, perky shape. It removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body weight.

For most patients in Sydney, the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a significant and important step. Often it is an attempt to enhance, improve or correct a patient’s self image but it could also be to resolve an underlying medical condition. More importantly, the patient makes an informed decision and is under the care of a professional who is qualified to perform cosmetic surgery be it in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia.

Patients often find they appear rejuvenated to others, with final results being aesthetic and natural. Unlike the excesses of Cosmetic Surgery performed overseas in countries such as the USA, patients in Sydney and Australia prefer an enhanced, rejuvenated, beautiful and natural result.

Non-surgical and less invasive facial rejuvenation treatments, such as Botox® or Dermal Fillers, are temporary measures to address the signs of aging such as wrinkles, frown lines and volume loss. Face lift surgery offers longer lasting refreshed and rejuvenated results.

There are a number of techniques to perform Face lift surgery, with varied results and success. Macs lift; S Lift and Thread lift offer quick “lunch time” Face lifts. They temporarily address the sagging skin but not the sagging underlying primary soft tissues. These procedures are also restricted by the kind of patient for whom they are appropriate. They are normally youthful patients with minimum wrinkles, sagging or sun damage and thick skin. However, as the results are only temporary, many patients are unsatisfied longer term and seek correction with a comprehensive Face lift at a later date.

A comprehensive and thorough face lift should give an excellent and long-term result for most patients. The surgery is typically performed under deep sedation or general anaesthesia. The recovery period is expected to be between 2 to 3 weeks

Face lifts can be effectively combined with eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) and other facial procedures. Blepharoplasty specifically addresses the sagging tissue around the eye that can be very aging and give patients a sad or tired appearance.

Face lifts are beneficial in addressing sagging and wrinkled skin creases in the cheeks, jowls and neck. Lines around the mouth, such as marionette lines and nasolabial folds may not be completely addressed by surgery and Botox® and dermal fillers may be used to enhance the Face lift results. Excess pulling and tightening of the skin causing a “windswept” look is to be avoided.

As correct Face lift techniques also address the deeper tissues and structures of the face and neck, there is less tension at the closure of the incisions. The incisions are concealed within the tucks and natural folds. Efforts to prevent hair loss due to traction, injury or strain to hair follicles are observed during the procedure.

Following Face lift surgery, continued care of the skin is important, especially from the damaging effects of ultraviolet light and the sun.

Patients who have undergone Face lift surgery describe their appearance as refreshed, rejuvenated and revitalized. Friends and family often ask where they have been on holiday!

If you are among the many people who are contemplating face lift surgery, there are certain things you should consider in your quest for a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance. First, try to learn as much as you can about the procedure. It is important to familiarize yourself with the different options available so you can discuss with your surgeon how your needs and expectations can be addressed. There are two types of face lift; the traditional face lift and the mini face lift. The latter is usually appropriate for younger patients who have less excess facial skin than the traditional face lift patient. It also uses a smaller incision and concentrates on smoothing the middle section of the face more than the neck or chin area.

The top priority for people who are considering a face lift is to choose a cosmetic surgeon who is certified and duly qualified to perform the surgery. Choose a surgeon who has been properly trained and has extensive experience in the particular procedure you wish to have. Be aware that anyone who has earned a medical degree can perform cosmetic surgery but you will be better off with a board certified cosmetic surgeon as they are required to undergo advanced surgical training before receiving their certification. It is also equally important for you to have a surgeon you trust and with whom you are comfortable.

Before having the surgery, make sure you are well prepared. Take good care of yourself and work closely with your surgeon to ensure that you are in good health before the procedure. A healthy lifestyle contributes to a better outcome. If you smoke, you have to quit at least one month before and one month following the surgery. You may also be required to refrain from taking medications such as aspirin and other drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. During your consultation with your surgeon, he will give you a complete list of things you should and should not consume before and after the procedure.

Like all surgical procedures, there are inherent risks and complications. These may include a potential adverse reaction to the anaesthesia or risk of infections, injury or damage to facial nerves, modified skin sensation or visible scarring. You cannot completely prevent all these risks but you can minimize the possibility of them occurring by choosing the best cosmetic surgeon available. Finally, remember that a facelift will not stop the process of aging, but it can give you a revitalized and refreshed look that will last for years.

Our faces age for many reasons. Heredity plays a role, as does gravity, which tends to pull soft facial tissues downward. In time our cheeks begin to sag, the crease running from the nostrils to the sides of the mouth is accentuated, and our jaw line and chin lose their smooth, refined appearance. As we age we also tend to lose some of out facial fat and our skin loses some of its elasticity, leading to more sagging of our features.

Exposure to ultraviolet light plays a role as well. Indeed, people who live in tropical climates, where the sun is strongest, often have prematurely aged skin, irrespective of their ethnic characteristics. In these areas, people may seek face lifts in their forties or even younger.

First described over 60 years ago, face lifts smooth and redefine the contour of the neck and jaw line to create a younger, more vital appearance.Years of research and experience have led to an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the ageing process, the more subtle elements in facial anatomy and the technical ways to restore a balanced and more youthful appearance.

