Facial ageing is an inevitable part of life. Over time, factors like the natural ageing process, environmental exposure, and lifestyle habits can lead to fine lines, sagging skin, volume loss, and changes in facial structure. But face rejuvenation isn’t about drastically changing how you look. Instead, it’s about achieving a refreshed, natural, and rested appearance.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the variety of facial rejuvenation options available, from advanced surgical procedures to non-invasive treatments. Whether you’re seeking small enhancements or a more lasting transformation, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Facial Ageing
Facial ageing happens because of two main factors: natural changes inside our bodies (intrinsic) and outside elements like the environment (extrinsic). As we age, the face changes in four main areas.
1. Changes in Skin
- Loss of elasticity: Over time, our skin makes less collagen and elastin, which are like the building blocks that keep it firm and stretchy. When these decrease, the skin becomes thinner, less bouncy, and feels looser. It’s why skin can look saggy or tired as we get older.
- Pigmentation: Years of sun exposure and getting older can cause changes in skin colour. You might notice uneven tones, dark spots, or patches of discolouration. These are often more noticeable on areas exposed to the sun, like the face, neck, and hands.
2. Fat Loss and Redistribution
- Volume loss: Fat in our face adds a youthful, full appearance, especially in the cheeks. Over time, those fat pads shrink, leaving areas looking more hollow or sunken. This change can make the face look less lively.
- Fat descent: The fat that’s left doesn’t always stay where it started. Gravity pulls it downward, which can create sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and around the mouth. This is why the lower face can look heavier or droopier with age.
3. Muscle Laxity and Wrinkles
- Expression lines: Lines from smiling, frowning, or squinting, like crow’s feet or frown lines, start as temporary but eventually stick around, becoming permanent wrinkles. This happens as the muscles beneath the skin weaken and the skin loses its ability to bounce back.
- Muscle laxity: Over time, the muscles in your face start to lose their tone and firmness, just like other muscles in the body. This can make sagging worse, especially around the eyes, cheeks, jawline, and neck, making these areas look softer or looser.
4. Bone Resorption
- Loss of structural support: As we age, even the bones in our face change. The bones in areas like the jaw and cheeks can shrink or lose density. This results in less support for the skin and muscles, making the face look more hollow and aged. These changes can also affect the shape of the face, especially in the lower areas.
Where is ageing most noticeable?
Some areas show ageing more than others. For example, the jawline may sag (called jowling), cheeks might lose their fullness, and the area around the eyes may develop puffiness, hooding, or wrinkles. The neck can also show loose skin or bands as it loses firmness. Understanding these changes can help you recognise what’s happening to your face and figure out the best treatments to address your concerns in a way that feels right for you.
Surgical Face Rejuvenation Options
Surgical procedures are often a preferred option for individuals looking for longer-lasting and more noticeable results, as they address deeper issues caused by ageing. These types of treatments go beyond surface-level improvements, targeting the root causes of sagging, wrinkles, or loss of definition. They are particularly beneficial for people who have more significant or severe concerns about their overall appearance, offering comprehensive solutions that non-invasive options cannot achieve.
Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery is a popular choice for tightening sagging skin and restoring a more youthful, defined contour to your face. It enhances the overall shape and structure of your face by addressing age-related changes in multiple areas.
- What it treats: This procedure is designed to fix loose, sagging skin, improve the appearance of jowls, smooth out deep wrinkles around the nose and mouth, and restore definition to your facial structure. Whether you’re looking to address one concern or several, a facelift can deliver transformative results.
- Techniques:
- Full facelift: This approach involves lifting and tightening the deeper tissues beneath your skin for long-lasting results. It smooths out the skin, redefines your facial contours, and adds volume to create a rejuvenated look.
- Mini facelift: A more targeted option, this technique focuses on specific areas such as the jawline or cheeks. It offers quicker recovery times while still addressing noticeable signs of ageing in these focal points.
- Longevity: The results of facelift surgery are not only dramatic but also long-lasting. With proper skincare and a healthy lifestyle, the effects can last a decade or longer, ensuring you enjoy your refreshed appearance for many years.
Learn More About Facelift Surgery
Neck Lift
Often performed in conjunction with a facelift, a neck lift focuses on rejuvenating the area below the jawline for a smoother, tighter appearance. It’s an ideal choice for those who are bothered by loose skin or other visible signs of ageing in the neck area.
- Benefits: This procedure removes excess, saggy skin that can accumulate with age, tightens and reshapes the muscles in your neck, and smooths out unsightly neck bands or the so-called “turkey neck.” By addressing these issues, the neck lift creates a more youthful, elegant profile.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
The eyes are often one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, making eyelid surgery an effective way to refresh and brighten your appearance. Blepharoplasty focuses on enhancing the upper and lower eyelids for a more youthful and alert look.
- Upper blepharoplasty: This version of the procedure removes excess, droopy skin from the upper eyelids, helping you look more awake and refreshed while addressing any functional issues caused by sagging skin.
- Lower blepharoplasty: It focuses on reducing puffiness, eliminating under-eye bags, and filling hollow areas below the eyes. This creates a smoother, rejuvenated under-eye area.
