Adult Content: This website contains content which is only suitable for audiences 18+, All procedures contain risks, read more here

Facelift

Patient Information & Consent

SIGN ONLINE

As a digital practice, all our consents and required documentation are completed and signed online. Before undergoing surgery at Inigo Cosmetic you will be required to complete two (2) forms. The information included on this page is part of the consent process. It is important that you read this information carefully, as proposed by your surgeon and agreed upon by you.

Once you are ready to sign your consent, please click the links at bottom of the page.

WHAT IS AN FACELIFT?

Facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of ageing on the face and neck. As individuals age, the skin and muscles of the face region begin to lose tone. The facelift cannot stop the process of ageing. It can improve the most visible signs of ageing by tightening deeper structures, re-draping the skin of face and neck, and removing selected areas of fat.

A facelift can be performed alone, or in conjunction with other procedures, such as a brow lift, liposuction, eyelid surgery, or nasal surgery. Facelift surgery is individualised for each patient. The best candidates for facelift surgery have a face and neck line beginning to sag, but whose skin has elasticity and whose bone structure is well defined.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

Alternative forms of management consist of not treating the laxness in the face and neck region with a facelift. Improvement of skin laxity, skin wrinkles and fatty deposits may be attempted by other treatments or surgery such as laser resurfacing, chemical face peels or liposuction. Risks and potential complications are also associated with alternative surgical forms of treatment.

FACELIFT RISKS & COMPLICATIONS

Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications. In addition, every procedure has limitations. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your surgeon to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences.

Bleeding

Bleeding may occur after surgery which may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood or a blood transfusion. To minimise this risk, patients should follow the provided preoperative instructions: no blood thinning medication for 2 weeks before and after surgery.

Infection

Although infection is unusual after this type of surgery, it may appear in the immediate post-operative period. Treatment may include antibiotics. If an infection does not respond to antibiotics, hospitalisation may be required.

Individuals with an active infection in their body should not undergo surgery. It’s important to notify your surgeon of any other infections, such as ingrown toenail, insect bite, or urinary tract infection. Infections in other parts of the body, may lead to an infection in the operated area.

It is important that you understand the signs and symptoms of infection and notify the clinic as soon as possible of any concerns.

Change in Skin Sensations

It is common to experience diminished (or loss) of skin sensation in areas that have had surgery. Diminished (or complete loss of skin sensation) may not totally resolve after a facelift.

Damage to Deeper Structures

There is the potential for injury to deeper structures including, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs (pneumothorax) during any surgical procedure. The potential for this to occur varies according to the type of facelift procedure being performed. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.

Skin Contour Irregularities

Some bruising and swelling normally occurs following a facelift. The skin in or near the surgical site can appear either lighter or darker than surrounding skin. Although uncommon, swelling and skin discolouration may persist for long periods of time and, in rare situations, may be permanent.

Skin Sensitivity

Itching, tenderness, or exaggerated responses to hot or cold temperatures may occur after surgery. Usually this resolves during healing, but in rare situations it may be chronic.

Scarring

All surgery leaves scars, some more visible than others. Although good wound healing after a surgical procedure is expected, abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues. Scars may be unattractive and of different colour than the surrounding skin tone. Scar appearance may also vary within the same scar. Scars may be asymmetrical (appear different on the right and left side of the body). There is the possibility of visible marks in the skin from sutures. In some cases scars may require surgical revision or treatment.

Sutures

Most surgical techniques use deep sutures. You may notice these sutures after your surgery. Sutures may spontaneously poke through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that requires removal.

Hair Loss

Hair loss may occur in areas of the face where the skin was elevated during surgery. The occurrence of this is not predictable.

Nerve Damage

Motor and sensory nerves may be injured during a facelift operation. Weakness or loss of facial movements may occur after facelift surgery. Nerve injuries may cause temporary or permanent loss of facial movements and feeling. Such injuries may improve over time. Injury to sensory nerves of the face, neck and ear regions may cause temporary or more rarely permanent numbness. Painful nerve scarring is very rare.

Asymmetry

The human face is normally asymmetrical. There can be a variation from one side to the other in the results obtained from a facelift procedure. Additional surgery may be necessary to attempt to revise asymmetry.

Unsatisfactory Result

Although good results are expected, the precise degree of improvement cannot be guaranteed. There is no warranty expressed or implied, on the results that may be obtained. The outcome’s subjective nature also means dissatisfaction is a possible outcome regardless of the successful outcome of the surgery. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure. It may be necessary to perform additional surgery to achieve your desired results.

