As we age, our facial features naturally change due to the effects of time, gravity, sun exposure, and a gradual loss of skin elasticity. These changes can lead to sagging skin, deep creases, and a tired appearance that may not reflect how we truly feel inside.
A face lift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to rejuvenate the face and neck by lifting sagging tissues, tightening muscles, and restoring a more youthful facial contour. For women and men in Melbourne, a face lift performed by Dr Gary Kode, a highly regarded Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, offers the opportunity to achieve, natural-looking results that enhance—not change—your features.
Dr Gary Kode has decades of surgical experience and takes a highly personalised approach to facial rejuvenation. Every aspect of surgery is performed by Dr Kode himself, without surgical assistants, ensuring a consistent standard of care and meticulous attention to detail.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Face Lift?
A face lift may be suitable for individuals who are noticing changes in the lower face and neck and are seeking a long-lasting solution. Some common signs that you may benefit from a face lift include:
- Sagging or loose skin along the cheeks and jawline (jowls): This can blur the definition of the jaw and give the face a heavier appearance.
- Deep creases or folds between the nose and corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds): These become more prominent with age and can contribute to a tired or drawn look.
- Excess skin or fat beneath the chin and neck: Sometimes referred to as “turkey neck” or “double chin,” this can be effectively treated with a face and neck lift.
- Loss of facial volume or definition: A face lift can improve contour by repositioning deeper structures, though additional volume restoration may require fat grafting.
- A general sense that the face looks older or more fatigued than it feels: Many patients seek a face lift to align their outer appearance with their inner vitality.
Ideal candidates should be in good general health, non-smokers, and have a realistic understanding of what the surgery can achieve. During your consultation at Dr Kode’s Melbourne clinic, he will take the time to listen to your concerns, assess your facial structure, and determine if a face lift—or a combination of procedures—is the right option for your goals.
Types of Face Lift Procedures
There is no single approach to facial rejuvenation. Dr Gary Kode offers several techniques, each tailored to suit the patient’s facial anatomy, skin quality, and the degree of ageing present.
Mini Face Lift
- Aimed at patients with early signs of ageing, typically in their 40s or 50s.
- Targets mild skin laxity around the jawline and lower cheeks.
- Involves shorter incisions, reduced downtime, and a quicker recovery period compared to a full face lift.
- Often performed with localised tightening of the SMAS layer for added longevity.
- Suitable for individuals seeking subtle improvements without the need for more extensive surgery.
SMAS Face Lift with Platysma Plication
- Dr Kode’s preferred and most comprehensive approach to face lifting.
- Involves lifting and tightening of both the skin and the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System), the deeper layer that supports facial tissues.
- Incorporates platysma plication, a technique that tightens the neck muscles vertically, reducing neck bands and restoring jawline definition.
- Offers longer-lasting results by addressing structural ageing, not just skin laxity.
- Particularly effective for moderate to advanced signs of ageing in the face and neck.
Combined Neck Rejuvenation
- Ideal for patients who have sagging, banding, or fullness in the neck.
- May include submental liposuction to remove excess fat, skin excision to tighten loose tissue, and muscle tightening to redefine the neck profile.
- Often performed alongside a face lift to maintain harmony between the face and neck.
- Enhances the contour from chin to collar bone (the cervico-mental angle) for a smoother, younger silhouette.
Every face lift is customised by Dr Gary Kode after a thorough assessment. His focus is always on natural, balanced results that complement each patient’s unique facial structure.
Surgery for a Face Lift
All face lift procedures are performed by Dr Gary Kode at accredited private hospitals in Melbourne, including Glenferrie Private Hospital and Masada Private Hospital. Dr Kode does not use surgical assistants, ensuring that every incision, adjustment, and suture is managed directly by him.
Anaesthetic and Theatre Setting
- Surgery is conducted under general anaesthesia, which allows patients to remain fully asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Local anaesthetic is also administered while the patient is asleep to reduce discomfort post-surgery and assist in a smoother recovery.
- The operating environment is fully accredited and equipped for specialist plastic surgery.
Steps Involved in the Procedure
- Precise incisions are made around the ears and hairline, placed to follow natural skin creases and hairlines for optimal concealment.
- The skin is lifted and the underlying SMAS layer is repositioned for structural support.
- If needed, the platysma muscle in the neck is plicated to tighten and improve neck contour.
- Excess skin is carefully trimmed, and the incisions are closed with fine sutures to support clean healing.
Use of Surgical Drains
- Small drains are often placed behind the ears for a short period after surgery to prevent fluid build-up and encourage optimal healing.
- Drains are typically removed within 24 hours
Patients are monitored closely during the hospital stay and supported throughout their post-operative journey.
Photos / Gallery of Face Lift Results
To see examples of face lift outcomes, you can explore our Before & After Gallery. These photographs showcase real patients who have undergone face lift surgery with Dr Gary Kode.
