What Is Facelift Rhytidectomy? Understanding the Procedure, Techniques and Suitability

Author : Aesthetic Edge | Published On : 05 Nov 2026

What Is Facelift Rhytidectomy?

Facelift rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure that addresses selected signs of facial ageing by repositioning underlying facial tissues and adjusting excess skin. Commonly known as facelift surgery, it may be considered for changes involving the cheeks, lower face and jawline.

Facial ageing is influenced by several factors, including changes in skin elasticity, facial fat distribution, underlying tissue support, genetics and lifestyle. These changes may contribute to sagging cheeks, jowls, deeper folds and less defined facial contours.

A rhytidectomy does not stop the natural ageing process or address every change in the face. The appropriate surgical approach depends on individual anatomy, health, treatment considerations and the surgeon's assessment.

What Areas Can Rhytidectomy Surgery Address?

The areas addressed during facelift surgery depend on the technique and the individual's concerns. A procedure may focus on:

• Cheeks: Changes in the position of facial tissues that contribute to a heavier appearance.

• Jowls: Loose tissue along the lower jawline.

• Lower face: Excess skin and changes in the supporting tissues around the mouth and jaw.

• Nasolabial folds: Lines extending from the sides of the nose towards the corners of the mouth. A facelift may alter their appearance, but does not necessarily remove them.

• Jawline: Reduced definition associated with changes in skin and underlying tissues.

A facelift does not directly address every sign of ageing, such as forehead lines, eyelid changes, pigmentation or skin texture. Separate procedures may be discussed where appropriate.

How Is a Facelift Rhytidectomy Performed?

A facelift is generally performed under general anaesthesia. The planned incision locations, lengths and surgical steps depend on the procedure and the patient's facial anatomy.

At Aesthetic Edge, Dr Jeremy Hunt performs deep plane facelift surgery. The practice's procedure information explains that the surgical plan involves assessing the deeper facial structures, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), underlying muscles and facial fat pads.

Incisions are generally planned around the hairline and ears. If a neck lift is included, an additional incision may be required beneath the chin. Through the planned incisions, the surgeon accesses the underlying tissues and may reposition facial fat pads and supporting structures. Excess skin is then adjusted where required, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

The exact surgical steps vary between patients. Depending on the procedure, a dressing or drain may be used after surgery, and hospital monitoring may be required. Aesthetic Edge advises that some patients may need to stay in hospital overnight. These arrangements should be confirmed as part of the individual surgical plan.

For details about the procedure offered at the practice, read the facelift and rhytidectomy information.

Understanding Different Facelift Techniques

Several facelift techniques are used in facial surgery. They differ in the tissues addressed, the extent of dissection and the areas included in the procedure.

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift involves working beneath the SMAS layer and releasing selected retaining ligaments to allow deeper facial tissues to be repositioned. The approach is intended to address the supporting structures rather than relying only on skin adjustment.

Dr Jeremy Hunt performs deep plane facelift surgery at Aesthetic Edge. The specific surgical plan is determined by the patient's facial anatomy and the areas being treated. The technique and its potential risks should be discussed directly with the operating surgeon.

SMAS Facelift

The SMAS is a layer of fibrous and muscular tissue beneath the skin that contributes to facial support and movement. SMAS facelift techniques involve adjusting this layer to reposition or support underlying facial tissues.

The term describes a group of surgical approaches rather than one identical operation. A deep plane facelift also works in relation to the SMAS, but involves a different plane of dissection and release of selected deeper attachments.

Mini and Full Facelift

A mini facelift generally uses a more limited surgical approach and may be considered when changes are more localised. A full facelift involves a broader surgical plan and may address more extensive changes across the cheeks, lower face and jawline.

The terms can be used differently between practitioners. It is important to ask what tissues and areas a proposed procedure will address rather than relying on the procedure name alone.

Can a Facelift Be Combined With a Neck Lift?

A facelift may be considered alongside a neck lift (platysmaplasty) when concerns extend below the jawline. A neck lift may involve addressing loose skin, excess fat or changes in the platysma muscles, depending on the individual's anatomy and treatment plan.

A brow lift (browplasty) may also be discussed when concerns involve the position of the brows. Combining procedures is not appropriate for everyone and may affect operating time, recovery and overall surgical risks.

You can read more about neck lift surgery at Aesthetic Edge.