• In addition, thanks to advances in both surgical technique and anaesthesia, face lift procedures have become safer and more comfortable and their results even more satisfying.
• It is important, however, to remember that while a face lift can help refresh your appearance it will not erase permanent creases, particularly around your lips. Additional procedures like Dermabrasion, laser resurfacing and chemical peels can improve those lines and can be performed in conjunction with your face lift.

Your consultation: talking it through

When you meet with your surgeon, you’ll have an opportunity to share your feelings about the results you want to achieve, learn about what will happen during your surgery and help design a procedure that meets your individual needs. It is often helpful to bring a photograph of yourself from the time when you thought you looked your best.

• Your surgeon will take a medical history and ask about any previous facial surgery.
• You’ll learn about normal differences in facial symmetry you’ve probably never noticed before.
• Your surgeon will gently lift your facial skin to assess what you might be able to expect after your surgery.
• He will also explain some of the other effects of surgery, like the fact that the position of your hair in front of your ear may be elevated and that, in men, the beard may be advanced under and behind the ear requiring shaving in that area.
• You’ll discuss the extent and position of scars you can expect.

Your surgeon will also explain some of the modifications that have improved the overall results of face lift surgery. These modifications, all of which can be individually tailored to suit your needs, include deep (S.M.A.S.) lifts, chin fat removal, and remodelling of the neck muscles.

In addition, you’ll learn about procedures that can be done at the same time as your face lift, including correction of eye bags (Blepharoplasty), forehead lift and the use of fat from other parts of your body to restore lost volume to the central part of your face. You’ll also learn about situations where face lifts & neck lifts can be combined with chin augmentation if the jaw contour is somewhat weak, or Midface lifts for more pronounced definition of the cheekbone area.

Your operation: what to expect

Before your surgery you will receive advice about what to do and what to avoid. For example, if you routinely colour or perm your hair it’s wise to have it done immediately before your procedure so it will be some weeks before you need to have it done again.

In most cases your face lift will be done under general anaesthetic and you will spend the night in the hospital. More limited procedures can be carried out under a local anaesthetic and sedation, but for a full face lift there is no real benefit from sedation.

Once you are comfortably asleep, the surgeon will make an incision that starts high in the temple area (hidden by the hair at this point) and courses down following the curves in front of the top and bottom of the ear and behind the middle part (tragus). The incision then continues round the earlobe and up behind the ear before curving gently back into the hair. In some cases a second incision in made under the chin where it will also be well hidden. Its purpose is to assist with definition of the chin and neck.

Using these incisions on both sides of the face, the skin and deep tissues are remodelled and re-draped. The incisions are then closed with stitches in front of the ear and metal clips in the hair. Small drainage tubes are may be inserted under the skin during the operation. These are often removed at the practice, several days after your surgery, so that bruising and swelling around the face and neck are minimal, and return to work and social activities is accelerated. Some surgeons also apply a light bandage around your head at the end of the surgery.

After your surgery :

Your bandages will be removed the morning after your surgery. After that, your hair will be washed and you’ll be allowed to leave the hospital.

Once at home, it’s important to take certain precautions:

• To prevent post-operative bleeding it’s important not to engage in vigorous activity for the first five days after your surgery.
• Aspirin should be avoided. Any discomfort can be controlled by taking a mild analgesic such as Paracetamol.
• You may gently wash your hair with a mild shampoo, exercising care in the suture area.

As your convalescence continues, you can expect certain things:

• Your sutures will usually be removed seven days after surgery. It is advisable not to apply any strong chemicals like bleach or ammonia to the area for four weeks following surgery.
• Your scars will usually be very faint at first, however you can expect them to thicken and become red for a few months after your surgery before they return to a more natural skin colour and texture.

• It is normal to experience some bruising, swelling and numbness after a face lift. These symptoms are temporary and should mostly disappear after two weeks. Numbness takes longer to settle down, and it will require approximately a month for the cheeks and three to four months for the underside of the chin. To help lessen post-operative bruising, we suggest taking Arnica for one week prior to your surgery and two weeks after. After the surgery, products like Lasonil® will be very useful to reduce and clear the bruises.

Complications from Face Lift are rare

• Should infection occur it can usually be readily treated with antibiotics.
• If a haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) should occur, a revisit to the operating theatre may be necessary. However, if a haematoma is dealt with promptly it should not affect the long-term results of the surgery.
• Occasionally, delayed wound healing may occur. This is particularly true in diabetic patients or patients who smoke. If you smoke, please discuss your habit with your surgeon.
• Damage to the nerves which control the facial muscles is extremely rare with face lift surgery. In the majority of cases where this does occur there is a full recovery.
• With any surgery that takes more than about an hour there is an increased risk of clots in the leg veins (deep vein thrombosis). Because of this, it is important that, apart from the measures taken during the hospital stay, you continue gentle mobilisation, exercising your feet lightly but regularly in the week following your operation. This will help restore your circulation and reduce the chance of clots forming.