ADDITIONAL ADVISORIES

Skin Disorders/ Skin Cancers

A facelift is a surgical procedure for the tightening of skin and deeper structures of the face. Skin disorders and skin cancer may occur independently of a facelift.

Long Term Results

Subsequent alterations in facial appearance may occur as the result of ageing, weight loss or gain, sun exposure, pregnancy, menopause, or other circumstances not related to facelift surgery. Facelift surgery does not arrest the ageing process or produce permanent tightening of the face and neck. Future surgery or other treatments may be necessary to maintain the results of a facelift operation.

Use of Fibrin Sealants “Tissue Glue” During Rhytidectomy Advisory

Fibrin sealants which are produced from heat-treated human blood components to inactivate virus transmission are used to hold tissue layers together at surgery and to diminish post-operative bruising following a rhytidectomy. This product has been carefully produced from screened donor blood plasma for hepatitis, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These products have been used safely for many years as sealants in cardiovascular and general surgery. This product is thought to be of help in diminishing surgical bleeding and by adhering layers of tissue together.

Previous Surgical Scars

The presence of surgical scars from previous facial surgery may limit the amount of skin tightening that can be produced.

GENERAL SURGERY RISKS & COMPLICATIONS

Surgical Anaesthesia

Both local and general anaesthesia (including sedation) carry risks and complications. These may include injury and even death.

Allergic Reactions

Local allergies to tape, stitches, topical preparations, or injected agents can occur. Serious life-threatening, systemic reactions including shock (anaphylaxis) may occur in response to the drugs used during surgery and/or medication prescribed after surgery. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.

Cardiac and Pulmonary Complications

Pulmonary complications may occur secondarily to both blood clots (pulmonary emboli), fat deposits (fat emboli) or partial collapse of the lungs after general anaesthesia. Pulmonary emboli can be life-threatening or fatal in some circumstances.

Inactivity and other medical conditions may increase the incidence of blood clots. Notify your surgeon of any history of blood clots or swelling in the legs prior to surgery. Cardiac complications are a risk with any surgery and anaesthesia, even in patients without symptoms.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalisation and additional treatment.
Shock

In rare circumstances, surgery can cause severe trauma, particularly when multiple or extensive procedures are performed. Although serious complications are infrequent, infections or excessive fluid loss can lead to severe illness and even death. If surgical shock occurs, hospitalisation and additional treatment are required.

Pain

Pain of varying intensity and duration may occur and persist after surgery. Chronic pain may occur as a result of trapped nerves in scar tissue or due to tissue stretching.

After your surgery you will be given a full course of prescription pain medication. We DO NOT provide repeat scripts for schedule 8 narcotics, benzodiazepines, or other drugs of dependence.
Bleeding

If a bleed occur during surgery, it may require emergency transfer to a tertiary facility. A bleed that occurs after surgery is often known as a hematoma; this usually occurs within the first 3 weeks but can occur at any time. It may require emergency intervention to drain accumulated blood.

In breast implant surgery, hematoma may contribute to capsular contracture, infection or other problems.

If a blood transfusion is necessary to treat blood loss, there is the risk of blood-related infections such as hepatitis and HIV (AIDS).

Increased activity too soon after surgery can lead to increased chance of bleeding. It is important to follow pre and postoperative instructions. Heparin medications that are used to prevent blood clots in veins can produce bleeding and decreased blood platelets. Unless cleared by your surgeon, avoid herbal supplements, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications for at least 14 days before and after surgery.

Healing Issues and Wound Separation

The surgical area may not heal normally or may take a long time to heal. Areas may become necrotic (die). Wounds may separate after surgery. This may result in colour changes, shape changes, swelling, bleeding, or infection. It may require frequent dressing changes or further surgery; resulting in prolonged recovery and additional expense.

Issues with healing are more common in patients who smoke, have used steroid drugs, after chemotherapy/radiation to the treatment area, diabetes or other medical conditions, after massive weight loss, or excessive heat or cold therapy.

Damage to Deeper Structures

There is the potential for injury to deeper structures including nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs (pneumothorax) during any surgical procedure. The potential for this to occur varies according to the type of procedure being performed. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.

Fat Necrosis

Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die and may result in areas of firmness within the skin. Additional surgery to remove areas of fat necrosis may be necessary. There is the possibility of contour irregularities in the skin that may result from fat necrosis.