Who May Be Suitable for Facelift Surgery?

There is no single age at which someone automatically becomes suitable for rhytidectomy surgery. Assessment considers overall health, facial anatomy, skin changes, lifestyle and expectations.

During an assessment, the surgeon may consider:

• The degree and location of facial skin laxity.

• Changes affecting the cheeks, jawline and lower face.

• General health and relevant medical conditions.

• Smoking and nicotine use.

• Current medications and previous procedures.

• Ability to follow preparation and recovery instructions.

• Understanding of the procedure, limitations and potential complications.

A consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon allows these factors to be assessed. Surgery may not be recommended if health or other circumstances make the risks unsuitable.

How Should Patients Prepare for Rhytidectomy?

Preparation is individualised and should be discussed with the treating team before surgery. It may involve reviewing medical history, current medications, smoking or nicotine use and any health conditions that could affect anaesthesia or healing.

Pre-operative tests may be requested where clinically indicated. Patients may also need to arrange time away from work, transport home after hospital discharge and assistance during the initial recovery period.

Do not stop prescribed medication or change a treatment plan independently. Any medication adjustments, including those involving blood-thinning medicines, must be directed by the treating practitioner.

For more information about the practice and its approach to patient care, visit Aesthetic Edge.

What Is Recovery Like After Facelift Surgery?

Recovery varies according to the surgical technique, whether additional procedures are performed and individual healing factors. Swelling, bruising, discomfort, tightness and temporary changes in skin sensation may occur.

Patients receive instructions about wound care, dressings, medication, sleeping position, activity restrictions and follow-up appointments. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are generally restricted during the initial healing period. The operating surgeon will advise when activities can be resumed.

Some swelling, tightness or numbness may continue after the initial recovery period. Patients should attend scheduled reviews and contact their treating team if they notice unexpected symptoms or concerns.

What Are the Risks of Facelift Rhytidectomy?

Facelift surgery involves risks, and the likelihood of complications varies between individuals. Potential risks include:

• Bleeding or haematoma (a collection of blood).

• Seroma (fluid accumulation).

• Infection.

• Scarring or changes in scar healing.

• Temporary or persistent changes in skin sensation.

• Nerve injury that may affect facial movement.

• Skin-healing problems, including skin necrosis.

• Hair loss around incision sites.

• Swelling, bruising and prolonged discomfort.

• Asymmetry or an outcome that differs from expectations.

• Complications associated with general anaesthesia.

• The possibility of further surgery.

The surgeon should explain the risks relevant to the planned procedure, including any additional risks associated with combined surgery. Patients should have an opportunity to ask questions and consider the information before deciding whether to proceed.

Understanding Facelift Rhytidectomy in Sydney

Facelift rhytidectomy is an individualised surgical procedure, and the choice of technique should be based on a proper assessment rather than age or a particular trend in facial surgery.

People researching facelift surgery in Sydney should understand the proposed procedure, the areas it is intended to address, the recovery requirements and the potential complications. A consultation with an appropriately qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon can help clarify whether surgery is suitable and what alternatives may be available.

For further information about the surgeon, see Dr Jeremy Hunt's profile. To make an enquiry about a consultation, contact Aesthetic Edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a facelift and rhytidectomy?

Facelift and rhytidectomy are two terms for the same general type of surgery. Rhytidectomy is the medical term for a procedure that adjusts selected facial tissues and excess skin to address signs of facial ageing.

2. What is the difference between a SMAS and deep plane facelift?

Both approaches involve the SMAS, a supporting layer beneath the skin. SMAS techniques adjust this layer, while a deep plane facelift involves working beneath it and releasing selected retaining ligaments. The appropriate approach depends on individual anatomy and the surgeon's assessment.

3. Is a facelift performed under general anaesthesia?

The Aesthetic Edge facelift procedure information states that facelift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Anaesthetic arrangements and individual considerations should be discussed with the treating team before surgery.

4. Can a facelift be combined with a neck lift?

A facelift may be combined with a neck lift when concerns involve both the lower face and neck. Suitability for combined surgery depends on health, anatomy, the planned procedures and the additional risks involved.

5. How long does recovery from rhytidectomy take?

Recovery differs between patients and depends on the extent of surgery and individual healing. Swelling, bruising and tightness may continue for several weeks. The operating surgeon provides personalised advice about wound care, follow-up appointments and returning to normal activities.