Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Darryl Hodgkinson believes there comes a time when only a facelift can effectively rejuvenate an ageing face.

As time marches on, the use of Thermage, Botox, Juvederm and other cosmedical treatments and injectables may prove an adjunct to a surgical solution but to effectively counter the signs of an ageing face I believe surgery is the most effective option.

In the hands of an experienced surgeon, procedures such as a facelift in conjunction with other rejuvenation procedures such as a brow lift, neck lift, eyelid surgery and skin resurfacing can create a natural-looking, overall more youthful appearance. This combination of procedures is called Pan Facial Rejuvenation.

I believe other procedures that masquerade as a 'real' facelift such as S-Lifts and MAC S Lifts can confuse patients. In my opinion, a real facelift deals with the deep underlying tissues and muscles of the face known as the SMA S. While this surgery is more complex and requires more expertise than more basic methods, I believe it creates the most youthful and natural-appearing results.

Before and after Pan Facial Rejuvenation facelift, eye lift and chemical peel by Dr Hodgkinson

Before and after Pan Facial Rejuvenation facelift, eye lift and chemical peel by Dr Hodgkinson