This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+. Plastic Surgery is invasive and has risks.
This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+. Plastic Surgery is invasive and has risks.
Restore a youthful, natural appearance with face lift surgery in Sydney. Dr Kevin Ho combines advanced surgical techniques with personalised care at Prince of Wales Private Hospital, helping you achieve refreshed facial contours that enhance your unique beauty whilst maintaining your authentic self.
A face lift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that reduces visible signs of facial ageing by repositioning facial tissues, tightening underlying muscles, and removing excess skin. This comprehensive approach addresses sagging skin, deep facial folds, jowls, and loss of facial volume to restore a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance.
Dr Kevin Ho, a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), brings extensive expertise to facial rejuvenation surgery. His meticulous surgical approach focuses on achieving natural-looking outcomes that complement your facial features rather than creating an artificial appearance. Each treatment plan is carefully tailored to your individual anatomy, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle to deliver results that look refreshed and authentic.
With over 20 years of experience and more than 10,000 procedures performed, Dr Ho’s commitment to excellence and patient-centred care ensures you receive the highest standard of surgical treatment in a supportive environment.
A face lift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to address the visible effects of facial ageing by repositioning deeper facial tissues, tightening the underlying muscular layer, and removing excess skin. The surgery targets areas where ageing is most apparent, including the midface, jawline, and neck, to restore youthful facial contours and improve overall facial harmony.
During the procedure, Dr Ho makes carefully placed incisions, typically along the hairline and around the ears, to access the underlying facial structures. The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a layer of tissue beneath the skin, is then lifted and repositioned to create a more youthful foundation. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the remaining skin is redraped smoothly over the newly contoured facial structure.
Modern face lift techniques allow for a highly personalised approach based on your specific concerns and degree of facial ageing:
Dr Ho’s surgical philosophy emphasises natural enhancement that preserves your unique facial identity whilst providing visible rejuvenation. His meticulous technique ensures incisions are strategically placed within the hairline and natural facial contours to minimise visible scarring and promote optimal healing.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia at Prince of Wales Private Hospital, with surgery duration typically ranging from two to four hours depending on the extent of correction required. Dr Ho’s careful approach prioritises patient safety, comfort, and achieving results that look refreshed rather than overdone.
Face lift surgery offers significant aesthetic improvements that extend well beyond simply reducing wrinkles. The procedure addresses the underlying structural changes that occur with facial ageing, delivering comprehensive rejuvenation that restores youthful contours and facial balance.
A face lift effectively addresses loose, sagging skin around the midface, jawline, and neck. By repositioning facial tissues and tightening the underlying muscular layer, the procedure restores definition to the jawline, reduces jowls, and creates a more sculpted facial appearance.
One of the primary benefits of face lift surgery is achieving a refreshed look that maintains your natural facial characteristics. Dr Ho's surgical approach focuses on subtle enhancement rather than dramatic alteration, ensuring you look like a rejuvenated version of yourself rather than appearing "done" or artificial.
Unlike non-surgical treatments that require regular maintenance, face lift surgery provides long-lasting results that typically endure for 10 to 15 years. Whilst the natural ageing process continues, patients maintain a more youthful appearance than they would have without surgical intervention.
Many patients report significant improvements in self-confidence following face lift surgery. Addressing visible signs of facial ageing often leads to feeling more comfortable in professional and social settings, contributing to overall wellbeing and quality of life.
A well-executed face lift doesn’t just address individual features in isolation—it restores balance and proportion across the entire face. By addressing multiple areas of concern simultaneously, the procedure creates harmonious facial contours that look naturally youthful.
The benefits of face lift surgery are most apparent in patients who maintain realistic expectations and follow proper post-operative care guidelines. During your consultation, Dr Ho will discuss your specific concerns and aesthetic goals to ensure face lift surgery aligns with your expectations and desired outcomes.
Understanding what to expect during face lift surgery helps you feel prepared and confident throughout your surgical journey. Dr Ho follows a comprehensive approach that prioritises patient safety, comfort, and achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes.
