Cosmetic Surgery - Facelift, Eyelid Surgery, Rhinoplasty and More – Melbourne, Victoria

At our cosmetic surgery practice in Victoria, we offer a range of facial plastic surgery procedures, including facelift, eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty. Melbourne plastic surgeon David Ross utilises the latest advances in the field to ensure that his patients achieve the results they deserve. For information on a specific cosmetic surgery procedure, please click on the links below.

» Facelift
» Eyelid Surgery
» Rhinoplasty
» Brow Lift
» Ear Surgery
» Fat Transfer (Microlipoinjection)
» Facial Augmentation with Facial Implants
» Laser Skin Resurfacing

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Facelift is a popular and well-known cosmetic surgery procedure designed to lift and tighten skin around the face and along the neck, smooth deep facial creases, and give patients a rested, rejuvenated appearance. With a facelift, plastic surgeons can eliminate sagging, loose skin, and tighten underlying facial muscles. While every facelift is different and highly individualised, the common goal of facelift surgery undertaken at our Melbourne practice is to reverse some of the visible effects of ageing, and regain youthful contour. This is accomplished by lifting and redraping the skin along the face and neck in a way that produces natural-looking, aesthetically beautiful results.

The information below is designed to provide a brief overview of facelift surgery. Dr. Ross has also written some further personal views about the different types of facelifts which we invite you to consider.

Please click here to read Dr. Ross' views on facelift surgery.

Who is a candidate for facelift surgery?

If you are developing wrinkles and folds of loose skin around the face and neck or jowls beneath the chin, you may be a candidate for a facelift at our Melbourne practice. A facelift is not designed to stop the ageing process; rather, the surgery is intended to "set back the clock" and help patients look rested and years younger. There is no specific age when patients should consider having a facelift; the timing of the surgery will depend on the desired results and a number of physical factors evaluated at the time of your consultation by Dr. Ross. Some patients may wish to combine a facelift with a brow lift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, or other facial enhancement procedure for maximum results.

If you are considering a facelift, contact our plastic surgery practice in Melbourne to find out if the surgery is right for you.

What can I expect during and after facelift surgery?

Depending on the condition of your skin and your overall health, your facelift surgery may require a brief stay at a Melbourne hospital, or may be performed on an outpatient basis at a day surgical facility. Facelift surgery generally takes between two and four hours; patients can expect several weeks of recovery following surgery. Bruising and swelling may persist for two to three weeks, and some facelift patients will experience numbness and a feeling of tightness across the face and neck for an extended period of time. Scarring from facelift surgery will be minimal and the incision lines will likely be hidden from view. Post-operative pain is relative, but most patients report minimal discomfort following surgery, and pain can be successfully managed with medication. During your facelift consultation at our Melbourne practice, Dr. Ross will go over the surgery in detail and address any further questions you have about the procedure.

Following facelift surgery with Dr. David Ross, patients can expect to see a significant improvement in the contours of their face, less facial wrinkling, and smoother, tighter skin. A facelift can reverse many of the early signs of ageing, and give patients a healthy, revitalised appearance. While a facelift will not improve the quality of your skin, Dr. Ross offers several non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments at his Melbourne practice that can be combined with a facelift to complete your transformation.

« back to top

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery corrects several of the more noticeable signs of ageing, namely droopy, overhanging eyelids, and puffy bags underneath the eyes. Dr. Ross performs eyelid surgery through his Melbourne practice to remove sagging skin that may be obstructing vision and causing discomfort. This excess skin can contribute to a stern or worn out appearance, and only worsens with age. Dr. Ross also performs lower eyelid surgery to remove the stubborn fat deposits that collect beneath the eyelids and cause a drowsy or tired look.

During upper and lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Ross makes an incision along the natural curves of the eyelids, trimming away excess skin and tightening the remaining skin. Deposits of fat are gently removed, and unsightly folds are smoothed out.

The information below is designed to provide a brief overview of eyelid surgery. Dr. Ross has also written some further personal views about eyelid surgery which we invite you to consider.

Please click here to read Dr. Ross' views on eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).

Who is a candidate for eyelid surgery?

