Facelift Surgery (Meloplasty) in Melbourne
Deep Plane and Endoscopic Approaches
Dr Rodrigo Teixeira is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) with experience in deep plane and endoscopic facelift techniques. His approach aims to restore facial definition and achieve natural, long-lasting results, tailored to each patient’s features and goals, while minimising visible signs of surgery.
What is a Meloplasty (Facelift) ?
Meloplasty, also known as a facelift or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure used to reposition facial tissues affected by ageing, gravity, and volume loss. It focuses on restoring definition to the jawline, cheeks, and neck while maintaining the patient’s natural facial identity. The procedure involves carefully placed incisions around the ears and hairline, or hidden within the hairline in endoscopic approaches, to discreetly access underlying facial structures.
A key element of modern facelift surgery is supporting the face from within, not just tightening the skin. By addressing the SMAS layer and releasing specific ligaments, the structural tissue layer is lifted in a way that smooths folds and redefines contours, while preserving natural movement and avoiding an overdone appearance.
Dr Rodrigo Teixeira, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne, focuses on the deep plane facelift, a technique that works at a deeper anatomical level to provide durable, natural-looking outcomes tailored to each patient’s features. He also uses SMAS and endoscopic techniques when clinically appropriate and may include facial fat transfer to restore volume and balance.
He is also involved in surgical education as a faculty member of the Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC), a program that provides anatomy-based facial surgery training for plastic surgeons in Australia and internationally.
Learn more about Dr Rodrigo Teixeira and his approach to plastic surgery and patient care.
A Natural, Individualised Approach to Facial Surgery
Dr Teixeira’s approach to facial aesthetics prioritises natural, balanced outcomes that support your existing facial structure. Every facelift is planned individually, with a strong focus on patient safety, anatomy, and realistic expectations. He carefully considers your facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. The aim is to achieve a refreshed appearance, without a stretched or artificial look, using established techniques such as the deep plane facelift.
A deep plane facelift aims to create a refreshed, balanced appearance by:
- Smoothing the jawline and refining neck contours
- Preserving relaxed, natural facial expressions
- Minimising visible scarring with discreetly placed incisions
- Restoring volume and definition rather than creating tightness
Concerns that a Deep Plane Meloplasty Can Address
Facelift surgery is designed to address structural changes in the lower face and neck that occur with ageing. While every person experiences these changes differently, a facelift may help improve:
- Descent of the midface and cheeks
- Deepening of nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth)
- Laxity or heaviness along the jawline “jowls”
- Loosening of skin or definition under the chin or neck
- Reduced facial contour and definition
By repositioning underlying tissues and carefully removing excess skin, facelift surgery aims to restore facial support and refine definition, while maintaining your natural characteristics.
Facelift (Meloplasty) Techniques
Facelift surgery is not one-size-fits-all. Dr Teixeira offers a range of procedures to address different stages of facial ageing, anatomy, and patient goals. Each method is selected based on individual needs, with a focus on achieving balanced, natural-looking outcomes.
Short-Scar Meloplasty (Mini Facelift)
The short-scar facelift, or mini facelift, is a technique designed for individuals with early facial ageing and good skin elasticity. Using smaller incisions around the ears, it allows for limited repositioning of lower facial tissues to refine jawline definition with less scarring and downtime. While it can offer a subtle improvement in facial contour, this approach does not address the deeper structural layers to the same extent as more comprehensive techniques, and the results may be less extensive or enduring.
SMAS Lift and Advanced SMAS Facelift Technique
The SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) is a layer of connective tissue and muscle that helps define the shape and support of the face. Techniques that focus on repositioning the SMAS, such as limited, extended, or high-SMAS facelifts, allow for more comprehensive soft tissue support beneath the skin. By working with this deeper layer, these methods can help improve definition in the midface and jawline with results that are typically more enduring than skin-only approaches. SMAS-based facelifts are performed under general anaesthesia, and the specific method is chosen based on each patient’s facial anatomy and treatment goals.
