Combining a Facelift with Other Procedures for Enhanced Results

For individuals seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation, combining a facelift with complementary procedures can be a highly effective strategy. Ageing often impacts multiple areas of the face simultaneously, from sagging jowls and neck skin to drooping eyelids and forehead lines. A combined approach addresses these concerns holistically, delivering harmonised results while also simplifying the overall recovery process. 

If you’re considering facial cosmetic surgery and wondering about the benefits and practicality of combining procedures, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from why this approach is gaining popularity to the detailed logistics of planning and recovery. 

Why Consider Combining Procedures? 

1. Achieving Aesthetic Harmony 

Facial ageing rarely occurs in isolation. A facelift effectively tightens sagging skin in the lower face, but if the neck, eyes, or brow still exhibit signs of ageing, it can create an unbalanced appearance. 

Combining procedures like a facelift and neck lift or adding eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) ensures that all features work together to achieve a cohesive and natural look. 

For example:

• A neck lift complements a facelift by addressing muscle laxity and excess skin under the chin, creating a sharper jawline to match the rejuvenated face.
• Eyelid surgery removes sagging eyelid skin and under-eye bags, refreshing the eyes and completing the transformation.

2. A More Efficient Process 

Undergoing multiple procedures simultaneously offers logistical benefits, including:

• Single Recovery Period: Instead of enduring separate healing periods, patients combine recovery into one timeframe.
• Cost Efficiency: Combining procedures often reduces the overall cost as patients save on hospital fees, anaesthesia, and other associated expenses.
• Maximised Results: Addressing multiple areas in one surgery often enhances the overall impact, creating long-lasting results that age gracefully.

3. Customised Surgical Planning 

Combining procedures requires surgical expertise and a tailored approach. An experienced FRACS-qualified plastic surgeon will ensure your treatment plan is guided by facial proportions and balance, delivering personalised results that align with your unique anatomy and goals. 

Commonly Combined Facial Procedures 

Combining facelift procedures with other surgeries is a popular way to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation. By addressing multiple areas at once, patients can enjoy more balanced and natural-looking results while also reducing overall recovery time. 

Let’s explore some of the most common combined facelift procedures and how they work together to transform your appearance. 

Facelift + Neck Lift 

• Perfect for: Improving sagging jowls, loose skin on the neck, and creating a more defined jawline. 
• Why it works: The face and neck often age together. Sagging skin around the jawline and neck can make you appear older or tired. By combining a facelift and neck lift, you can ensure both areas are tightened and smoothed at the same time. This creates harmony between the lower face and neck, giving you a more youthful and cohesive look. 
• Outcome: You’ll enjoy a smoother neck contour, a sharper jawline, and firmer skin. It’s particularly effective for those dealing with significant skin laxity in both the face and neck. 

Facelift + Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) 

• Perfect for: Reducing droopy eyelids, puffiness under the eyes, and tired-looking expressions. 
• Why it works: While a facelift focuses on rejuvenating the lower face and neck, eyelid surgery targets the upper portion of your face, especially the eyes. The combination helps correct both lower face sagging and periocular ageing (ageing around the eyes). This dual approach can make you look alert, refreshed, and more youthful. 
• Caution: It’s important to work with a specialist plastic surgeon to avoid overcorrection. A natural look depends on balance and precise surgical planning. 

Facelift + Brow Lift 

• Perfect for: Lifting sagging eyebrows and softening deep forehead wrinkles or creases. 
• Why it works: A facelift lifts and tightens the lower face, but it doesn’t address the upper face. Adding a brow lift ensures that areas like the forehead and brows are also rejuvenated. Together, they create a balanced, harmonious appearance that enhances facial symmetry. 
• Outcome: A smoother forehead, raised brows, and a fresh, youthful expression that complements your lower face rejuvenation. 

Facelift + Facial Fat Grafting 

• Perfect for: Restoring volume to sunken areas like the cheeks, temples, or folds around the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds). 
• Why it works: Ageing doesn’t just result in sagging skin—it also causes volume loss, which can make the face look hollow. Fat grafting restores that lost volume by using your own fat, creating a softer, more youthful look. It pairs well with a facelift, which tightens the skin and lifts sagging tissues. Together, they enhance facial balance and natural contours. 
• Outcome: Fuller cheeks, smoother skin, and a rejuvenated appearance that blends seamlessly with the tightened results of the facelift. 

Facelift + Skin Resurfacing 

• Perfect for: Smoothing fine lines, improving skin texture, and reducing sun damage. 
• Why it works: A facelift addresses deeper tissues and sagging skin, but it doesn’t improve the skin’s surface. Adding skin resurfacing, such as laser treatments or chemical peels, enhances the overall results. It can improve skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and give your skin a radiant, healthy glow. 
• Outcome: Tighter, lifted skin paired with a clearer, more even complexion. 

Why Combine Procedures? 