Patients who are particularly troubled by bags underneath the eyes and folds of skin near the upper lids can benefit from surgery of the upper and/or lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery is ideal for those who want to look refreshed and awake, but may not be ready for a full facelift. Because eyelid surgery is not suitable for treating wrinkles around the eyes or drooping eyebrows, the procedure is commonly performed in conjunction with a brow lift or other surgical and non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedures, including Botulinum Toxin injections.

To find out which facial rejuvenation procedure is right for you, schedule an eyelid surgery consultation at our Melbourne practice today.

What can I expect during and after eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery lasts approximately one to two hours, and can be performed either on an outpatient basis at the day surgery facility or with a short stay at a Melbourne hospital. Recovery time is minimal, and most patients return to work within seven to 10 days. Following eyelid surgery, some patients may experience vision problems, but these tend to diminish as recovery progresses. The eyelids will likely remain swollen and bruised for several weeks, but further complications are rare.

Because incisions are made along the natural creases of the eyelids, scarring from eyelid surgery will be minimal and become less noticeable over time. After a suitable healing period, patients can expect to look rested, alert, and refreshed.

To find out more about eyelid surgery, contact our Melbourne plastic surgery practice today.

« back to top

Nasal Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty, or nasal reshaping, is a surgical procedure used to cosmetically reshape the nose, or correct birth defects and nasal irregularities. Rhinoplasty can help bring balance to facial features by creating greater symmetry and proportion between the nose, eyes, chin, and mouth.

During a rhinoplasty procedure, bone and cartilage are trimmed and sculpted to create a more flattering shape. For most patients, the rhinoplasty incision will be made through the nostrils, leaving no visible scars.

The information below is designed to provide a brief overview of rhinoplasty surgery. Dr. Ross has also written some further personal views about nasal reshaping which we invite you to consider.

Please click here to read Dr. Ross' views on rhinoplasty.

Who is a candidate for rhinoplasty?

If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your nose, a rhinoplasty procedure can help you feel better about your appearance. Rhinoplasty, performed through our Melbourne practice, can be used to improve a nose that is too big, reduce nostrils that are too wide, correct a crooked or bumpy bridge, reduce a bump on the bridge, or raise a droopy tip. Patients with breathing difficulties are also excellent candidates for rhinoplasty. Dr. Ross can correct a variety of nasal defects with a rhinoplasty procedure, including a deviated septum and nasal damage resulting from injury and trauma.

To learn more about cosmetic or corrective rhinoplasty surgery, contact Bayside Plastic Surgery in Melbourne, Victoria today.

What can I expect during and after a rhinoplasty procedure?

Depending on the amount of bone and cartilage that requires reshaping, a rhinoplasty procedure can last anywhere from one to two hours, and may or may not require a hospital stay. Following rhinoplasty surgery, there will be significant swelling of the nose and bruising around the eyes, and patients will have to wear a splint to protect the nose. Because the swelling will reduce gradually, the final results of a rhinoplasty will not be apparent for as long as three to four months. The recovery period is a standard one to two weeks, and patients can return to normal activities as soon as they feel comfortable.

A successful rhinoplasty procedure will produce results that look and feel natural. The extent of change will vary depending on the structure of your nose. During your rhinoplasty consultation at our Melbourne practice, Dr. Ross will give you an idea of the changes you can expect after surgery.

« back to top

Brow Lift

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic procedure used to raise and tighten the skin of the upper third of the face, near the forehead and brows. A brow lift can remove forehead wrinkling, smooth out furrows between the brows, and raise drooping eyebrows. During a brow lift procedure, the skin of the upper part of the face is adjusted and trimmed, and the underlying muscles are tightened to reveal a youthful, fresh look.

The information below is designed to provide a brief overview of brow lift surgery. Dr. Ross has also written some further personal views about brow lift surgery which we invite you to consider.

Please click here to read Dr. Ross' views on brow lift surgery.

Who is a candidate for brow lift surgery?

Brow lift surgery, performed at our cosmetic surgery practice in Victoria, is most commonly used to treat the more noticeable effects of ageing, including wrinkling and excess skin across the forehead and brows. A brow lift offers a less invasive alternative to a full facelift, and can help patients of any age who are bothered by deep frown lines or a heavy brow. Because the position of the brows is a major indicator of age, a brow lift is ideal for anyone who wants a younger, more "awake" look. A brow lift is a popular choice for both men and women, and can be performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery or a facelift. For younger patients with less significant forehead wrinkling and furrows, we offer Botulinum Toxin injections as an alternative to a brow lift.

