Skip to content Dr. John Flood uses customised techniques for facelift surgery to address skin laxity on the face. At his Sydney practice, he evaluates each patient individually to select the most appropriate surgical method for their unique facial ageing concerns.
Dr John Flood is an experienced Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon based in Sydney. With extensive training both in Sydney and Texas, USA, Dr Flood is well-versed in the latest techniques and advancements in cosmetic surgery. As a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice, ensuring that his patients receive the highest standard of care.
Dr Flood specialises in facelift surgery in Sydney, offering personalised treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient. His approach is patient-centred, focusing on understanding the individual goals and expectations of his patients. During the initial consultation, Dr Flood takes the time to thoroughly discuss the procedure, expected outcomes, potential risks, and recovery process. This ensures that patients are well-informed and comfortable with their decision to undergo surgery.
Facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) is a procedure that addresses changes to the lower face and neck that develop over time. It is one of the more involved facial surgical procedures available, and the decision to pursue it requires a thorough understanding of what the operation involves, what it can and cannot achieve, and what the recovery requires. This page provides detailed information to support that process.
The information here is general in nature. A consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon is the appropriate setting for determining whether facelift surgery is suited to your individual anatomy, health, and circumstances.
Facelift surgery is not appropriate for every adult who notices facial ageing, and it is not the only option available. Understanding which changes the procedure is designed to address, and when a deeper technique may be relevant, helps set realistic expectations from the outset.
Facelift surgery is most commonly considered by adults who have noticed changes to the lower face and neck that non-surgical approaches have not adequately addressed. These changes typically include skin laxity in the cheek and jowl area, deepening of the folds between the nose and corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds), loss of definition along the jawline, and changes to the skin and underlying tissue of the neck.
Not all patients with these concerns will be appropriate candidates for surgery. Factors including skin quality, overall health, smoking status, and the degree of change present are all relevant to suitability. A facelift addresses structural and tissue changes but does not treat skin texture, pigmentation, or fine lines, and it does not halt the ongoing process of facial ageing.
A standard facelift addresses the skin and the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). A deep plane facelift works at a deeper anatomical level, releasing and repositioning the SMAS together with the overlying soft tissue as a single unit. This approach may be considered for patients with more significant structural changes, particularly in the mid-face and jowl area, where the degree of change involves deeper tissue layers.
A deep plane facelift is a more involved procedure than a superficial technique. It carries a different risk profile and a recovery period that can differ from that of more superficial approaches. It is not suited to every patient who presents for facelift surgery, and the determination of whether it is appropriate depends on a thorough clinical assessment.
A detailed comparison of available facelift approaches, including the differences between techniques, is covered in facelift techniques explained.
Understanding the procedural components of a facelift helps patients prepare for what surgery day and the recovery period involve.
Facelift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. The anaesthetist is engaged separately from the surgeon and the facility, and their fees form part of the total cost of the procedure. Patients should confirm that a complete breakdown of all costs, including anaesthesia and facility fees, is provided before any decision to proceed is made.
Facelift incisions are typically positioned around the ear, extending into the hairline at the temple and behind the ear into the posterior hairline. The specific incision pattern depends on the technique used and the areas being addressed. Incision placement is designed to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible within natural skin contours, though all scars are permanent and their final appearance varies between individuals.
Detailed information on where facelift scars are placed and how they typically evolve over time is covered in will a facelift leave scars.
The specific steps involved in facelift surgery depend on the technique used and what the individual patient’s anatomy requires. In general terms, the procedure involves lifting and repositioning the underlying tissue layers of the cheek and lower face, addressing the SMAS layer, removing or redistributing fat as appropriate, re-draping the skin, and removing any excess before closure. For deep plane procedures, the release of deeper tissue attachments is an additional component of the operation.
The duration of surgery varies depending on the technique and the extent of the procedure, and is longer for deep plane approaches and for procedures that include a neck lift component.
The relationship between facelift surgery and neck lift surgery is one of the more commonly asked about aspects of lower facial procedures. Many patients have concerns about both the face and the neck, and understanding when these are addressed together versus separately is relevant to surgical planning.
Many facelift techniques include a degree of neck work as part of the procedure. The extent to which the neck is addressed depends on the technique used and the individual patient’s anatomy. For patients with significant neck changes alongside lower facial changes, combining facelift and neck work in the same procedure may be more appropriate than addressing each separately.
For patients whose primary concern is the neck rather than the lower face, or whose facial changes do not warrant a facelift, a standalone neck lift may be the more appropriate surgical option. A neck lift addresses the skin, fat, and platysma muscle of the neck specifically, without the more extensive skin lifting of a facelift.
