Facial Surgery

Facial Plastic Surgery in Melbourne

Dr Rodrigo Teixeira (FRACS) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne. This page provides a high-level overview of commonly performed facial procedures and links to detailed guides for each area. Facial surgery is personalised and planning is based on anatomy, diagnosis and individual goals.

A Personalised Approach to Facial Surgery

Dr Rodrigo Teixeira (FRACS) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with experience across facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. He completed fellowship training in advanced aesthetic plastic surgery, craniofacial and cleft surgery, paediatric plastic surgery, and burns. He is a faculty member of the Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC).

Patients may seek assessment for age-related facial change, hereditary or family traits, developmental variation, previous surgery, trauma, or reconstructive needs. This breadth of practice supports a structured approach that considers both appearance and function. Recommendations are tailored to anatomy and diagnosis, and outcomes vary between individuals.

Dr Teixeira also works at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, performing reconstructive facial plastic surgery, including aspects of craniofacial, facial trauma and cleft-related care.

Anatomy-Led Assessment and Surgical Decision-Making

Facial concerns can look similar but have different underlying causes, which is why assessment starts with anatomy and diagnosis rather than a “one procedure fits all” approach. For example, upper eyelid heaviness may come from brow position, excess eyelid skin or weak eyelid support. Facial asymmetry may be developmental, hereditary or related to an earlier injury or surgery. Nasal concerns may involve the shape, the underlying support, breathing, or a combination.

Where helpful, clinical photography and optional imaging may be used to support planning and communication. These tools can assist with shared understanding of priorities, but they do not predict exact outcomes. Surgical options are discussed with realistic boundaries, including alternatives, limitations, recovery, and risks, and results vary between individuals.

Techniques

Facial Surgery by Area

Facial surgery includes a broad range of procedures that may be considered for age-related change, hereditary or family traits, developmental variation, trauma, previous surgery, or reconstructive needs. Many concerns overlap in appearance, so planning starts with a differential assessment of anatomy and function to clarify what is actually driving the issue. With experience in both aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery, Dr Teixeira can discuss a wider range of surgical options where appropriate. This includes alternatives, limitations, recovery and risks, so decisions are informed and expectations realistic. Results vary between individuals.

Upper Face (Brow, Forehead, Temporal, and Endoscopic Options)

Brow Lift – May be considered when brow descent contributes to upper-face heaviness, asymmetry, or a tired appearance. Planning considers brow position, hairline, and scar placement.
Learn more: Brow Lift.

Endoscopic Facelift / Upper–Midface Options – Endoscopic approaches may suit selected patients with early changes in the upper face and midface, where the goal is a subtle lift and refined contour.
Learn more: Endoscopic Facelift.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Upper Blepharoplasty – May be considered for upper eyelid heaviness or excess skin, with attention to eyelid function and brow position.
Learn more: Upper Blepharoplasty.

Lower Blepharoplasty – May be considered for lower eyelid contour change, prominence of fat, or skin laxity, with planning focused on eyelid support and long-term lower-lid position.
Learn more: Lower Blepharoplasty.

Nose and Breathing

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery, also known as a nose job) – May be considered for nasal shape concerns, structural support, breathing-related issues, or a combination. Planning considers long-term support and function as well as appearance.
Learn more: rhinoplasty in Melbourne.

Cleft Rhinoplasty – May be considered for cleft-related nasal differences where structure, symmetry, scar tissue, and breathing can all play a role. Planning is individualised and may involve staged treatment depending on anatomy and prior surgery.
Learn more: Cleft Rhinoplasty.

Lower Face and Neck

Facelift – May be considered when facial contour change relates to shifts in support over time, with planning tailored to the pattern of change and anatomy.
Learn more: Facelift Surgery.

Neck Lift – May be considered when the neck is the dominant concern (laxity, banding, or fullness under the chin), including deeper anatomical contributors.
Learn more: Neck Lift.