Seroma

Although swelling usually occurs after surgery. Excessive fluid may accumulate following surgery, trauma or vigorous exercise. This may require drainage.

Lymphedema

Persistent swelling (lymphedema) can occur in the legs after surgery.

Venous Thrombosis

Thrombosed veins, which resemble cords, occasionally develop in the area of the breast or around IV sites, and usually resolve without medical or surgical treatment. It is important to discuss with your surgeon any birth control pills you are taking. Certain high estrogen pills may increase your risk of thrombosed veins.

Skin Sensitivity

Bruising and swelling normally occurs after surgery. Although uncommon, swelling and skin discolouration may persist for long periods of time and, in rare situations, may be permanent. Itching, tenderness, or exaggerated responses to hot or cold temperatures may occur after surgery. Usually this resolves during healing, but in rare situations it may be permanent.

Nerve endings may become involved with healing scars during surgery. While there may not be a nerve injury, the small nerve endings during the healing period may become too active producing a painful or oversensitive area due to the small sensory nerve involved with scar tissue. This can usually be resolved with non-surgical intervention.

Sutures

Most surgeries involve sutures, these may be dissolvable or may require removal by a medical professional. There are usually multiple layers of deep internal sutures. You may notice these sutures after your surgery. Sutures may spontaneously poke through the skin, become visible or produce irritation.

Scarring

All surgery leaves scars, some are more visible than others. Abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues. Internal scarring may result in excessive firmness to the area. Scars may be asymmetrical or a different colour to the surrounding skin. Scars may require additional treatment to correct. This may include, laser, IPL, topical creams, skin needling, or surgical intervention.

ADDITIONAL ADVISORIES 

Sun Exposure

Surgical incisions are susceptible to damage from UV rays for up to 12 months following surgery (even if covered) and may result in pigmentation issues.

Travel Plans

Any surgery holds the risk of complications that may delay healing and delay your return to normal life. There are no guarantees that you will be able to resume all activities in the desired timeframe.

Long-Term Results

Subsequent alterations in the appearance of your body may occur as the result of ageing, sun exposure, weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, menopause, smoking, drug & alcohol use, or other circumstances not related to your surgery.

Female Patient Information

Many medications including antibiotics may neutralise the preventive effect of birth control pills, allowing for conception and pregnancy.

Intimate Relations After Surgery

Activity that increases your pulse or heart rate may cause additional bruising, swelling, or bleeding. This may require additional surgery. Refrain from intimate physical activities as instructed on the postop instructions.

Mental Health and Elective Surgery

All patients who undergo elective surgery must have realistic expectations which focus on improvement rather than perfection. Complications or less than satisfactory results are sometimes unavoidable and stressful. Although many individuals may benefit psychologically from the results of elective surgery, effects on mental health cannot be accurately predicted.

SMOKING & NICOTINE PRODUCTS

Smoking, second-hand smoke, the use of tobacco or nicotine products (patch, gum, or nasal spray), greatly increases the risk of surgical complications. Risks include, tissue necrosis, delayed healing, wound breakdown, infection, scarring, hematoma formation, bleeding, increased or prolonged bruising and skin colour changes. This may require additional surgeries with expense.

Patients with breast implants are at a higher risk of developing capsular contracture. Patients with breast implants and poor wound healing issues are at a greater risk for requiring implant removal.

Patients must abstain from smoking and/or the use of nicotine products for at least 6 weeks before and after surgery (ideally 12 weeks).

The clinic may request a nicotine test prior to surgery. If the test returns a positive result your surgery will be cancelled, and the total cost of hospital and anaesthetic fees for the scheduled surgery will be forfeited and not returned.

The clinic is able to recognise the signs of poor wound healing which result from smoking/ nicotine products and may request a nicotine test. If a secondary surgery is required, patients are required to pay an additional surgeons’ fee of $1000. This is separate to third-party fees.

REVISIONS AND ADDITIONAL OPERATIONS

Every surgical procedure has associated risks and complications. The practice of medicine and surgery is an art, not an exact science. Although good results are expected, they are not guaranteed. There is no warranty expressed or implied, on the results that may be obtained.

