Surgical Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Read more on the Risks of Surgery
Facelift Surgery at Me Clinic
Turn Back the Clock - Without Looking Like You Tried
Advanced SMAS & Deep Plane Facelift Surgery with World-Class Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Melbourne.
Ready to look as young as you feel?
Book a Free Consultation
Our Specialist Plastic Surgeons will assess your facial anatomy, recommend the ideal facelift technique for your goals, and provide an all-inclusive quote with no hidden costs.
Why Choose Me Clinic?
- Over 35 Years of Surgical Excellence
Me Clinic has performed 25,000+ surgical procedures since 1988. Every facelift is performed under general anaesthesia at an accredited private hospital with an overnight stay included.
- Australia’s Most Experienced Facelift Surgeons
Mr Gary Kode (FRACS, FRCS) has performed 25,000+ procedures over 30+ years across 12 hospitals in 3 countries. The facelift is his signature procedure. Mr Amir Tadros (FRACS) is triple board-certified and trained at two of the world’s most prestigious plastic surgery units.
- Comprehensive Patient Care
From your first consultation through 12 months of follow-up appointments, our dedicated surgical team guides you at every step. All post-operative care, garments, and medication are included in your price.
- Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing
No hidden fees. Your quote covers surgeon fees, hospital, anaesthetist, recovery suite, compression garments, medication, and 12 months of follow-up care. Responsible Cosmetic Surgery means honest advice – if a facelift isn’t right for you, we’ll tell you.
Who Is It For?
You may be an ideal facelift candidate if you:
- Have noticeable sagging, jowls, or deep folds around the mid-face, lower face, or neck that no longer respond to creams or non-surgical treatments
- Want long-lasting results (7–10+ years) rather than temporary fixes that require constant top-ups
- Are generally in good health and a non-smoker (or willing to stop before and after surgery)
- Seek a natural-looking transformation — you want to look refreshed, not different
- Are ready to invest in a premium surgical solution with world-class surgeons ($23,000–$50,000 all-inclusive)
Types of Facelift Surgery
- SMAS Facelift (Most Popular)
Our signature 2-layer technique. Lifts and repositions the deeper muscular layer (SMAS) beneath the skin for comprehensive, long-lasting rejuvenation of the mid and lower face. The gold standard at Me Clinic.
- Deep Plane Facelift
An advanced technique that releases and repositions facial tissues in a deeper surgical plane. Ideal for patients with significant volume loss or heavier facial descent. Longer-lasting but requires a more experienced surgeon — which is exactly what we have.
- Mini Facelift
A less invasive option targeting early signs of ageing — mild jowls and skin laxity. Shorter incisions, faster recovery. Best suited for patients in their 40s–50s with moderate concerns.
- Lower Face & Neck Lift
Specifically targets jowls, a sagging jawline, and loose neck skin (the “turkey neck”). Includes platysmaplasty — tightening the underlying neck muscles — for a defined, youthful neck contour.
- Facelift + Fat Transfer
Combines surgical lifting with autologous fat transfer to restore lost volume in the cheeks, temples, and under-eyes. Addresses both sagging and hollowing for a complete rejuvenation.
- Facelift + Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
The most requested combination. Refreshes the entire upper face by removing excess eyelid skin and fat pads while lifting and tightening the mid and lower face in one procedure.
Your surgeon will recommend the ideal technique for your anatomy and goals during your consultation. Before and after photos of real Me Clinic patients are available to view at your appointment.
Why Choose a Surgical Facelift Over Non-surgical Alternatives?
- Treats the Cause, Not Just the Surface
Non-surgical treatments like thread lifts, fillers, and skin tightening devices only address the skin’s surface or add temporary volume. A surgical facelift lifts and repositions the deeper SMAS muscular layer – the actual structure that has descended – for a true, anatomical correction.
- One Procedure vs. Endless Top-Ups
A single facelift delivers results lasting 7–10+ years. Compare this to dermal fillers (6–18 months), thread lifts (1–2 years), or skin tightening (minimal results requiring multiple sessions). Over a decade, surgery is often the more economical choice.
- Dramatically Superior Results for Moderate-to-Severe Ageing
If you have significant jowls, deep nasolabial folds, or loose neck skin, non-surgical options simply cannot deliver the same degree of correction. There is no non-surgical equivalent to a facelift for advanced facial ageing.
- Not Ready for Surgery? We Offer Non-Surgical Options Too
Me Clinic’s Dr Gordon Ku offers thread lifts (from $3,000) and the Ku Lift™ jawline contouring (from $4,500) for patients who aren’t ready for surgery or have milder concerns. Your surgeon will honestly advise which approach is right for you.