Deep Plane Facelift by Dr Rodrigo Teixeira
The deep plane facelift is a technique that repositions the deeper layers of the face, lifting the skin, SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System), and retaining ligaments as a single unit. By working beneath the SMAS layer, it allows for more effective repositioning of the midface and lower facial tissues while avoiding surface tension on the skin. This helps restore facial definition and soft tissue support with outcomes that appear natural and maintain dynamic facial expression. Compared to other SMAS-based facelifts, the deep plane approach can provide more harmonious and longer-lasting results, particularly in the lower face and jawline.
Originally developed through the pioneering anatomical research of Dr Bryan Mendelson, this technique continues to be refined and taught globally through the Melbourne Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC). As a faculty member of MAFAC, Dr Teixeira participates in the education of local and international surgeons, contributing to the ongoing evolution of safe, precise facelift techniques. The deep plane method is suitable not only for individuals with age-related changes, but also for younger patients with genetically heavier lower face features who may benefit from deeper facial support and contour refinement. Read the blog “Demystifying the Deep Plane Facelift”.
Endoscopic Facelift
The endoscopic facelift is a minimally invasive approach that uses small, well-concealed incisions, typically within the hairline, to access and reposition deeper facial tissues. With the aid of a specialised camera (endoscope), this technique allows for visualisation with magnification and precise release and elevation of soft tissue structures while preserving the overlying skin. It may be used to address early facial changes across the midface, cheeks, jawline, or brow region, depending on the individual’s anatomy and goals. Endoscopic techniques offer the benefit of reduced surface disruption and scarring and may be combined with other procedures to achieve balanced rejuvenation.
Endoscopic Upper Facelift (Ponytail Lift)
A variation of this approach, known as the endoscopic upper facelift or “ponytail lift,” targets the upper third of the face. It is named for the naturally lifted appearance seen when the hair is tied into a high ponytail, particularly around the brows and temples. Using a vertical vector through discreet hairline incisions, this technique repositions soft tissues to restore contour and support with minimal scarring and downtime. It may be suitable for individuals with early heaviness or descent in the upper face. Read the blog “What is a Ponytail Lift”.
Vertical Restore Facelift in Meloplasty
The vertical restore facelift is a variation of established deep-plane and SMAS techniques that focuses on lifting facial and neck tissues in an upward (vertical) direction. This approach aligns with the natural descent that occurs with ageing and aims to restore facial support by repositioning deeper structures rather than relying on skin tension. While the term is used to describe a directional preference, it draws on well-established surgical principles and may be incorporated into a facelift plan when vertical vector elevation is appropriate for the individual’s anatomy and goals.
What to Expect at the Facelift Consultation
Your consultation with Dr Rodrigo Teixeira is an essential part of planning your facelift. This process is designed to explore your concerns, assess suitability for surgery, and develop a personalised treatment plan that is aligned with your goals.
During the first consultation, Dr Teixeira will review your medical history, assess your facial anatomy, skin quality, and areas of structural change associated with ageing. Clinical photographs will be taken for planning and comparison. You will be asked to complete a screening questionnaire for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), as recommended by AHPRA for cosmetic procedures. Your concerns will be discussed in detail. Dr Teixeira will explain the likely benefits, risks, and limitations of facelift surgery in the context of your individual features and medical history, and a proposed surgical plan will be outlined. This includes information on recovery, potential adjunctive procedures, and costs, supported by written materials for informed decision-making.
A second consultation is required to confirm your plan and provide additional details about the procedure, anaesthesia, hospital arrangements, and aftercare. In line with Medical Board of Australia guidelines, a mandatory cooling-off period of at least seven days must occur after the second consultation before surgery can be scheduled. Once confirmed, you will receive written post-operative instructions and contact information for ongoing support.
For more on what to expect during your appointment, visit our patient information page.