Step 1: Consultation and Surgical Planning
Your face lift journey begins with a thorough consultation at Dr Ho’s practice. During this appointment, Dr Ho will:
This personalised consultation allows Dr Ho to develop a tailored surgical plan designed specifically for your facial anatomy and desired outcomes. You’ll receive detailed information about what to expect before, during, and after surgery, ensuring you feel fully informed and prepared.
Step 2: Anaesthesia and Incision Placement
On the day of your surgery, you’ll be placed under general anaesthesia to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure. Once anaesthesia has taken effect, Dr Ho makes precise incisions that are carefully planned to minimise visible scarring.
Incisions typically begin in the hairline at the temples, continue down and around the front of the ear, then behind the ear and into the lower scalp. The exact placement and length of incisions depend on the extent of correction needed and the specific technique being used.
Step 3: Tissue Repositioning and Tightening
Through the incisions, Dr Ho accesses the deeper facial tissues. The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a layer of fibrous tissue that covers the facial muscles, is carefully lifted and repositioned to create a more youthful foundation. This deeper-layer approach provides longer-lasting results compared to procedures that only address the skin.
Excess fat may be removed or redistributed to restore facial volume in areas where it has been lost. The underlying facial muscles are tightened to improve facial contours and definition.
Step 4: Skin Redraping and Closure
Once the deeper tissues have been repositioned, the skin is gently redraped over the newly contoured facial structure. Excess skin is carefully trimmed away, and the remaining skin is sutured into place using fine surgical techniques designed to minimise scarring.
Dr Ho takes great care to ensure the skin is positioned without excessive tension, which promotes optimal healing and natural-looking results. Incisions are closed with meticulous attention to detail, with sutures placed to become virtually invisible once healed.
Step 5: Recovery Room and Initial Aftercare
Following surgery, you’ll spend time in the recovery room where medical staff monitor your condition as you wake from anaesthesia. Most face lift procedures are performed as day surgery, allowing you to return home the same day, though some patients may remain in hospital overnight depending on the extent of surgery performed.
You’ll wear a supportive facial garment to minimise swelling and support the healing tissues. Dr Ho and his team provide comprehensive post-operative care instructions to guide you through the initial recovery phase.
The entire surgical procedure typically takes two to four hours, depending on the complexity of your case and whether any complementary procedures are being performed simultaneously.
Face lift surgery is most effective for individuals experiencing visible signs of facial ageing who are in good overall health and maintain realistic expectations about surgical outcomes. Understanding whether you’re a suitable candidate helps ensure face lift surgery aligns with your needs and goals.
Most individuals seeking face lift surgery are between 40 and 70 years of age, when moderate to significant signs of facial ageing become more apparent. However, suitability is determined more by the degree of facial ageing and skin quality than by chronological age alone.
Younger patients in their late thirties or early forties may choose face lift surgery to address premature sagging or loss of facial definition. Older patients in their sixties and beyond often benefit from surgery to address more advanced facial ageing, including significant skin laxity and deep facial folds.
Good candidates for face lift surgery should:
Certain medical conditions may affect your suitability for surgery or increase surgical risks. During your consultation, Dr Ho will review your complete medical history to determine whether face lift surgery is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Face lift surgery effectively addresses several visible signs of facial ageing that cannot be adequately improved through non-surgical treatments alone:
If you’re bothered by these concerns and seeking long-lasting improvement, face lift surgery may be an appropriate option.
The best candidates for face lift surgery choose the procedure for personal reasons rather than external pressure. You should have clear aesthetic goals, understand what the procedure can and cannot achieve, and feel emotionally prepared for the surgical process and recovery period.
Dr Ho takes time during consultations to ensure patients have realistic expectations and understand that whilst face lift surgery can dramatically improve facial appearance, it cannot stop the natural ageing process or achieve perfection.
The most accurate way to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for face lift surgery is through a personal consultation with Dr Ho. During this appointment, Dr Ho will assess your facial structure, discuss your specific concerns and goals, explain the surgical approach most appropriate for your needs, and provide honest advice about what you can expect from surgery.
