Facial Surgery in Perth
Facial surgery has become an increasingly popular option for those looking to enhance their appearance, restore youthful contours, or address functional concerns. Whether it’s smoothing wrinkles, lifting sagging skin, reshaping the nose, or rejuvenating tired eyes, facial surgery can significantly improve confidence and overall well-being.
If you’re considering facial surgery, it’s essential to understand the procedures, benefits, risks, recovery process, and what to expect. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about facial surgery in Perth, from the initial consultation to final results.
Meet Dr. Robert Owen – A Specialist in Facial Surgery
Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most crucial steps in ensuring natural, safe, and long-lasting results. Dr. Robert Owen is a highly experienced plastic surgeon in Perth, specializing in face, body, and skin surgery.
Dr. Owen completed his medical degree at Cardiff University in the UK before moving to Australia in 2005. With extensive training across various specialties in Perth’s leading hospitals, he obtained his Fellowship from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 2018. He now consults at Dr. Guy Watts’ clinic in West Perth, where he is known for his patient-focused approach and meticulous surgical techniques.
His philosophy is simple: to provide refined, natural-looking results that enhance your existing features rather than creating an unnatural or “overdone” look. If you are considering facial surgery, a consultation with Dr. Owen will help determine the best approach for your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Who Is a Suitble Candidate for Facial Surgery?
Facial surgery isn’t for everyone, and a thorough assessment is necessary to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Appropriate candidates are generally in good health, have realistic expectations, and are looking to address specific cosmetic or functional concerns.
Many people consider facial surgery to manage signs of aging, address asymmetry, or improve breathing difficulties. Common reasons for choosing facial surgery include:
- Visible signs of aging, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and volume loss.
- Eyelid drooping that obstructs vision or makes the eyes look tired.
- Nasal deformities affecting appearance or breathing function.
- Addressing facial asymmetry.
- Desire for a refreshed and modified appearance.
Those who smoke, have uncontrolled medical conditions, or have unrealistic expectations about surgical outcomes may not be suitable candidates. If you’re unsure whether facial surgery is right for you, an in-depth consultation with a specialist surgeon is the best way to explore your options.
Is Facial Surgery Right for You?
Facial surgery is a deeply personal decision, and having realistic expectations is key to satisfaction. Whether you’re looking to freshen up your appearance, correct structural concerns, or address facial balance, consulting with a highly skilled surgeon like Dr. Robert Owen will provide clarity on the best options for your face and lifestyle.
If you’re considering facial surgery in Perth, book a consultation to discuss your goals, ask questions, and receive a tailored treatment plan. A well-planned procedure, performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, can lead to meaningful improvements in function or appearance, depending on the individual case.
Contact UsTypes of Facial Surgery and Their Benefits
Facelift & Neck Lift
Facelifts are ideal for those experiencing loose skin, jowls, and deep wrinkles, particularly around the jawline and cheeks. This procedure lifts and tightens the underlying tissues, creating a firmer, more youthful appearance. Many patients combine a facelift with a neck lift, which removes excess skin and tightens muscles in the neck for a smoother, more defined profile.
Results from a facelift and neck lift can last 10+ years, making it one of the most long-lasting anti-aging procedures.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery helps remove excess skin and fat around the eyes, reducing puffiness and sagging. This procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids to improve vision and rejuvenate the eyes or on the lower eyelids to eliminate under-eye bags. Recovery is relatively quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within 7–14 days.
Brow Lift
A brow lift can correct drooping brows, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines, creating a more refreshed, youthful look. Depending on the technique, incisions are hidden within the hairline for a natural appearance.
The Surgery Process – What to Expect
Preparing for Surgery
Before surgery, you’ll have a detailed consultation with your surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and expected results. Pre-surgical instructions typically include:
- Stopping smoking and alcohol at least two weeks before surgery.
- Avoiding blood thinners such as aspirin or certain supplements.
- Arranging for someone to assist you in the first 24–48 hours post-surgery.
