Facial Surgery Melbourne

Dr Rodrigo Teixeira offers facial plastic surgery in Melbourne with a personalised approach. Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, stage of ageing, and treatment goals.

Tailored Facial Surgery

Facial surgery is not limited to reversing signs of ageing, it can also address natural variations in facial structure, proportions, and contour that patients may wish to change. Some individuals may seek improvement in the definition of the jawline or correction of underdeveloped features, while others may present with concerns such as excess volume beneath the chin, or changes related to skin and soft tissue laxity.

Dr Rodrigo Teixeira takes a personalised approach to each case, considering the unique facial anatomy, tissue dynamics, and aesthetic goals of the patient. Treatment plans take into consideration facial proportions, symmetry, and structural balance. This may include procedures to lift, reposition, remove or add volume, always with a focus on safety and realistic outcomes.

At Unveil Plastic Surgery, facial procedures are offered as standalone treatments or as part of a broader plan that may integrate both surgical and non-surgical interventions, depending on the patient’s needs.

Types of Facial Surgery

Browplasty (Brow Lift)

Browplasty, or brow lift surgery, is performed to adjust the position of the eyebrows and improve contour in the upper third of the face. This may be considered when the brow descends due to ageing, facial expression patterns, or changes in skin elasticity—leading to a lower brow position, heaviness, or upper eyelid hooding. In some cases, brow descent may contribute to visual field obstruction.

Several techniques are available and are selected based on individual anatomy and goals:

Endoscopic brow lift – a less invasive technique using small incisions hidden within the hairline to elevate and stabilise brow tissues.
Open (coronal) brow lift – performed through a longer incision across the scalp, typically reserved for cases requiring more extensive lifting or reshaping.
Temporal lift – targets the outer brow and temple region, elevating tissues diagonally to soften heaviness at the lateral brow.
Ponytail lift – a variation of the endoscopic approach that may extend beyond the brow to include the midface. It often incorporates a mini lift of the cheeks and uses vertical vectors to reposition tissues, aiming for a subtle yet harmonious elevation of the upper and mid-face.

During consultation, Dr Teixeira will assess brow shape, forehead dynamics, and skin quality to determine the most appropriate approach. Brow lift procedures are typically performed under general anaesthesia and take approximately two to three hours.

Lip Lift

A lip lift is a surgical procedure used to shorten the upper lip (philtrum) and enhance upper lip contour. With age, the distance between the nose and upper lip can lengthen, and the upper lip may lose projection and definition. These changes can reduce visibility of the vermilion border and soften the appearance of the cupid’s bow.

The procedure involves a small incision placed at the base of the nose. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining tissue is repositioned to reduce philtrum length and improve the balance between the upper lip and surrounding facial features.

Lip lift surgery is typically considered for patients with age-related elongation of the upper lip. It is rarely recommended for younger patients, as excessive shortening of the lip can lead to unnatural proportions and long-term aesthetic challenges. Careful assessment of lip length, dental show, and facial balance is essential during consultation.

The procedure is usually performed under local or general anaesthesia and takes approximately one hour to complete.

While this elective procedure offers numerous benefits, such as restoring balance and proportion to the lips and enhancing the appearance of the cupid’s bow, it’s essential to note that there are risks involved.

A lip lift can be performed under either local or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s preference. A lip lift procedure takes approximately one hour to complete.

Facial Fat Grafting (Autologous Fat Transfer)

Facial fat grafting is a surgical technique used to restore volume in areas of the face affected by ageing or naturally reduced soft tissue. The procedure involves harvesting a small amount of fat from another part of the body, commonly the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, using liposuction. The fat is then prepared and reinjected into areas of the face where volume restoration is desired.

This technique may help address hollowness in regions such as the cheeks, temples, tear troughs, and periorbital areas. It can also be used to refine contour and soften transitions between facial planes. Unlike temporary injectable treatments, fat grafting uses the patient’s own tissue and is considered a longer-term solution, though results can vary depending on fat survival and integration.

In addition to its volumising properties, fat grafting may offer regenerative effects due to the presence of adipose-derived stromal cells. However, the degree of benefit depends on individual factors and the specific characteristics of the harvested fat.

The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia and takes around one to two hours. A personalised treatment plan will be developed based on the patient’s facial structure, volume distribution, and goals.