Whether a facelift with neck work, a standalone neck lift, or a combination approach is appropriate depends on individual anatomy and is determined through clinical assessment. Patients should ask the surgeon at the consultation to explain specifically which anatomical areas a proposed procedure will address.
Facelift surgery carries risks that must be understood clearly before any decision to proceed is made. A thorough understanding of what can go wrong is an essential component of informed consent.
Risks common to all surgical procedures include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, and wound healing complications. Patients who smoke are at significantly increased risk of wound healing problems and vascular complications, and surgeons will advise cessation of smoking before and after the procedure.
Haematoma, the collection of blood beneath the skin, is one of the more common complications following facelift surgery and may require prompt surgical drainage if it occurs. Nerve injury is a serious risk in facelift surgery. The facial nerve, which controls the muscles of facial expression, runs through the operative field, and temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis of facial muscles is a recognised complication. Sensory nerve changes, resulting in numbness or altered sensation in the face, neck, or scalp, are also possible and may be temporary or permanent.
Other risks include skin loss due to compromised blood supply, asymmetry in the degree or position of skin tightening, visible or thickened scarring, changes to hairline position, earlobe distortion, and a result that does not meet the patient’s expectations. Revision surgery may be required to address complications or unsatisfactory outcomes and carries its own risks.
Revision facelift surgery is more technically complex than a primary procedure, as the surgeon is working with tissue that has already been altered. Outcomes from revision surgery are less predictable than from primary surgery, and not all concerns from a primary procedure can be fully corrected. Patients should understand this clearly before proceeding with any facelift surgery.
Recovery from facelift surgery requires careful planning and realistic expectations about the time involved. Individual recovery timelines vary depending on the technique used, the extent of the procedure, the patient’s overall health, and individual healing patterns.
Swelling, bruising, and tightness are expected in the first days following surgery. Drains may be placed to reduce fluid accumulation and are typically removed within the first day or two. Patients are advised to keep their heads elevated, limit physical activity significantly, and avoid bending or straining. Sleep is often disrupted, and fatigue is common in the first week.
Most patients are not in a position to return to work or social engagements during the first two weeks. A minimum of two weeks away from all professional commitments should be planned, with three to four weeks or longer required for client-facing, high-pressure, or physically demanding roles.
Bruising typically resolves in the second week, though swelling in the face and neck persists for longer. The face may appear uneven, or the result may look different from what is expected as a final outcome during this period. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting remain restricted. A compression garment covering the jaw and neck is worn during this period as directed.
Swelling continues to resolve gradually, and a clearer picture of the longer-term result begins to emerge at around three months. Scars continue to mature and fade during this period. Patients should not assess the final result of the procedure until swelling has fully resolved.
The full result of facelift surgery is generally assessed at around six months. Scars typically reach their most settled appearance at around twelve months. Results experienced during this period reflect the long-term outcome of the procedure, subject to the ongoing effects of ageing over time.
A detailed recovery guide covering each stage of the process is available in the facelift recovery and results timeline.
Facelift surgery is considered by patients who have noticed changes to the structure and appearance of the mid and lower face that have not responded to non-surgical treatment. These changes typically include a loss of definition along the jawline and lower cheeks, descent of soft tissue in the mid-face, and increasing laxity of the skin and underlying structures of the lower face and neck.
Facelift surgery in Sydney is not appropriate for everyone. Suitability depends on a number of factors that are assessed during a formal consultation, including the degree of facial change, skin quality, overall health, and whether the patient has a GP referral. Non-surgical options may be discussed as an alternative or complement to surgery in some cases.
A facelift addresses structural changes through surgical repositioning of the underlying tissue layers. This approach differs from treatments that work only at the skin surface, and the extent of what is achievable will vary between patients. No outcome is guaranteed.
For a detailed explanation of how facelift surgery works and what it involves, the what is a deep plane facelift page provides further context on one of the more advanced surgical approaches available.
In some patients, changes to the lower face extend into the neck, affecting the appearance of the neck contour and the area beneath the chin. When this is the case, a neck lift may be considered alongside facelift surgery to address both areas in a coordinated way.
The decision to include a neck lift is made on an individual basis. Not all patients who are suitable for facelift surgery will require or benefit from a neck lift as part of the same procedure. This is discussed during the consultation process, where the extent of relevant changes and what surgery can realistically address are assessed together.
Combining procedures extends the overall recovery period and may affect the surgical plan, anaesthesia approach, and post-operative care requirements. All of this is discussed with the patient before any decision to proceed.
Further information on addressing changes specific to the lower face and jawline area is available on the lower face and jawline treatment page.