During Surgery
The surgical process varies depending on the type of procedure. Most facial surgeries are performed under general anaesthesia, while minor procedures may use local anaesthesia with sedation. The length of the procedure ranges from 1–5 hours, depending on complexity.
Immediate Post-Surgical Care
After surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room before being discharged the same day or after an overnight stay (for more extensive procedures). Expect swelling, bruising, and tightness in the first week, which will gradually improve.
Recovery & Aftercare
The first week is crucial for proper healing. Swelling and bruising will peak within 48 hours and gradually subside over the next few weeks. Most patients feel well enough to return to desk jobs within two weeks, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least four weeks.
Proper scar care, sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle will help maintain results. While you will see improvements early on, final results may take 3–6 months to fully settle.
Understanding Risks & How to Minimise Them
All surgeries come with some risks, but choosing a qualified surgeon and following post-op instructions can significantly reduce complications. Potential risks include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, or minor asymmetry. Rare complications like infection or prolonged healing are carefully monitored during follow-ups.
If revision surgery is needed, it is usually performed after full healing (6–12 months post-op).
Non-Surgical Alternatives to Facial Surgery
While facial surgery offers long-lasting results, some individuals may prefer less invasive treatments before committing to surgery. Non-surgical options can help with mild to moderate signs of aging, with shorter recovery times.
- Dermal Fillers: Add volume to cheeks, lips, and jawline, and smooth out wrinkles.
- Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Relax facial muscles to soften fine lines and prevent deeper wrinkles.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing: Reduces pigmentation, acne scars, and fine lines while improving skin texture.
- Ultherapy (Ultrasound Skin Tightening): Stimulates collagen production for mild skin lifting and firming.
These treatments can be combined with surgery for enhanced results or used as an alternative for those not ready for surgery.
How to Choose the Right Surgeon for Facial Surgery
The experience and skill of your surgeon play a crucial role in achieving natural-looking results. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a facial surgeon:
- Board Certification & Credentials: Ensure your surgeon is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
- Before & After Photos: Look for consistent, natural results in patient galleries.
- Specialisation in Facial Surgery: Choose a surgeon with extensive experience in facial procedures rather than a general cosmetic doctor.
- Patient Reviews & Testimonials: Read about real patient experiences to gauge satisfaction and care.
- Consultation Approach: A good surgeon listens to your concerns, explains risks, and provides honest recommendations.
Dr. Robert Owen is known for his meticulous approach to facial surgery, offering tailored procedures for natural, long-lasting results.
Combining Facial Surgeries for a More Harmonious Look
Many patients combine procedures to achieve a balanced, natural transformation. Some popular combination treatments include:
- Facelift + Neck Lift: For a youthful, contoured jawline and defined neck.
- Eyelid Surgery + Brow Lift: To open up the eyes and smooth forehead wrinkles.
- Rhinoplasty + Chin Augmentation: For improved facial balance and harmony.
Combining surgeries reduces overall recovery time and allows for more dramatic but still natural-looking enhancements.
Contact UsLifestyle Tips to Prolong Your Facial Surgery Results
While facial surgery offers long-term improvements, maintaining results requires healthy habits. Follow these post-surgery lifestyle tips:
- Commit to Daily Sun Protection: UV exposure accelerates aging and can affect scar healing. Use SPF 50+ daily.
- Adopt a Skin-Boosting Diet: Stay hydrated and consume foods rich in collagen, antioxidants, and healthy fats for skin elasticity.
- Follow a Medical-Grade Skincare Routine: Consider retinoids, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to maintain skin texture.
- Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol: Smoking impairs skin healing and accelerates aging, reducing the longevity of surgical results.
- Stay Active & Manage Stress: Exercise and stress management help maintain skin health and overall well-being.
FAQs
Find out more about your surgical journey
Am I a good candidate for facial surgery?