In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgery. Additional surgeries may be necessary at some time in the future and it is impossible to predict when.
When working with tissue and skin, results can be unpredictable and it is unknown how your tissue may respond or how you will heal after your surgery.
Results may depend on: skin quality, genetics, environmental factors, smoking, alcohol & recreational drug use, sun exposure, hormonal influences, general health of your body, ageing, pregnancy, stomach sleeping, implant size, implant texture, implant shape, and patient compliance.
If you develop a complication as a result of your original surgery you may need a revision. This will require further expenditure, which may include:
  • Hospital fee with general anaesthetic: $2200 – $9000, dependant on time required.
  • Clinic fee with local anaesthetic: $500 – $1500, dependant on time required.
  • Surgical fee based on situation and complexity: $500 – $4000.

Patients who are not in a good financial position to be able to afford a potential revision should NOT undergo surgery.

POSTOP INSTRUCTIONS

For a successful outcome – it is vital that you follow the postoperative instructions that have been provided to you.

SUPPORT PERSON

It is the patient’s sole responsibility to provide a support person for the ongoing care after surgery. If a support person and a health care professional needs to be arranged this will incur additional fees.

DISCLAIMER

Informed-consent documents are used to communicate information about the proposed surgical treatment along with disclosure of risks and alternative forms of treatment(s), including no surgery. The informed-consent process attempts to define principles of risk disclosure that should generally meet the needs of most patients in most circumstances.

However, informed-consent documents should not be considered all-inclusive in defining other methods of care and risks encountered.

You may be provided with additional or different information that is based on all the facts in your case and the current state of medical knowledge. Informed-consent documents are not intended to define or serve as the standard of medical care.

Standards of medical care are determined based on all the facts involved in an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and as practice patterns evolve.