Facelift Procedure: What to Expect on Surgery Day
On the day of your facelift surgery, you will be admitted to an accredited hospital, where the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Before surgery, Dr Teixeira will review your surgical plan and mark the planned incision lines. You will also meet the assistant surgeon and the anaesthetist, who will review your medical history, discuss any previous anaesthetic experiences, check for allergies, and explain the anaesthesia plan and post-operative pain management.
A pre-operative checklist is completed to confirm your identity, procedure details, consent, and medical history. The duration of surgery depends on the technique used and whether additional procedures are being performed. After the procedure, you will be transferred to recovery and then admitted overnight. Most patients stay in hospital for one or two nights, depending on the extent of surgery and early recovery progress.
Risks and Considerations of Facelift (Meloplasty) Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries potential risks. These can vary depending on an individual’s anatomy, medical history, and the extent of the procedure. Outcomes also differ between individuals due to natural variation in healing, skin quality, and tissue response, which cannot be fully predicted.
Possible complications may include bleeding or haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), infection, scarring, or delayed wound healing. In rare cases, skin necrosis (skin loss) can occur, particularly in individuals who smoke. Temporary or permanent changes in facial sensation may be experienced, and nerve injury affecting facial movement or expression is also a known risk. Other considerations include hair thinning or changes to the hairline near incision sites, changes in earlobe shape such as a “pixie ear” appearance, facial tightness, prolonged swelling, or asymmetry in facial contours. In some cases, revision surgery may be considered if the initial outcome is not as expected.
General and procedure-specific risks will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation, and written information will be provided to support informed decision-making.
Recovery & Aftercare Following a Deep Plane Facelift
Recovery from facelift surgery varies depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and a sense of tightness within the first week, which typically subsides over two to three weeks. Mild residual swelling or altered sensation may take longer to resolve.
During recovery:
- Keep your head elevated, including during rest and sleep, to help reduce swelling.
- Apply cold compresses as directed, especially in the first 48 hours, to manage discomfort and bruising.
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for the first few weeks, including bending and intense exercise.
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated to minimise pressure on the healing areas.
- Use gentle skincare products approved by Dr Teixeira to maintain clean and hydrated skin.
- Protect your face from sun exposure, including wearing a wide-brimmed hat and using high-SPF sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to support healing.
- Minimise excessive facial movements, such as vigorous chewing, laughing, or abrupt head turns during the early healing phase.
Healing times vary, and outcomes depend on each individual’s anatomy, tissue quality, and medical history. Post-operative care includes scheduled follow-up reviews. Optional recovery treatments are available through Unveil Aesthetics and may include LED therapy and lymphatic massage to support tissue recovery. Microneedling and laser treatments may also be considered at a later stage to assist with scar management, if appropriate.
Written post-operative care instructions will be emailed before surgery; please read this information in advance. A member of our clinical team will also contact you prior to surgery to review key points and answer any immediate questions. You are encouraged to raise any further queries during your hospital stay. Dr Teixeira will visit you during your admission to monitor your recovery and remains available on call for any clinical concerns. After discharge, the aftercare information includes contact details for follow-up communication or urgent queries.
Is a Mini Facelift Right for You?
A mini facelift, also known as a short-scar or limited incision facelift, may be suitable for individuals with early signs of facial ageing who are seeking a more focused surgical approach. This technique focuses on improving definition along the lower face and jawline, using shorter incisions and less extensive dissection than a full facelift.
It is important to understand that a mini facelift is not designed to address significant skin laxity, deeper tissue descent, or changes in the neck. Patients with more advanced signs of ageing, a heavier lower face, or untreated skin quality concerns may not achieve a meaningful or long-lasting result from this technique alone. While a mini facelift may involve a shorter recovery period and a more conservative approach, it is not necessarily lower risk or appropriate for every case. During consultation, Dr Teixeira will assess your facial anatomy, skin condition, and goals to determine whether a mini facelift is suitable, or whether a more comprehensive surgical plan is needed to address your concerns and ensure realistic expectations.