Volume and Contour

Facial Fat Transfer – May be considered when volume loss or contour imbalance contributes to facial change, either alone or alongside other procedures.
Learn more: Facial Fat Transfer.

Lips

Lip Lift – May be considered when upper-lip length and shape affect facial balance or tooth show, depending on anatomy and scar placement.
Learn more: Lip Lift.

Male Facial Surgery

Male Facial Surgery – Planning aims to preserve masculine proportions, with attention to skin thickness, hairline patterns, and scar placement.
Learn more: Male Facial Surgery.

Reconstructive Facial Surgery

ome patients seek assessment for reconstructive concerns related to injury, previous surgery, skin cancer treatment, or congenital and developmental conditions such as cleft lip and palate. Where appropriate, options are discussed based on anatomy, function, and reconstructive priorities.

Your journey

Consultation, Safety, and Informed Consent

A consultation includes discussion of goals and priorities, review of relevant medical history, and an assessment of facial anatomy, balance, and (where relevant) function. Recommendations are based on diagnosis and what is anatomically appropriate, and may include surgical alternatives, non-surgical alternatives, or no treatment if surgery is not advised. Recovery expectations and procedure-specific risks are discussed to support informed decision-making.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Our Melbourne Clinic

Dr Rodrigo Teixeira, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, practises at Unveil Plastic Surgery in Ivanhoe East, Melbourne, around 10 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD. The clinic is designed to support a calm, professional experience from consultation through to post-operative review, with an emphasis on clear communication and careful follow-up.

For patients travelling from interstate or regional Victoria, the team can help coordinate appointment times and follow-up, while making sure clinical review stays safe and appropriate.

Your journey

Next Steps

If you are considering facial surgery, the next step is a consultation. It clarifies what is causing the concern and which options suit your anatomy and goals. A referral from a GP or treating specialist is required for all consultations, except for non-surgical treatments.

For patients with prior facial surgery, injury, skin cancer treatment, cleft-related care, or previous non-surgical treatments, bringing relevant documentation can assist planning. This may include previous imaging or investigations, specialist letters, operative reports, and clinical photographs where available.

About Dr Rodrigo Teixeira

Dr Rodrigo Teixeira (FRACS) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (AHPRA MED1650480) based in Melbourne. His practice focuses on facial plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, facelift, and blepharoplasty, with an emphasis on balanced aesthetic refinements and functional considerations where relevant.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery). He is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). He is a faculty member of the Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC) and works at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne performing reconstructive facial plastic surgery. Learn more about Dr Rodrigo Teixeira and his qualifications.

Questions

Facial Surgery FAQs

Who is a suitable candidate for facial surgery?

Suitability is assessed on an individual basis. Some patients seek facial surgery to address ageing-related changes, while others have hereditary or developmental traits that affect facial harmony. A consultation allows for a detailed assessment of your anatomy, concerns, and goals.

What are the AHPRA requirements before cosmetic surgery?

A GP referral is required before booking any cosmetic surgery. Patients must attend two consultations (one in person with the operating surgeon), be screened for body dysmorphic disorder, and observe a minimum seven-day cooling-off period.

Can multiple facial procedures be performed together?

Yes, if clinically appropriate. Procedures may be combined, for example, a facelift with a neck lift or eyelid surgery, to address related concerns. This is planned carefully to match your anatomy, goals, and overall safety.

What is the typical recovery after facial surgery?

Recovery differs depending on the procedure and individual healing factors. Swelling and bruising are expected in the early phase and improve gradually. Tissues continue to settle over several months. Detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up are provided.

What risks should I be aware of?

All surgery carries risks. These may include swelling, bruising, temporary changes in sensation or asymmetry, and other procedure-specific considerations. These will be discussed in your consultation and outlined on each relevant service page.

Are there alternatives to surgery?

Non-surgical treatments may improve skin quality or refine contour in selected cases. However, they do not reposition deeper tissue layers. Your treatment plan will consider all appropriate options based on your goals and clinical assessment.

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