Each image is shared with written patient consent and reflects the diversity of patient presentations and results. While every result is unique, the gallery demonstrates Dr Kode’s commitment to natural enhancement and balanced outcomes.
We encourage patients to use the gallery as an educational tool to understand what can realistically be achieved with facial rejuvenation surgery.
Recovery After a Face Lift
Recovery following face lift surgery is an important phase, and Dr Gary Kode provides comprehensive support at every stage. Recovery times can vary depending on the individual and the type of procedure performed.
Typical Recovery Timeline
- First week: Swelling and bruising are most prominent. Mild discomfort is common but manageable with prescribed pain relief. Sleeping with the head elevated can reduce swelling.
- Second week: Bruising begins to fade. Patients may feel comfortable returning to low-key social or professional settings.
- Weeks 3 to 6: Incisions continue to heal. Patients may resume light exercise, depending on recovery progress.
- 3 to 6 months: Final results become more visible as residual swelling settles and scars continue to mature.
Post-Surgical Care
- Dr Kode does not require facial garments after surgery.
- Follow-up visits are arranged regularly to ensure healing is progressing well.
- You will receive detailed care instructions and direct access to clinic staff during recovery.
Your recovery will be guided personally by Dr Kode and his Melbourne team to ensure a safe, supportive experience.
Results of a Face Lift
The outcomes of a face lift develop gradually over time. While early improvements may be visible within the first few weeks, the full benefit of surgery usually becomes apparent around the three-month mark.
Patients can expect:
A more youthful face shape, The ageing face tends to be more square, whereas the youthful face is more triangular.
- A more defined jawline and smoother neck contour
- Softening of deep facial lines and sagging
- Improved harmony between the face and neck
- A rested, more youthful appearance that still looks like you
Dr Gary Kode strives to deliver results that enhance facial structure without exaggeration or overcorrection. The goal is always refinement, not transformation.
Scars with a Face Lift
Scarring is a normal part of any surgical procedure, but with expert planning, it can be minimised and well-hidden.
- Incisions are typically made in natural creases around the ear and sometimes extend into the hairline, where they are difficult to detect once healed.
- Scars may appear pink or raised in the early weeks but generally fade over time to become smooth and faint.
- Dr Kode provides aftercare recommendations, including the use of skin care products, scar-reducing dressings or tapes where appropriate.
With time, scars are typically discreet and outweighed by the improvement in facial contour.
Cost of Face Lift Surgery
Because face lift surgery is tailored to each patient, the total cost can vary depending on the:
- Extent of the procedure and whether neck rejuvenation or additional techniques are required
- Duration of surgery, affecting theatre and anaesthetic fees
- Hospital setting, as private facilities in Melbourne each have unique fee structures
- Post-operative care and follow-up requirements
Dr Gary Kode will provide a full and transparent cost estimate during your personal consultation in Melbourne. All pricing will be discussed in detail, and there is never any obligation to proceed.
In accordance with AHPRA regulations, we do not publish specific pricing online.
Risks of Face Lift Surgery
All surgery carries some degree of risk. Dr Kode takes every precaution to reduce these risks through careful patient selection, meticulous technique, and continuous follow-up care.
Potential risks include:
- Swelling and bruising, which typically resolve within a few weeks
- Infection or wound healing issues, which are rare but manageable if detected early
- Temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation, which usually improve over time
- Asymmetry or uneven results, which may require minor adjustment in rare cases
- Scarring, which is usually discreet but can vary between individuals
During your consultation, Dr Gary Kode will explain all potential risks and how they are managed. He is committed to ensuring that every patient makes an informed, confident decision about surgery.
About Dr Gary Kode
Dr Gary Kode is a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with over 30 years of clinical experience. Based in Melbourne, he is highly regarded for his focus on face and neck lift surgery and his commitment to achieving refined, natural results.
Dr Kode performs all aspects of surgery himself, from consultation to post-operative care. He values direct communication, honest expectations, and a personalised approach for each patient. His techniques are informed by years of training and refinement, including his own adaptations of globally respected surgical methods.
Patients who choose Dr Kode appreciate his calm, caring nature and the level of attention he gives to their care. His practice is built on trust, experience, and surgical integrity.
FAQs About Face Lift Surgery
Book a Consultation with Dr Gary Kode
If you are considering face lift surgery in Melbourne, we invite you to schedule a personal consultation with Dr Gary Kode. During your visit, Dr Kode will listen to your concerns, assess your facial anatomy, and provide a clear, customised plan to help you make a confident and informed decision.
To book an appointment, please contact our clinic or call us directly.
Your journey to natural, rejuvenated facial contours starts with expert guidance and genuine care. Dr Kode looks forward to welcoming you.
Further Reading
- Read Dr Gary Kode’s Procedure Page on Face Surgery