This personalised assessment ensures every patient receives tailored recommendations designed to achieve natural, long-lasting results that complement their unique facial features.
Explore our comprehensive gallery of face lift before and after photographs to see the natural, rejuvenated results achieved through Dr Ho’s meticulous surgical techniques. Each transformation reflects a personalised approach designed to enhance facial harmony, restore youthful definition, and maintain authentic facial characteristics.
Viewing real patient results helps you understand the potential improvements face lift surgery can provide whilst setting realistic expectations about your own surgical outcome. Every patient’s results are unique, influenced by individual facial anatomy, skin quality, and the specific surgical technique used.
Please note: Individual results vary. Before and after photographs represent the experience of individual patients and are not indicative of what results you may achieve.
Understanding the recovery process helps you prepare for face lift surgery and ensures you have realistic expectations about healing timeframes. Whilst every patient’s recovery experience is unique, following a general timeline and adhering to post-operative care instructions promotes optimal healing and long-lasting results.
The first few days following face lift surgery involve the most noticeable swelling and bruising, which typically peaks around day three to four before gradually improving. Most patients find discomfort is manageable with prescribed pain medication.
During this initial phase, you’ll wear a supportive facial garment to minimise swelling and provide support to healing tissues. Keeping your head elevated, even whilst sleeping, helps reduce swelling and promotes drainage.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to light activities within 7 to 10 days, though visible bruising and swelling may still be present. Sutures are typically removed around the one-week mark, depending on the specific surgical technique used.
As swelling continues to subside, you’ll notice progressive improvement in your appearance. Most patients can comfortably return to work and normal daily activities within two weeks, provided their occupation doesn’t involve strenuous physical activity.
Gentle exercise, such as walking, may be resumed with Dr Ho’s approval. However, more vigorous activities, heavy lifting, and strenuous exercise should be avoided during this period to prevent complications and support proper healing.
By the second and third months following surgery, most swelling has resolved, revealing the emerging results of your face lift. Your facial contours become increasingly refined as tissues settle into their new position.
You can gradually return to all physical activities, including exercise, as healing progresses and with Dr Ho’s approval. Your incision lines continue to fade and become less noticeable during this period.
Final results become fully apparent once all residual swelling has subsided and tissues have completely settled into their new position. This typically occurs between six months to one year following surgery.
At this stage, incision lines have faded significantly and are easily concealed with makeup or hairstyling. Your rejuvenated appearance looks natural and refreshed, reflecting the full benefits of your face lift surgery.
Following these guidelines supports proper healing and helps you achieve the best possible results:
Recovery timeframes vary between individuals based on factors including the extent of surgery performed, individual healing capacity, age, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. Some patients heal more quickly than others, whilst some may experience prolonged swelling or bruising.
Dr Ho provides detailed, personalised recovery guidance during your pre-operative consultation and throughout your post-operative care. He monitors your healing progress through scheduled follow-up appointments, ensuring any concerns are addressed promptly.
Important note: Individual recovery experiences vary. This timeline represents general expectations and may not reflect your specific recovery journey.
Face lift surgery is a significant investment in your appearance and wellbeing. Dr Ho believes in transparent pricing and ensures every patient understands the complete costs involved before proceeding with surgery.
Each face lift procedure is unique, with costs varying based on several important factors:
Face lift costs in Sydney typically range from $15,000 to $25,000, though your specific quote may differ based on the factors outlined above. This comprehensive fee includes surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital costs, surgical garments, and post-operative care.
Your face lift surgery quote includes all aspects of your surgical journey:
Initial consultations with Dr Ho are $350. This comprehensive appointment allows Dr Ho to assess your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and provide detailed information about your surgical options.
If a second face-to-face consultation is required before surgery, there is a cost of $150. However, this fee is not charged if you proceed with surgery.
A referral from your general practitioner is required for your appointment.
Face lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by Medicare or private health insurance. However, if your procedure includes functional components (such as addressing breathing difficulties with concurrent nasal surgery), some rebates may apply.
Dr Ho’s team will discuss any potential rebates during your consultation and provide detailed information about what costs may be eligible for insurance coverage based on your individual circumstances.