Combining facelift procedures with other surgeries can save time and provide more comprehensive results. For example, combining face and neck surgeries ensures that both areas look balanced and natural. It also allows for a single recovery period, rather than going through multiple surgeries and healing processes. This combined recovery approach is more convenient and reduces the overall downtime needed for facial rejuvenation. 

The Role of a Specialist Plastic Surgeon 

The success of combined facelift procedures relies heavily on surgical planning and the expertise of your surgeon. A skilled specialist plastic surgeon will carefully evaluate your facial structure, ageing patterns, and personal goals. They’ll customise your treatment plan to deliver natural-looking results that enhance your facial balance without appearing overdone. 

Whether it’s combining a facelift with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or other procedures, the goal is to create a refreshed, youthful, and harmonious appearance. By addressing multiple areas of concern at once, you can achieve complete facial rejuvenation with just one surgery and recovery period. Trust a qualified plastic surgeon to guide you through the process and deliver results that make you look and feel your best.

What to Expect with a Combined Approach 

Comprehensive Consultation and Planning 

Before any surgery, you’ll undergo a thorough consultation where:

• Your face, skin quality, and overall health will be assessed.
• Your surgeon will determine which combination of procedures will best achieve your goals.
• Realistic expectations will be set, backed by detailed discussions about potential outcomes and recovery timelines.

Surgical Details and Recovery 

• Anaesthesia and Duration: Combined procedures may take longer (4–8 hours), but you’ll have only one anaesthetic session.
• Recovery Timeline:
  • Week 1: Initial swelling and bruising are common; pain management and rest are key.
  • Weeks 2-3: Most bruising subsides, and patients often return to light activities.
  • By Month 3: Final results become apparent as swelling completely resolves.
• Downtime: While a combined approach may slightly extend the acute recovery period, many patients find it shorter and more efficient overall than staging separate procedures.

Risks and Considerations 

Complexity and Safety 

Combining procedures increases surgical time and may add complexity. This makes it essential to choose an AHPRA-registered specialist plastic surgeon experienced in multimodal facial surgery. 

Potential risks include:

• Prolonged swelling or bruising.
• Increased downtime compared to single procedures.
• Complications such as infection or haematoma.

Realistic Expectations 

While combining procedures can dramatically rejuvenate your appearance, it’s important to have realistic expectations based on your individual anatomy and ageing patterns. A good surgeon will guide you through what’s achievable versus unrealistic. 

Holistic Medical Evaluation 

To confirm your suitability, your surgeon will:

• Assess your medical history, ensuring you’re in optimal health.
• Discuss pre-surgical preparations and post-surgical care to minimise risks.

Visual Education: Understanding Surgical Areas 

For an in-depth understanding of combined facial procedures, high-quality imagery is incredibly helpful. Diagrams showcasing surgical zones (such as facelift areas, neck lifts, and periocular rejuvenation) visually explain how different techniques complement each other and restore balance. 

Note: Out of respect for patient privacy and AHPRA guidelines, before-and-after patient images will not be displayed. 

Dr Kevin Ho’s Surgical Approach 

Dr Kevin Ho is a trusted expert in facial plastic surgery, known for his personalised care and natural-looking results. With decades of training and experience, Dr Ho has helped countless patients achieve their aesthetic goals while maintaining facial balance and harmony. 

When it comes to combined facial procedures, Dr Ho takes a tailored approach. Each patient receives a customised surgical plan designed to enhance their unique features while preserving natural proportions. His expertise ensures that every procedure is performed with precision, safety, and an eye for detail. 

Why Choose Dr Kevin Ho? 

• Extensive Training: Dr Ho’s journey to becoming a specialist plastic surgeon involved years of rigorous training in Sydney and overseas. After completing medical school, he spent years honing his skills across general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery. His dedication and hard work earned him a senior training position in plastic surgery, one of the most challenging fields to enter. 
• Advanced Techniques: Dr Ho uses the latest surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes. From planning to recovery, he prioritises patient safety and comfort at every stage. 
• Comprehensive Services: Whether you’re seeking facial rejuvenation, cosmetic enhancements, or reconstructive procedures, Dr Ho offers a wide range of services to meet your needs. 

Patient-Centred Care 

At Dr Kevin Ho’s practice, patient comfort is the top priority. The clinic is designed to create a welcoming and stress-free environment. From the calming decor to the friendly and attentive staff, every detail is crafted to make your experience as smooth and pleasant as possible. 

Dr Ho and his team are known for their personalised approach. From the first consultation to post-surgery care, they take the time to listen to your concerns and tailor treatments to meet your expectations. This commitment to personalised care helps build trust and ensures patients feel supported throughout their journey. 

Take the First Step to Facial Rejuvenation 

Combining a facelift with other procedures offers a comprehensive solution for facial rejuvenation, delivering harmonised results while maximising efficiency. Under the guidance of an experienced surgeon like Dr Kevin Ho, you’ll receive a personalised plan that addresses your concerns and enhances your natural beauty. To explore your options, book a consultation with Dr Ho today and take the first step toward a refreshed, youthful appearance.