All surgical procedures carry risks. Patients considering facelift surgery in Sydney should have a clear understanding of these before proceeding. Risks associated with facelift surgery may include:
The limitations of facelift surgery are as important to understand as the risks. Surgery can address structural changes that are present at the time of the procedure, but it does not stop the natural ageing process. Results are not permanent in that sense, and further changes will occur over time.
Revision surgery is sometimes considered in cases where the initial outcome does not meet expectations or where healing has resulted in an unintended change. The circumstances under which revision may be appropriate are discussed during consultation. Revision surgery carries its own risks and is not always possible or advisable.
A thorough discussion of risks, limitations, and realistic outcomes is a standard part of the pre-operative consultation process.
Recovery from facelift surgery involves a period of downtime that varies between patients depending on the technique used, the extent of surgery, and individual healing. General expectations for the recovery period include:
Scars from facelift surgery are placed in or near the hairline and around the ear to limit their visibility in day-to-day settings. Scar maturation is a gradual process that continues for many months after surgery. Most scars fade and flatten over time, though individual results vary.
Patients should follow all post-operative instructions provided by their treating surgeon. Any concerns during the recovery period should be raised with the surgical team promptly.
For a more detailed breakdown of what to expect at different stages after surgery, visit the facelift recovery and results timeline page.
Suitability for facelift surgery is assessed individually during a consultation. Generally, patients are adults who have noticed structural changes to the lower and mid-face that they would like to address surgically. Good general health, realistic expectations, and a willingness to follow pre- and post-operative instructions are important factors. A GP referral is required before any consultation can proceed.
A standard facelift addresses the skin and more superficial tissue layers of the face. A deep plane facelift works at a deeper structural level, repositioning the underlying muscle and soft tissue. The appropriate technique depends on the individual patient’s anatomy and the degree of facial change being addressed. A detailed comparison is available on the facelift techniques page.
A facelift consultation typically involves a detailed discussion of the patient’s concerns, a clinical assessment, a review of medical history, and an explanation of the surgical options, risks, and recovery process. The length of the consultation varies. Patients are encouraged to bring written questions and any relevant medical documents.
Incisions are placed in locations designed to minimise visible scarring, typically within or near the hairline and around the ears. Scars evolve over many months, and most become less noticeable over time. Individual results vary and are influenced by factors including skin type, sun exposure, and post-operative skin care.
Yes. Under Australian guidelines for cosmetic surgery, a referral from a GP is required before an initial consultation with a cosmetic surgeon for procedures such as facelift surgery. Patients are encouraged to speak with their GP as a first step.
There is a mandatory cooling-off period between the initial consultation and any decision to proceed with cosmetic surgery. This period exists to allow patients adequate time to consider their options, ask further questions, and make an informed decision without pressure. The length of the cooling-off period is prescribed under Australian guidelines and will be explained during the consultation.
Most patients take between two and four weeks before returning to work, depending on the nature of their role and their individual recovery. Strenuous activity is generally restricted for a longer period. Residual swelling may be present for several months. A personalised recovery timeline is discussed as part of the pre-operative process.
The following pages provide additional detail on topics relevant to patients considering facelift surgery in Sydney:
An explanation of how the deep plane technique differs from other facelift approaches, what it addresses, and which patients it may be suitable for. Visit the what is a deep plane facelift page for more information.
A comparison of the surgical techniques used in facelift surgery, including what each approach involves and how the choice of technique is made. Read more on the facelift techniques page.
A detailed guide to the recovery process, covering what to expect at each stage from the first days after surgery through to the longer-term settling of results. See the facelift recovery and results timeline page for a full overview.
Information on surgical options for addressing changes specific to the lower face and jawline. Visit the lower face and jawline treatment page for further details.
Dr John Flood is a specialist plastic surgeon holding Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Patients can verify practitioner registration through the AHPRA public register.
The consultation process at this practice follows Australian guidelines for cosmetic surgery:
A facelift consultation provides the opportunity to discuss your individual circumstances, ask questions about surgical options and technique, understand the risks and recovery process, and determine whether surgery is the right path for you. No outcome is guaranteed, and the consultation is an informational process, not a commitment to proceed.
To take the next step, request a facelift consultation in Sydney by contacting us directly. Please have your GP referral ready or speak with your GP in advance of making an enquiry.
For any further inquiries or to schedule your consultation, please contact our clinic. Our team is here to assist you and provide the information and support you need.
Speak with our team, answer any questions, book in an initial consultation
a | Referrer from GP needed b | Initial Consultation - $395 Cosmetic / $345 non cosmetic c | Discuss procedure, options, quote.
a | Take photos & Book in surgery
Undergo surgery with Dr. Flood and receive comprehensive post-operative support to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