What can I expect during and after a brow lift procedure?

A brow lift is a relatively straightforward cosmetic surgery, and is generally performed at a surgical facility on an outpatient basis. Dr. Ross offers both traditional "open" brow lifts and endoscopic brow lifts. An "open" brow lift requires one long incision that will be hidden behind the hairline, while an endoscopic lift requires several very short incisions. Both surgeries last only a few hours, and recovery time is usually one to two weeks, possibly shorter for endoscopic patients. Following brow lift surgery, patients may experience pain and numbness near the incision(s), along with temporary swelling and bruising.

Most of our patients are very happy with the results of their brow lift. A brow lift can reduce signs of ageing for five to ten years following surgery. Patients can expect to look remarkably rested and much more alert following a brow lift. To find out more about endoscopic and open brow lift surgery, contact our cosmetic surgery practice in Victoria.

« back to top

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct prominent ears, large ears, or malformed ears. The surgery involves trimming away excess skin on the ear, reshaping ear cartilage, and setting the ear closer to the head. Ear surgery is used to reposition protruding ears for a more balanced, symmetrical look, and the goal of the surgery is always to create a natural, understated shape. At our cosmetic surgery practice in Victoria, ear surgery can also be used in a reconstructive capacity to rebuild and reshape ears that are malformed due to injury or a birth defect.

Who is a candidate for ear surgery?

Cosmetic surgery of the ear is appropriate for both children and adults. The procedure can be performed on children at any time once the cartilage in their ears has fully developed, around age 5. Cosmetic surgery can provide remarkable results for those who are self-conscious about their ears.

If your ears stick out from the side of your head, or if you feel your ears are unattractively shaped, contact us today to schedule a consultation at our cosmetic surgery practice in Victoria.

What can I expect during and after ear surgery?

There are several surgical techniques used during otoplasty procedures; generally, the operation begins with an incision made behind the ear. From there, excess skin is removed and the ear cartilage is sculpted and bent back towards the head, and later secured with stitches. The procedure is brief, and recovery is rapid. Children can return to school after approximately a week, but serious exercise and play should be avoided for several weeks following surgery. Scarring from the procedure is minimal and hidden behind the ear.

« back to top

Fat Transfer (Microlipoinjection)

Microlipoinjection, also known as fat transfer, is a popular facial enhancement technique featured at our Melbourne cosmetic surgery practice. The procedure involves harvesting small amounts of fat from areas like the thighs, buttocks, or abdomen, and re-injecting them in the face to enhance the lips or cheeks. During treatment, both the extraction and injection site are numbed with anaesthetic, and the fat is withdrawn with a needle or cannula. After the fat has been treated and prepared, it is re-injected until the desired fullness is achieved. In most cases, microlipoinjection is undertaken as a day surgery case under local or general anaesthesia.

Who is a candidate for microlipoinjection?

Fat injections are most frequently used on patients seeking enhancement of the lips and cheeks, or correction of lines and wrinkles near the mouth, nose, eyes, and forehead. Fat transfer can be used to correct certain facial deformities, including scarring and severe facial depressions. The treatment can be combined with a facelift, eyelid surgery, or other cosmetic surgery for complete facial rejuvenation. Contact Bayside Plastic Surgery in Melbourne, Victoria to find out if fat transfer is right for you.

What results can I expect following microlipoinjection?

Because fat tends to be quickly absorbed, it may be necessary to over-inject the treatment site in order to ensure that the majority of the fat remains. This may contribute to a slightly swollen look, which will fade over the course of several weeks.

Facial rejuvenation with microlipoinjection is considered an extremely safe cosmetic surgery treatment. There is no risk of allergic reaction since the fat will be harvested from your own body, and there is a very low incidence of side effects. The success of the treatment will vary for each individual, but most patients will see improvement for approximately three to six months, and some injected fat may remain permanently.

If you are interested in facial enhancement with fat transfer, contact our Melbourne cosmetic surgery practice today.