Making face lift surgery more accessible, Dr Ho’s practice can discuss payment plans and financing arrangements during your consultation. These options help spread the cost of your surgery over time, making your aesthetic goals more achievable.
Whilst face lift surgery represents a significant financial commitment, it’s important to consider the long-lasting nature of results. Unlike non-surgical treatments requiring ongoing maintenance and repeated costs, face lift surgery provides improvements that typically endure for 10 to 15 years.
When you choose Dr Ho for your face lift surgery, you’re investing in advanced surgical expertise, comprehensive pre and post-operative care, and results designed to look natural and enhance your unique beauty.
Understanding the key details about face lift surgery helps you feel prepared and informed throughout your surgical journey. Below is a comprehensive overview of what to expect regarding procedure duration, hospitalisation, potential risks, recovery, and costs.
Face lift surgery typically takes 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the specific technique used and the extent of correction required. More comprehensive procedures addressing multiple areas of the face may take longer, whilst mini face lifts targeting specific regions may be completed more quickly.
The duration includes careful tissue repositioning, meticulous closure of incisions, and ensuring optimal aesthetic outcomes. Dr Ho never rushes surgery, prioritising precision and attention to detail to achieve the best possible results.
Most face lift procedures are performed as day surgery, allowing you to return home the same day once you've recovered from anaesthesia. However, some patients—particularly those undergoing more extensive procedures or those with specific medical considerations—may remain in hospital overnight for observation and additional care.
All face lift surgeries are performed at Prince of Wales Private Hospital in Randwick, a fully accredited facility equipped with advanced surgical technology and experienced medical staff.
As with any surgical procedure, face lift surgery carries potential risks that will be discussed thoroughly during your consultation. Dr Ho takes comprehensive measures to minimise these risks and ensures every patient understands what to expect.
General surgical risks include:
Risks specific to face lift surgery include:
Dr Ho will review these risks in detail based on your individual risk profile during your consultation. You'll also receive comprehensive written information about potential complications in your surgery pack following your initial appointment.
Initial recovery typically involves two weeks of noticeable swelling and bruising, which is minimised by wearing a supportive facial garment. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light activities and work within 7 to 10 days, though residual swelling may persist for several weeks.
Complete healing and final results become apparent over the following months as tissues settle and incision lines fade. Most patients can resume all normal activities, including exercise, within four to six weeks with Dr Ho's approval.
Individual recovery experiences vary based on the extent of surgery performed, individual healing capacity, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.
Initial consultation: $350
Review consultation (if required): $150 (waived if proceeding with surgery)
Total procedure costs (including surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital fees, and surgical garments) typically range from $15,000 to $25,000, though your specific quote will be calculated during your consultation based on your individual needs.
Post-operative consultations during your recovery period are not charged. Dr Ho provides comprehensive follow-up care to monitor your healing progress and ensure optimal results.
A referral from your general practitioner is required for your appointment.
View our comprehensive collection of face lift before and after photographs showcasing the natural, refreshed results achieved through Dr Ho’s advanced surgical techniques. Each transformation demonstrates the potential for facial rejuvenation whilst maintaining authentic facial characteristics and proportions.
These real patient results provide insight into what face lift surgery can achieve, helping you set realistic expectations for your own surgical outcome. Every result reflects a personalised surgical approach tailored to individual facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals.
Please note: Individual results vary. Before and after photographs represent the experience of individual patients and should not be considered indicative of guaranteed outcomes.
See below the most commonly asked questions we get about
Face Lifts
Face lift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that reduces visible signs of facial ageing by repositioning deeper facial tissues, tightening underlying muscles, and removing excess skin. The surgery addresses sagging skin, jowls, deep facial folds, and loss of facial definition to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
Face lift results typically last 10 to 15 years, though individual factors such as skin quality, lifestyle habits, genetics, and skincare practices influence longevity. Whilst the natural ageing process continues, you’ll maintain a more youthful appearance than you would have without surgical intervention.