Submentoplasty (Double Chin Surgery)

Chin liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure used to refine the area beneath the chin by removing excess submental fat. It may be considered in patients with a well-defined fat pad, good skin elasticity, and no significant skin redundancy. By removing fat through a small incision hidden under the chin, liposuction can improve the contour of the jawline and the angle between the chin and neck.

Submentoplasty refers to this targeted approach, and in suitable candidates, it offers noticeable improvements in definition without the need for more extensive surgery. The procedure is typically performed under local or general anaesthesia and takes approximately one hour.

For patients who are not ready for surgery or who may not be ideal surgical candidates, non-surgical alternatives are also available. These include radiofrequency and ultrasound-based treatments to stimulate collagen production and promote skin tightening, as well as electromagnetic muscle stimulation technologies such as EMFace to enhance muscle tone in the lower face.

While non-surgical treatments generally offer more modest results, they may provide a gradual improvement in skin firmness and contour for individuals with early changes or mild submental fullness. Dr Teixeira will assess your anatomy, skin quality, and goals to recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

Patients with deeper muscle laxity or significant skin redundancy may require a neck lift, which is addressed in the following section.

Neck Rhytidectomy (Neck Lift)

A neck rhytidectomy, or neck lift, is a surgical procedure used to define the contour of the neck by addressing excess skin, soft tissue laxity, and deeper anatomical structures. It may be considered in patients with visible neck banding, fullness beneath the jawline, or loss of definition in the central neck.

In neck lift procedures not combined with a facelift, the incision is typically placed approximately 1 behind the submental crease. Through this access point, Dr Teixeira can perform platysmoplasty (to correct muscle banding), trim submental fat, and contour deeper structures such as the digastric muscles and submandibular glands. Supporting the soft tissue of the floor of the mouth lifts the submental area and accentuates the cervicomental angle.

When skin redundancy is more extensive or facial ageing is also present, a neck lift may be performed in combination with a facelift. The procedure is typically done under general anaesthesia and takes approximately two hours. Recovery may involve bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort for the first 2-3 weeks, with progressive improvement in contour and firmness as healing progresses.

Risks and Complications

All surgical procedures carry inherent risks, and these may vary depending on the type of facial surgery performed, the individual patient’s anatomy, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Dr Teixeira will discuss the specific risks relevant to your procedure in detail during your consultation, taking into account your personal goals, medical history, and treatment plan.

While most patients recover without issue, some potential risks may include:

Bleeding or hematoma
Infection
Scarring
Delayed wound healing
Temporary or permanent changes in sensation
Asymmetry or contour irregularity
Nerve injury (motor or sensory)
Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
Swelling, bruising, or fluid accumulation

Certain procedures may carry additional considerations. For example, fat grafting carries a risk of fat resorption or fat necrosis; neck surgery may involve temporary tightness or stiffness; and procedures involving the hairline or ears may alter hair pattern or earlobe position.

Following all pre- and post-operative instructions is essential for reducing the risk of complications and supporting optimal recovery. If revision surgery is required, this will be discussed in the context of your individual case.

Surgery and Recovery

Recovery following facial surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed, the extent of correction, and individual healing factors. Dr Teixeira will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure and recovery timeline to support safety and comfort throughout the healing process.

Most facial procedures involve a recovery period of one to two weeks, during which swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are expected. These symptoms typically subside gradually, with final results becoming more apparent over several weeks to months.

General recovery guidelines include:

Swelling and bruising: Keeping the head elevated and using cold compresses as advised can help reduce swelling.
Pain management: Take prescribed medications only as directed to manage discomfort.
Incision care: Keep incisions clean and dry, and avoid applying any products not recommended by your surgeon.
Sun protection: Limit sun exposure and wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors to protect healing tissues.
Rest and reduced activity: Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for the first two weeks unless advised otherwise.
Sleep position: Sleep on your back with your head elevated to avoid pressure on treated areas.
Skin care: Use only gentle, non-irritating skincare products approved by Dr Teixeira to support skin healing.
Hydration and nutrition: Stay well-hydrated and consume a nutrient-rich diet to support tissue repair.

Attending scheduled follow-up appointments is essential so that Dr Teixeira can monitor your progress, address any concerns early, and guide you through each stage of recovery.