The best candidates for facial surgery are those in good overall health, with no major medical conditions that could interfere with healing. If you’re concerned about facial aging, sagging skin, wrinkles, or asymmetry and have realistic expectations about the results, you may be a suitable candidate. Non-smokers or those willing to quit before and after surgery will also heal more effectively.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery depends on the type of procedure. Eyelid surgery typically requires 7–14 days, while facelifts and neck lifts take 2–4 weeks for most swelling to subside. Rhinoplasty can take 2–6 weeks for initial healing, though final results may take up to 12 months. Brow lift recovery is generally shorter, around 1–3 weeks. Most patients feel well enough to return to normal activities within 2–3 weeks, but full healing takes several months.
Will I have visible scars?
Facial surgery incisions are carefully placed in discreet areas to minimize visibility. Facelift and neck lift scars are hidden along the hairline and behind the ears, while eyelid surgery scars follow the natural crease of the eyelids. Rhinoplasty incisions are either inside the nostrils (closed technique) or under the nose (open technique), and brow lift scars are positioned at or behind the hairline. With proper care, scars typically fade within 6–12 months.
How long do the results last?
Surgical results are long-lasting, though they vary by procedure. A facelift or neck lift can last 10+ years with proper skincare and lifestyle habits. Eyelid surgery often provides permanent results, while rhinoplasty changes are lifelong but may subtly evolve with aging. Brow lifts typically last 5–10 years, and maintaining results with good skincare and sun protection can extend their longevity.
When can I return to work and daily activities?
Most patients with desk jobs return to work within 1–2 weeks, while those with more physically demanding jobs may need longer. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 4–6 weeks to allow proper healing. If you’re concerned about social downtime, swelling and bruising generally improve enough within 2–3 weeks to resume normal interactions.
What are the risks of facial surgery?
While facial surgery is generally safe, all procedures carry some risks. The most common temporary side effects include swelling, bruising, and numbness. There is also a small risk of scarring, asymmetry, nerve damage, or infection, though these complications are rare when performed by an experienced surgeon. Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and following post-operative care instructions significantly reduces these risks.
How can I prepare for surgery to ensure the best results?
Preparation is key to a smooth recovery. Patients should stop smoking and alcohol at least two weeks before surgery to promote proper healing. Blood-thinning medications and supplements should be avoided, as they can increase bleeding risks. Staying hydrated, eating a nutritious diet, and arranging for a responsible adult to assist you for the first 24–48 hours post-surgery will also aid recovery. Most importantly, follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon for the best possible outcome.
Further Reading
Explore more about Face Surgery and related topics on Dr Robert Owen’s Website:
Medical References
- Facial Plastic Surgery / JAMA Network / https://jamanetwork.com/collections/5644/facial-plastic-surgery1
- Cosmetic Surgery and Body Dysmorphic Disorder / National Institutes of Health / https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5986110/2
- Overview of Facial Plastic Surgery and Current / National Institutes of Health / https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5553462/3
- Cosmetic surgery / Mayo Clinic / https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/about/pac-203851384
- World Journal of Plastic Surgery / World Journal of Plastic Surgery / https://wjps.ir5
- Cosmetic procedures: ethical issues / Nuffield Bioethics / https://www.nuffieldbioethics.org/wp-content/uploads/Cosmetic-procedures-full-report.pdf6
- Latest Articles : Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery / LWW Journals / https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/pages/latestarticles.aspx
Final Thoughts – Is Facial Surgery Right for You?
Facial surgery can be a transformative experience when performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon. Whether you’re looking to refresh your appearance, restore lost facial volume, or correct functional concerns, the right procedure can help you achieve natural, long-lasting results.
Dr. Robert Owen’s expertise in facial surgery, patient care, and meticulous surgical techniques ensures that patients receive exceptional care and beautifully tailored outcomes.
If you’re considering facial surgery in Perth, booking a consultation is the first step towards achieving your aesthetic and functional goals. During this one-on-one session, Dr. Owen will assess your unique needs, discuss the best treatment plan, and ensure you are fully informed and confident in your decision.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Contact Dr. Robert Owen’s clinic today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey towards a more confident, refreshed you.