Most patients can return to work and light activities within 10 to 14 days following face lift surgery. Initial swelling and bruising peak around day three to four before gradually improving. More strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks. Complete healing and final results become apparent over several months as tissues settle and incision lines fade.
Dr Ho uses advanced surgical techniques to minimise visible scarring, placing incisions within the hairline and natural facial contours around the ears. Most patients find scars fade significantly over time and are easily concealed with makeup or hairstyling. With proper wound care and sun protection during healing, incision lines become virtually invisible.
There is no specific “ideal” age for face lift surgery, as suitability depends more on the degree of facial ageing and skin quality than chronological age. Most patients are between 40 and 70 years old, though younger and older individuals may be suitable candidates depending on their individual circumstances and aesthetic goals.
As with any surgical procedure, face lift surgery carries potential risks including bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in skin sensation, and complications related to anaesthesia. Serious complications are rare when surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon in a fully accredited facility. Dr Ho discusses all risks thoroughly during your consultation and takes comprehensive measures to minimise them.
Preparation for face lift surgery includes avoiding certain medications that increase bleeding risk, quitting smoking at least four weeks before and after surgery, maintaining a stable weight, and following any specific pre-operative instructions provided by Dr Ho. You’ll receive detailed preparation guidelines during your consultation and in your surgery pack.
Non-surgical alternatives such as dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, and thread lifts can provide temporary improvements in facial appearance. However, these treatments do not offer the same degree of skin tightening or long-lasting results as surgical face lift. Dr Ho can discuss both surgical and non-surgical options during your consultation to help you determine which approach best meets your goals.
Absolutely. Dr Ho’s surgical philosophy emphasises natural enhancement that preserves your unique facial identity whilst providing visible rejuvenation. The goal is to achieve a refreshed, rested appearance that looks like you at your best rather than creating an artificial or dramatically altered look.
Yes, face lift surgery is often performed in combination with complementary procedures such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lift, or non-surgical treatments to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Combining procedures can be more cost-effective and allows for a single recovery period. Dr Ho will discuss which combination of treatments best addresses your specific concerns during your consultation.
Most patients comfortably return to work within 10 to 14 days following surgery, once initial swelling and bruising have significantly improved. Office-based roles with minimal physical demands can typically be resumed earlier than positions requiring strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
Long-term results of face lift surgery include sustained improvement in facial contours, reduced sagging, smoother skin texture, and a more youthful appearance that typically lasts 10 to 15 years. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following proper skincare practices help preserve your results for as long as possible.
Dr Kevin Ho is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), bringing over 20 years of surgical expertise to facial rejuvenation. His commitment to delivering natural, long-lasting results has established him as one of Sydney’s respected plastic surgeons.
With more than 10,000 procedures performed and a philosophy centred on personalised care, Dr Ho takes time to understand your unique concerns and aesthetic goals. His meticulous surgical approach prioritises patient safety, comfort, and achieving outcomes that enhance your natural beauty rather than creating an artificial appearance.
Face lift surgery is a significant decision that can dramatically improve your appearance and confidence. When you choose Dr Ho for your surgical journey, you receive expert care at every stage; from your initial consultation through to comprehensive post-operative support.
Book a consultation with Dr Ho today to discuss your aesthetic goals and discover how face lift surgery can help you achieve a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance that reflects your inner vitality.
Prince of Wales Private Hospital
Suite 10, Level 7, Barker Street
Randwick NSW 2031
Phone: (02) 9650 4900
Follow Dr Kevin Ho on Instagram @drkevinho for before and after transformations, patient education, surgical insights, and updates from the practice. Stay informed about the latest developments in facial rejuvenation surgery and discover how Dr Ho helps patients achieve natural, beautiful results.
Visit Our Practice
Dr Kevin Ho’s practice is conveniently located at Prince of Wales Private Hospital in Randwick, easily accessible from across Sydney’s eastern suburbs and greater metropolitan area.
Prince of Wales Private Hospital
Suite 10, Level 7, Barker Street
Randwick NSW 2031
Get in Touch
Phone: (02) 9650 4900
Email: Contact us through our website
This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+. Plastic Surgery is invasive and has risks.