« back to top

Facial Augmentation with Facial Implants

Enhancement of the facial skeleton can be of great benefit in providing a subtle yet profound improvement of the bone structure. With facial implants, Dr. Ross can enhance the facial features where the facial skeleton appears to be underdeveloped to create a better-defined, more attractive facial appearance. The most common facial implants used are those designed to enhance the definition of the chin. This cosmetic surgery can be undertaken alone or in conjunction with rhinoplasty surgery to rebalance the lateral profile of the face or in combination with a facelift or neck lift to provide an enhanced rejuvenating contour of the neck. Other commonly used facial implants are those designed to enhance the angle of the jaw, provide more prominence to the cheekbones, or to enhance the shape of the nasal dorsum. Placement of these implants can also be undertaken as an individual procedure or in combination with another facial cosmetic surgery performed through our Melbourne practice.

What types of facial implants are available?

There are three different facial implants commonly used by Dr. Ross. The longest available implant is the preformed silicone implant. This implant can be easily inserted and is probably best considered if subsequent removal is thought to be likely. As it is silicon based, it will just sit over the bony prominence to give enhancement. It does not incorporate with the bone and therefore can more easily become dislodged or infected. The most commonly used facial implant at present is the Porex (polyethylene) implant, which is made of a synthetic porous framework with a prefabricated shape. It is more difficult to insert but once in position, its porous nature allows tissue ingrowth and eventually transformation into bone. Due to its incorporation into bone, subsequent removal (after 6 months) can prove to be difficult. The final type of facial implant is hydroxyapatite, which can be a preformed implant or a putty-like compound. It has a biochemical makeup similar to bone and over time, it will eventually evolve completely into bone for a more stable, long term result.

What can I expect during and after a facial implant procedure?

If the implant is inserted as an isolated procedure it is undertaken as a short day surgery procedure under general anaesthetic. Often these implants can be inserted through hidden incisions, via the mouth or nose, or under the chin in the neck. The procedure can usually be completed in less than one hour. There is usually a very short recovery time and many patients can be back at full activities within two or three days. After a couple of weeks, the implant will incorporate into the bony prominence and feel quite natural. If you have any queries about what is written here or if you would like to find out more about facial augmentation procedures, please contact our cosmetic surgery practice in Victoria to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ross.

« back to top

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a popular new skin rejuvenation treatment designed to reduce the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles, facial scarring, hyperpigmentation, and other common skin conditions. The procedure is safe and effective, and produces remarkable results. During treatment, the intense light of the laser penetrates the surface of the skin to a precise depth, stimulating the production of collagen, and revealing a new layer of smoother, softer skin. Laser skin rejuvenation also produces a tightening effect on the skin, which can help patients look years younger. Dr. Ross usually recommends the carbon dioxide laser for skin resurfacing. The procedure is performed in a Melbourne hospital or day surgery facility under general anaesthesia or moderate sedation. Though the effect of laser skin resurfacing will not be permanent, changes will be apparent for up to two years following the procedure.

Who is a candidate for laser skin resurfacing?

Anyone who wants to improve the texture of his or her skin can benefit from laser skin rejuvenation at our cosmetic surgery practice. Laser resurfacing is ideal for patients who are experiencing the early effects of ageing, including facial wrinkling and a loosening of the skin along the jaw line and near the cheeks and eyes. Laser treatments serve as an alternative to more superficial treatments like microdermabrasion and can postpone the need for invasive facelift or brow lift surgery.

Laser resurfacing is also an excellent alternative to reconstructive surgery for the treatment of facial scarring. Patients of all ages are potentially candidates for laser skin rejuvenation at our Melbourne practice.

What can I expect during and after a laser skin resurfacing treatment?

Laser resurfacing treatments are generally performed as an outpatient procedure, and last less than an hour. Generally the procedure is undertaken under general anaesthesia to minimize any patient discomfort during the procedure. The level of sedation can be discussed during your skin rejuvenation consultation at our Melbourne cosmetic surgery practice.

Recovery from laser skin rejuvenation can last anywhere from one to two weeks. The superficial layers of the skin will be shed and skin healing is rapid, revealing a refreshed and regenerated skin surface. Side effects are minimal, and patients can expect any post treatment redness to fade quickly. The results of the procedure are gradual; patients will begin to notice improvement as soon as redness fades. The skin will continue to improve as new collagen is produced.

To find out more about laser skin rejuvenation, contact Melbourne plastic surgeon Dr. David Ross at Bayside Plastic Surgery today.

If you are interested in learning more about the procedures featured on this page, including rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, and facelift, contact our Melbourne cosmetic surgery centre, serving all of Victoria.

« back to top