Combining a Facelift with Other Procedures
Facelift surgery focuses on repositioning deeper facial tissues and removing excess skin, but it does not address all areas affected by facial ageing. For more comprehensive rejuvenation, some patients may benefit from combining facelift surgery with complementary procedures that treat volume loss, skin quality, or ageing in adjacent regions.
These may include neck lift surgery to improve contour beneath the chin and jawline, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to address upper or lower eyelid concerns, or brow lift techniques to support the upper third of the face. Fat grafting is often considered to restore volume in areas such as the midface, temples, around the eyes (periorbital), and around the mouth (perioral), where soft tissue loss can contribute to hollowing or folds. Non-surgical treatments, such as skin resurfacing or medical-grade dermal therapies, may also complement surgical results when used at appropriate stages before or after surgery.
During consultation, Dr Teixeira will provide a tailored plan based on your anatomy, goals, and the distribution of ageing across different areas of the face.
FAQs
A deep plane facelift targets the deeper facial layers beneath the SMAS to release and reposition tissue more completely. This allows for natural movement, greater lift in the midface, and improved long-term support compared to techniques that tighten only the skin or superficial layers.
An extended deep plane facelift often includes treatment of the neck to address skin laxity, muscle banding, and contour changes. In some cases, a dedicated neck lift may be recommended for patients with more pronounced fullness, reduced cervicomental angle definition, or heavier neck tissues.
An extended deep plane facelift builds on the traditional deep plane technique by continuing the dissection into the neck area, beneath the platysma muscle. This allows for a continuous anatomical plane that can help improve definition along the jawline, reduce heaviness in the lower face, and address signs of neck ageing.
An endoscopic facelift is a minimally invasive approach that uses small incisions hidden within the hairline to elevate and reposition tissues of the upper face or midface. It can be suitable for younger patients or those with less extensive ageing.
Facial fat transfer (also known as fat grafting) involves transferring a patient’s own fat to areas of volume loss, such as the cheeks, temples, or jawline. When combined with a facelift, it helps restore balance and smooth transitions between facial areas.
Facelift surgery costs in Melbourne vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the techniques used, and whether it includes additional treatments such as neck lift or fat transfer. Most procedures range from $30,000 to $60,000. Dr Teixeira provides a detailed quote following consultation, once your individual needs and surgical plan are assessed.
There is no specific age that determines suitability for facelift surgery. The decision is based on individual anatomy, tissue laxity, and goals, rather than chronological age. Some patients benefit from early intervention in their 40s, while others may wait until later. An in-person consultation helps determine timing based on your anatomy and expectations.
Non-surgical treatments can help with early signs of ageing but do not replicate the results of surgical repositioning. Facelift techniques, especially deep plane and endoscopic approaches, address deeper structures and volume changes that non-invasive options cannot correct.
Facelift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital. An experienced anaesthetist will oversee your care, monitor you throughout the procedure, and review your medical history, allergies, and prior anaesthetic experiences in advance. In addition to general anaesthesia, local anaesthetic is used during surgery to reduce pain signals and minimise the need for additional anaesthetic medications. This combined approach supports comfort during and after the procedure and contributes to a smoother recovery.
Most patients return to light activities within 2–3 weeks. Swelling and bruising are common initially, with improvements over several weeks. Final results may take several months to fully refine as tissues settle.
Incisions are placed around the ears and sometimes along the hairline, designed to be as discreet as possible. In endoscopic approaches, incisions may be hidden entirely within the hairline. While all surgery involves some scarring, most patients find it minimal and well concealed over time.
Facelift surgery is not intended to create a change in appearance, but rather to restore a refreshed look that aligns with your existing features. Dr Teixeira works with your own anatomy and facial structure to enhance balance and definition, aiming for results that appear natural with minimal signs of surgery.
Facelift results are generally long-lasting, especially when deeper facial layers are repositioned. While the face continues to age naturally, the structural support created through techniques like deep plane facelift can help maintain definition and balance over time. Outcomes vary depending on factors like skin quality, facial structure, and lifestyle, but most patients retain a more refreshed appearance for many years.
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