  • The surgeon has provided me with medical advice, and I have agreed based on that advice to undergo the recommended surgical procedure of FACELIFT.
  • I have received the FACELIFT Patient Information & Consent Document which I have read and understood IN FULL.
  • I understand that I cannot have surgery if I am pregnant, breastfeeding and/or under the age of 18 and confirm that I am not pregnant, breastfeeding nor under the age of 18.
  • I consent to the administration of any anaesthetics that are considered necessary or advisable by the surgeon. I understand that all forms of anaesthesia involve risk and the possibility of complications, injury, and sometimes death.
  • I have been advised by the surgeon and I recognise and understand that during the operation, unforeseen conditions, which may not be known to the surgeon at the time the procedure has commenced, may require different procedures than those stated above.
  • I authorise and agree to the surgeon performing any such procedures that are in the exercise of his professional judgment necessary and desirable.
  • The surgeon has explained the limitations of surgery and the risks involved in these surgical procedures, and I understand and accept these risks.
  • I have had the opportunity to explain my goals to the surgeon and I understand which desired outcomes are realistic and which are not. I understand that there are no warranties implied or guaranteed about my outcomes.
  • I consent to the disposal of any tissue, medical devices or body parts that may be removed during surgery.
  • I consent to the utilisation of blood products should they be deemed necessary by the surgeon and I am aware that there are potential significant risks to my health with their utilisation as explained in the Information Document.
  • I consent to the collection and storage of my personal medical information and for it to be disclosed for my ongoing care or if required by law.
  • I consent for appropriate portions of my body to be photographed or filmed before, during, and after the procedure for marketing, medical, scientific or educational purposes, provided my identity is not revealed.
  • The surgeon is a Cosmetic Surgeon; therefore, Medicare rebates or Private Health Insurance rebates do not apply. I understand that most cosmetic procedures are not covered by Medicare.
  • All my questions have been answered, and I understand the inherent risks of the procedure that I have consented to undergo, as well as those additional risks, possible complications, benefits, and the alternative treatments available to me.
SMOKING
  • I understand that patients who smoke or use tobacco or nicotine products (patch, gum, nasal spray, or vaping) are at a greater risk for significant surgical complications.
  • I understand that if I am currently smoking or use nicotine products, or if I have not abstained for the recommended amount of time, additional risks and complications will apply as explained in the Patient Information & Consent Document.
  • I understand and accept that the clinic may request a nicotine test prior to surgery. If the test returns a positive result my surgery will be cancelled, and the total cost of hospital and anaesthetic fees for surgery will be forfeited and not returned.
  • I understand and accept that the clinic may request a nicotine test at any stage during the recovery period. If the test returns a positive result and if a secondary surgery is required, I will be required to pay an additional surgeons’ fee of $1000.
COVID-19
  • I understand that any symptoms of COVID-19 must be reported to the clinic. If I do not report symptoms my surgery will be cancelled and I will be responsible for the associated hospital and anaesthetic fees.
  • I understand that if I need to cancel or reschedule my surgery due to COVID-19, I will NOT be financially penalised – provided the clinic has been notified with supporting documentation.
REVISIONS AND UNEXPECTED OUTCOMES
  • I understand that my result may be unsatisfactory as the precise degree of improvement cannot be guaranteed. The outcome’s subjective nature also means dissatisfaction is a possible outcome regardless of of effectiveness of treatment.
  • I understand that ALL surgical procedures carry risks, complications, and unforeseen problems that may require further expenditure. I accept and recognise that the fees paid are for a performance of the surgery only, and not a guaranteed result.
  • I understand most cosmetic procedures have a 5% – 10% chance that a revision procedure is required to “touch up” or correct a complication that may have occurred: consistent with best practices worldwide.
  • I will be financially responsible for fees associated with any future procedure. This may include (but not limited to): airfares, accommodation, carer, time off work, loss of income, medications, pathology, diagnostic investigations, surgical garments.
  • If I require any future procedure, I will be responsible for the cost of third-party fees associated with hospital and anaesthetist – these prices are listed below.
    • Hospital fee with general anaesthetic: $2200 – $9000, dependant on time required
    • Hospital fee with local anaesthetic: $500 – $1500, dependant on time required
    • Surgical fee based on situation and complexity $500 – $4000
  • I understand that the surgeon’s fees are separate to aforementioned third-party fees. If a future procedure is required outside of the 12-month postoperative period, further expenditure will be required.
  • I accept that the need for, and timing of revisions will be determined solely by the clinic.
  • I understand and accept that where subsequent revision procedures become necessary all subsequent revision procedures provide results lower than results of a primary surgery.
  • I understand that any future procedure that I require or elect to have, is not covered by the original quote or fees previously paid.
  • I acknowledge that I have been informed of the risks and consequences associated with surgery. I accept responsibility for all clinical decisions, along with the financial costs of all future treatments.
ACCOUNTS AND PAYMENTS
  • A $1000 booking deposit is required to be collected at the time of booking in order to secure my surgical date and time. This amount is NON-REFUNDABLE.
  • I understand payment is required in full, 14 days prior to surgery. If payment has not been received, surgery will be cancelled and I will lose my booking deposit. An additional booking deposit may be required to reschedule.
  • ALL rescheduling, for whatever reason, will be determined solely by the clinic.
CANCELLATIONS AND RESCHEDULING
  • I understand that if I, for any reason, cancel my surgery more than 21 days prior to the date, all payment made, minus the $1000 booking deposit will be refunded.
  • I understand that if I, for any reason, cancel my surgery less than 21 days prior to the date, the booking deposit + 50% of the payments made will be refunded. The remaining 50% will be forfeited and not returned to me.
  • I understand that if I, for any reason, fail to attend my surgery without providing notice, all fees will be forfeited and not returned to me.
  • I understand that if I, for any reason, reschedule my surgery, this must be done more than 21 days prior to the date.
  • I understand that if I, for any reason, reschedule my surgery less than 21 days prior to the date, the booking deposit + 50% of the payments made will be forfeited and not returned to me. Additional payment will be required to reschedule.
  • I understand that if the clinic needs to reschedule my surgery, I will be financially responsible for any out of pocket expenses associated with surgery, including but not limited to: airfares, accommodation, travel.
DISPARAGEMENT CLAUSE
  • I agree that I will not make any disparaging comments about the surgeon that may cause hurt or embarrassment, damage their reputation, or defame them.
  • This includes any comment or statement published either orally or writing on any digital, print, electronic or online media, including my own or third party internet sites, private or public forums without the written consent of Inigo Cosmetic.
CONFIRMATION OF CONSENT
  • I hereby provide my fully informed consent to the surgeon to perform the surgical procedure, FACELIFT.
  • I understand this is purely, ELECTIVE COSMETIC SURGERY. I accept responsibility for the clinical decisions, along with the financial costs of any future procedures to revise, optimise, or improve outcomes.

SIGN YOUR CONSENTS ONLINE

Before undergoing surgery, you are required to complete the following two (2) forms. These forms are signed online. These do work best in a Chrome web browser; if you are unable to complete these forms please contact the clinic.

Hospital Admission Consent

Facelift Consent | Dr Supramaniam