What to Expect During Your Breast Lift
Consultation
- Meet Mr Gary Kode or Mr Amir Tadros for a thorough facial assessment and 3D imaging
- Discuss your goals, concerns, and medical history in a private, unhurried appointment
- Receive a personalised surgical plan, technique recommendation, and all-inclusive quote
- View before and after photos of real Me Clinic facelift patients
- Mandatory 7-day cooling-off period - no pressure to decide on the day
Procedure Day
- Surgery performed under general anaesthesia at an accredited private hospital in Melbourne
- SMAS or Deep Plane technique tailored to your anatomy (typically 3–5 hours)
- Overnight hospital stay included for your comfort, safety, and monitoring
- Dedicated nursing team with you throughout
Recovery
- Bruising and swelling peak at days 3–5, then improve rapidly
- Most patients return to light daily activities within 10–14 days
- Sutures typically removed at 7–10 days; strenuous exercise avoided for 4–6 weeks
- Our surgical nurses are available by phone throughout your recovery
Results
- Initial results visible once swelling subsides (2–4 weeks); final result at 3–6 months
- A firmer, lifted, more defined facial contour — patients routinely say they look 10–15 years younger
- Results typically last 7–10+ years with good skincare and a healthy lifestyle
- 12 months of scheduled follow-up appointments included in your price
Meet Our Specialist Plastic Surgeons
Melbourne’s most experienced facelift surgeons — ideal for men and women with sagging skin, jowls, marionette lines, or loss of facial definition.
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Mr Gary Kode
FRACS, FRCS – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
- 30+ years and 25,000+ procedures across 12 hospitals in 3 countries — the facelift is his signature procedure
- SMAS technique specialist - Melbourne’s most experienced facelift surgeon with thousands of facelifts performed
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS)
- Known for meticulous surgical technique and natural, never-overdone results
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Mr Amir Tadros
FRACS (Plast), FRCS (Ed), FESSH (Dip) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
- Triple board-certified - one of Australia’s most credentialled plastic surgeons
- Trained at St Thomas’ Hospital London & Canniesburn Glasgow - two of the world’s most prestigious plastic surgery training units
- Practising since 1996 with international expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery
- Fluent in English, French, and Arabic — ensuring clear communication for diverse patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about facelift surgery, what to expect, and how our surgeons can help you achieve your goals. For personalised advice, contact our team for a free consultation.
How much does a facelift cost at Me Clinic?
Facelift surgery at Me Clinic ranges from $23,000 to $50,000, depending on the technique and whether additional procedures (neck lift, eyelid surgery, fat transfer) are combined. This is an all-inclusive price covering your surgeon, anaesthetist, accredited hospital, overnight stay, compression garments, medication, and 12 months of follow-up appointments. No hidden fees. A personalised quote is provided after your consultation. Facelifts are considered cosmetic surgery, so Medicare and private health insurance typically do not cover the cost.
How long does a facelift last?
A well-performed surgical facelift typically lasts 7–10 years or more. You will continue to age naturally, but from a younger starting point. Factors like genetics, skincare, sun protection, and lifestyle influence longevity. Many patients say they still look significantly younger than their peers a decade after surgery.
What is the SMAS facelift technique?
The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift is a 2-layer surgical technique that lifts both the deeper muscular layer of the face and the overlying skin. Unlike older techniques that only pulled the skin, the SMAS approach repositions the structural foundation of the face – producing more natural, longer-lasting results. It is the gold-standard technique at Me Clinic and Mr Gary Kode’s signature procedure.
How long is the recovery? When can I return to work?
Most patients take 10–14 days off work. Bruising and swelling peak around days 3–5 and improve rapidly after that. Sutures are typically removed at 7–10 days. You can resume light activities within 1–2 weeks, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. Most social engagements can be comfortably resumed at the 2–3 week mark with makeup covering any residual bruising.
Will my facelift look natural? I’m worried about looking “pulled” or “windswept.”
This is the most common concern we hear — and our surgeons take it very seriously. The SMAS technique specifically avoids the “pulled” look of older facelift methods by lifting the deeper facial structures rather than just stretching skin. Mr Gary Kode has performed thousands of facelifts using this approach. The goal is always a refreshed, rested version of yourself. During your consultation, you’ll be able to view before and after photos of real Me Clinic patients to see the natural results we achieve.
What’s the difference between a facelift and a thread lift?
A surgical facelift lifts and repositions the deep muscular layer of the face (SMAS), providing dramatic, long-lasting results (7–10+ years). A thread lift uses dissolvable sutures to create a mild lift with minimal downtime, but results are subtler and typically last only 1–2 years. Thread lifts are better suited for patients with early signs of ageing or those not ready for surgery. Me Clinic offers both — Dr Gordon Ku performs thread lifts from $3,000, and your surgeon will honestly advise which option best suits your needs.
Is a facelift safe? What are the risks?
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Potential complications include bleeding, infection, nerve injury, scarring, and asymmetry. However, by choosing a FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with extensive facelift experience — like Mr Gary Kode (25,000+ procedures) or Mr Amir Tadros (triple board-certified) — and having surgery at an accredited private hospital, these risks are significantly minimised. Me Clinic practices Responsible Cosmetic Surgery™ and includes a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period so you never feel rushed into a decision.
Important Considerations & Surgical Warning
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Results can vary based on individual factors like age, genetics, skin elasticity, and overall health.
Your Transformation Starts with a Conversation
A facelift at Me Clinic is more than a procedure – it’s a partnership with some of Australia’s most experienced plastic surgeons. Whether you’re ready to book or simply want to explore your options, your consultation is free, private, and completely obligation-free.
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