- Recovery: Eyelid surgery typically involves minimal downtime, allowing you to return to your routine quickly. The results are long-lasting, often maintaining their impact for 10 years or more, especially with proper care.
Discover Eyelid Surgery Options
Brow Lift
A brow lift is an excellent solution for improving the upper part of your face, creating a smoother, younger appearance by elevating droopy brows and reducing forehead wrinkles. This procedure can provide a refreshed and more rested look.
- Types:
- Endoscopic brow lift: This minimally invasive option uses a small camera and tiny incisions to lift the brows and smooth the forehead with less recovery time.
- Traditional brow lift: For individuals with more severe sagging or deeper wrinkles, the traditional approach provides comprehensive corrections for the entire forehead area.
Adjunctive and Non-Surgical Options
For individuals not ready for surgery, or for those looking to complement their surgical results, non-surgical options provide effective, subtle enhancements with little to no downtime.
Popular Non-Surgical Treatments
- Skin Resurfacing
- Laser treatments: Improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and even out pigmentation. Improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and even out pigmentation.
- Chemical peels: Remove damaged skin layers, revealing brighter, smoother skin. Remove damaged skin layers, revealing brighter, smoother skin.
- Muscle Relaxants (Botox)
- Temporarily relaxes dynamic facial lines such as crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles. Temporarily relaxes dynamic facial lines such as crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles.
- Results last 3–4 months. Results last 3–4 months.
- Dermal Fillers
- Restore facial volume and smooth out lines using hyaluronic acid or similar substances. Restore facial volume and smooth out lines using hyaluronic acid or similar substances.
- Popular for lips, cheeks, and under-eye hollows. Popular for lips, cheeks, and under-eye hollows.
- Microneedling with Radiofrequency
- Stimulates collagen production for tighter, smoother skin. Stimulates collagen production for tighter, smoother skin.
- PDO Thread Lifts
- Insert dissolvable threads into the skin for a subtle lifting effect that promotes collagen growth. Insert dissolvable threads into the skin for a subtle lifting effect that promotes collagen growth.
Note: While non-surgical options often provide great results, they require regular maintenance to sustain their effects. While non-surgical options often provide great results, they require regular maintenance to sustain their effects.
An Interactive Guide to Your Concerns
Here’s a quick reference for which treatment may work best depending on your specific concern.
| Concern | Recommended Option |
| Sagging jowls | Facelift or thread lift |
| Puffy eyelids | Blepharoplasty |
| Fine lines | Botox or laser resurfacing |
| Volume loss | Dermal fillers or fat grafting |
| Uneven skin tone | Chemical peels or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) |
How to Choose the Right Option for You
Factors to Consider
When exploring facial rejuvenation options, it’s absolutely crucial to have realistic expectations and consult with a highly qualified specialist.
- Desired outcome: Are you looking for subtle, natural enhancements or a more dramatic, noticeable transformation?
- Downtime: Surgical procedures typically involve longer recovery periods, while non-surgical treatments often require little to no downtime at all.
- Budget: Non-surgical options can range anywhere from $200–$800 per session, while surgical solutions typically range from $8,000–$15,000.
Questions to Ask Your Specialist
- What types of long-term results can I realistically expect?
- Would a customised combination approach improve my overall outcome?
- What’s the recovery process like for my preferred procedure?
Dr Kevin Ho’s Unique Approach to Rejuvenation
Dr Kevin Ho believes in enhancing natural beauty and maintaining facial harmony. His tailored, evidence-based plans ensure patients achieve results that are both effective and authentic. And while he doesn’t perform injectables directly, he regularly collaborates with leading specialists to ensure seamless care.
Why Choose Dr Kevin Ho?
- Clear, thorough consultations.
- Ethical, personalised surgical planning.
- A patient-first approach that avoids gimmicks or quick fixes.
Note: To comply with AHPRA guidelines, Dr Ho does not share before-and-after photos or testimonials on this website. Independent reviews, however, can be found on platforms like Google or RealSelf.
Learn More About Dr Ho’s Philosophy
Begin Your Rejuvenation Journey
Facial rejuvenation is about enhancing the natural beauty you already possess. With the right treatment, you can achieve a refreshed, youthful look. Dr. Kevin Ho, a renowned specialist in facial aesthetics, is known for his personalised approach and attention to detail. He tailors every treatment plan to your unique needs, ensuring natural, stunning results. Whether you’re looking for subtle improvements or a complete transformation, Dr. Ho’s expertise and commitment to excellence set him apart. Book a consultation today to discover how he can help you look your best.
Dr. Kevin Ho – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Kevin Ho is a highly skilled Specialist Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. His expertise includes breast surgery, body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and skin cancer reconstruction, delivering tailored solutions to meet each patient’s unique needs.
Renowned for his precision and patient-centred approach, Dr Ho combines advanced surgical techniques with a commitment to achieving natural, lasting results. He is dedicated to ongoing education and innovation, ensuring his practice remains at the forefront of modern plastic surgery.
With a reputation for excellence and a compassionate manner, Dr Kevin Ho is a trusted name in plastic surgery, helping patients regain confidence and improve their quality of life.
