Face Surgery is performed by Specialist plastic Surgeon, Dr Patrick Briggs. Face Surgery is a combination of different surgical procedures used to alter the appearance of the face.

PLEASE NOTE – Dr Patrick Briggs no longer performs Facelift, Neck lift, Brow lift, Otoplasty, Cheek or Chin Surgery. Please consider one of the other Plastic Surgeons at Coco Ruby Clinic for these facial surgeries.

Facelift by Dr Patrick Briggs

Facial Surgery in Melbourne

With over 25 years in practise, Dr Briggs has helped many individuals undergo facial surgery with the following procedures:

Wrinkles, fine lines, eye bags, loose Facial skin, and other changes in facial appearance are inevitable. In addition to time’s effect on your skin, several factors such as sun exposure, genetics, medications, smoking, and facial expressions can also contribute.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Face Surgery?

During your consultation, Your surgeon will assess your; health history, current medications, and aesthetic goals to determine if facial surgery is a possibility for you. In general, you are able to have a face procedure if you:

  • Are bothered by the visible signs of ageing on your face.
  • Have; wrinkles, fine lines, eye bags, jowls, and other visible signs of ageing.
  • Do not take any medications that can significantly increase your risk of bleeding.
  • Are willing to adhere to pre- and post-surgical instructions.
  • Don’t have a bleeding or clotting disorder.
  • Don’t have any chronic debilitating disease.
  • Are a non smoke or you are willing to quit.
  • Have realistic treatment goals.

What are the Reasons for Face Surgery?

Undergoing a facial procedure can be done because of the following:

  • Breathing (Nose surgery)
  • Visual function
  • Facial skin
  • Facial Balance
  • Deformities (Cleft lip, Cleft palate, facial trauma, Congenital abnormalities)
what is cheek surgery

Dr Briggs now only performs the following two Facial surgeries;

  • Chin Liposuction to reduce excess fat under the chin
  • Eyelid surgery: Removes folds and bags under your eyes by removing excess skin and fat.

What are the Risks of Facial Surgery?

Like other surgical procedures, face surgery also has its risks. When recovering at home, it is important to watch out for the following signs and symptoms associated with your procedure:

  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia such as skin rashes and difficulty breathing
  • Changes in your facial sensation
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Facial weakness
  • Hematoma
  • Haemorrhage
  • Increasing pain in your face
  • Numbness in one or both sides of your face
  • Pus draining from your wound
  • Severe swelling
  • Skin discolouration
  • Skin loss
  • Sutures that protrude through the skin
  • Unwanted scarring
  • Wound dehiscence (wound reopening/separates along the incision)

If you experience any concerning symptoms or complications during your recovery, such as severe pain, bleeding, or changes in vision, it is important to contact your surgeon immediately. Following all post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments as directed can help minimize your risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcome from your facial surgery.

All surgery contains risks, read more here.

Recovery

Your recovery time will depend on the type and extent of your facial surgery and your aesthetic goals.

It is important to keep in mind that the recovery period may vary from patient to patient. In general, you may experience pain and soreness following your procedure. Mild pain relievers and anti-inflammatories can often manage any discomfort.

If you are stable, your surgeon will allow you to go home and will provide you with instructions regarding how to care for your surgical wounds, medications to take at home, and when to return for follow-up.

You will also be advised to refrain from strenuous activities to prevent tension on your suture lines.

Please note that recovery times after blepharoplasty surgery may vary from person to person and depend on various factors, such as individual healing abilities, the extent of the surgery, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. It is important to closely follow your surgeon’s recommendations to ensure a smooth and safe recovery.

Minimising Scars after Facial Surgery

It is important to remember that all surgical procedures leave scars, including ‘so-called’ scarless methods.

Experienced plastic surgeons are careful about scar placement and minimisation, with surgical scars generally fading over time.

We will arrange post-op appointments with our nursing team after your procedure to ensure everything is healing well and to monitor your progress.

You will see your surgeon and/or nurse and/or dermal team about six to eight weeks later for a scar consultation and organise scar minimisation treatments.

The Coco Ruby dermal team conducts a series of follow-up scar treatments using a customised selection of Skin Needling, Healite II LED and massaging with oils, Fraxel Laser, V-Laser, and Silicone strips and gels and Steroids can also help minimize scars.

Note – The length of your recovery period will depend on your procedure and your health and lifestyle factors. Recovery times can vary from person to person – resting helps to heal.

Please avoid subjecting your incision to abrasion or excessive stresses during the recovery period.

FAQ about Facial Surgery

Will my Health Insurance cover my Facial Surgery Expenses?

  • In most cases, your insurance plan will not cover your facial surgery expenses because it is considered “elective surgery”.

What should I do to prepare before my Facial Surgery?

  • During your consultation with the surgeon, you will be advised to avoid any blood-thinning medications, smoking, alcohol, and prolonged sun exposure a week before your surgery to ensure optimal results and lower your risk of complications.

How can I minimise pain after my Procedure?

  • Aside from taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, your surgeon will advise you to use an ice compress over your surgical wound to minimise facial discomforts.
  • Before discharge, your surgeon will teach you how to care for your wound.

How much is Facial Surgery? Costs and Prices

The average prices and costs of facial surgery vary as every patient has different medical conditions and treatment goals. During your consultation, your surgeon will provide you with a customised estimate and price range for your potential facial procedure.

Paying For Face Surgery

Patients can pay for surgery through various methods. These methods include:

  1. Payment in full at the time of the procedure using accepted payment methods such as credit cards (such as Visa, Mastercard), buy now, pay-later products (such as Afterpay, Openpay, Zip Pay).
  2. Non-commercial payment arrangements between the medical practitioner and patient, where the payment is made in instalments.
  3. Medicare rebates, if the surgery is considered medically necessary. (this will not cover the total cost and patients will still have out of pocket costs)
  4. Private health insurance, if the patient has an appropriate level of cover. (This is unlikely to cover the total cost and patients may still have out of pocket costs)

It is important to note that we do not encourage patients to take on debt or access their superannuation to pay for cosmetic surgery. Additionally, we do not offer or recommend financing schemes to patients, such as loans or commercial payment plans.

Dr Patrick Briggs Melbourne
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Dr Patrick Briggs FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) is a Specialist Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Both he and his team are dedicated to patient care and are committed to treating each and every patient with respect and privacy.

Furthermore, he is experienced in BreastBody and Face Surgery having performed over 4500 Surgeries in private practice.

How can we help?

Dr Briggs’ Patient Coordinators take pleasure in assisting you with any questions when considering a plastic surgery procedure. Please call the Hawthorn East clinic in Melbourne between 8 am – 6 pm on Weekdays.

Phone 1300 599 990Email us or Book a free 15-minute Call with Dr Patrick Briggs’s team.

What Next?

Want more information about your Procedure?

  • For more information about pricing and payment methods, please visit our page on Surgery Payment options.
  • Talk to our Patient Care Team from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday on 1300 599 990.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

  • If you like, please bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices.
  • Take a lot of notes and thoroughly examine the documents your surgeon provides.
  • You may need to undress so it’s a good idea to wear simple clothes.

How to Book a Consultation

  • Dr Briggs’ Consultation fee is $300.
  • A referral from your GP or your specialist is essential (as of the 1st July 2023).
  • Please contact the Patient Care Team at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery to book your consultation.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational proposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. The author and publisher of this article make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of the content of this article. The information contained in this article is strictly at your own risk.