A Comprehensive Surgical Approach to Facial Aesthetics
The Vertical Restore Facelift represents an advanced surgical technique that addresses multiple components of facial ageing through a unified approach. At FacePlus Aesthetics in Sydney and Brisbane, Dr Scott J Turner combines deep-plane techniques with upper-facial correction and volume restoration to achieve comprehensive facial improvement.
Table of contents
Understanding the Vertical Restore Technique
A Vertical Vector Approach to Facial Correction
The Vertical Restore Facelift differs fundamentally from conventional techniques in its lifting direction. Traditional facelift methods predominantly pull tissues laterally towards the ears, which can occasionally produce an overly tight or windswept appearance. The Vertical Restore approach instead repositions facial tissues upward—directly opposing the gravitational descent that characterises facial ageing.
This vertical vector concept aligns with how the face actually ages. Facial structures do not migrate sideways with time; they descend vertically. The malar fat pads in the cheeks drift downward, creating hollowing in the midface and fullness along the jawline. The brow descends, contributing to upper eyelid heaviness. By lifting tissues in the same plane where ageing occurs, this technique aims to restore facial anatomy to its previous position rather than simply pulling skin taut in an unnatural direction.
Addressing the Deeper Fascial Layers
What distinguishes the Vertical Restore Facelift is its focus on the deeper facial architecture. Rather than relying solely on skin tension, this advanced method works beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS)—the deeper fascial layer containing muscles and connective tissue that provides structural support for the face. This approach shares principles withDeep Plane Facelift surgery, releasing retaining ligaments and repositioning the fundamental structures responsible for visible ageing.
By addressing these deeper anatomical layers, the procedure targets the underlying causes of facial descent rather than masking surface changes. The overlying skin then redrapes naturally over repositioned structures, avoiding the stretched appearance that can occur when skin alone bears the lifting forces. Because the procedure addresses deeper structural tissues rather than relying solely on skin tightening, results typically last 10-15 years and tend to age gradually and naturally.
The vertical lifting vector is specifically designed to avoid the overly tight or “windswept” appearance sometimes associated with older surgical techniques. By lifting tissues superiorly rather than laterally, the procedure maintains natural facial proportions and expression. Incisions are strategically placed within the hairline and along natural creases around the ears, allowing various hairstyles—including wearing hair up—without revealing surgical evidence. Scars mature over time to become fine lines that blend into natural skin folds and hair-bearing areas.
Comprehensive Facial Correction
Traditional approaches to facial aesthetic surgery often addressed different areas of the face separately, in staged procedures over many years. Patients might undergo blepharoplasty first, then return years later for a lower facelift or neck lift, and perhaps eventually a brow lift. Whilst each procedure may have been technically successful, this piecemeal approach frequently yielded underwhelming overall results. One area would appear refreshed whilst adjacent regions remained aged, creating an imbalanced appearance. By the time all areas were addressed, the first procedure had often aged considerably.
A fundamental shift in facial aesthetic surgery recognises that ageing affects the entire face simultaneously—the brows descend, the midface deflates and drops, jowls form along the jawline, and the neck loses definition. These changes occur together and influence one another. Addressing them comprehensively in a single procedure allows for harmonious correction, with each component complementing the others rather than creating the disjointed appearance that can result from staged interventions.
The Vertical Restore Facelift embodies this philosophy, treating the face as an integrated unit from brow to neck. This coordinated approach ensures that improvements in one region flow naturally into the next, achieving balanced facial aesthetics that would be difficult to replicate through multiple separate procedures.
Upper Face and Brow Region
The procedure effectively elevates the lateral brow area, addressing the heaviness and hooding that contribute to a fatigued appearance. This upper facial component reduces brow ptosis without necessarily requiring a separate brow lift procedure. The result is a more open, refreshed periorbital appearance.
Midface and Malar Region
Midface correction represents a key component of this technique. As the malar fat pads descend with ageing, they create hollowing beneath the eyes and flattening of cheek prominence. The vertical lifting vector repositions these descended structures back toward their original anatomical position, restoring malar projection and addressing the deepening of nasolabial folds that occurs as midface volume shifts inferiorly.
Lower Face and Jawline
Jowl formation—the accumulation of descended tissue along the mandibular border—responds directly to the vertical repositioning approach. By lifting jawline tissues superiorly rather than laterally, the procedure recreates definition along the lower face whilst maintaining natural facial proportions. This addresses the squaring of the lower face that characterises more advanced facial ageing.
Neck Contouring
Neck laxity, including loose skin, visible platysmal banding, and submental fullness, is addressed comprehensively within the Vertical Restore approach. A Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty) is typically incorporated as standard, involving plication of the platysma muscle, removal of excess subplatysmal and subcutaneous fat when present, and redraping of cervical skin for a smoother contour. This integrated approach ensures harmonious improvement from face to neck.
Volume Restoration
Facial volume depletion contributes significantly to the aged appearance. The Vertical Restore technique can incorporate Facial Fat Transfer when indicated, strategically restoring volume to the temples, periorbital region, and malar eminence. Fat grafting utilises autologous tissue harvested from a donor site, processed, and placed precisely where volume enhancement will complement structural lifting.
Upper Lip Component
Upper lip lengthening occurs naturally with ageing, reducing vermillion show and altering facial proportions. The Vertical Restore approach can address this concern, improving the relationship between the nasal base and the upper lip. For patients with significant upper lip elongation, a dedicated Lip Lift Surgery may be discussed as part of the comprehensive treatment plan.
Comparing Facelift Approaches
Patients frequently enquire about how different facelift techniques compare. Understanding these distinctions helps inform discussions during consultation.
Vertical Restore versus SMAS Facelift
Traditional SMAS facelifts address the musculoaponeurotic layer but typically employ a more lateral lifting vector. The Vertical Restore technique combines sub-SMAS dissection with vertical tissue repositioning to address more extensive facial regions, including the midface and brow, within a single procedure. Traditional SMAS approaches generally provide 7-10 years of improvement, whilst deep plane techniques addressing deeper structures may maintain results for 10-15 years in suitable candidates.
Vertical Restore versus Deep Plane Facelift
Both techniques work within the deep plane, but the Vertical Restore extends its scope further. It combines deep-plane face and neck lifting with brow correction, blepharoplasty when indicated, upper lip enhancement, and fat transfer—integrating multiple procedures into a single comprehensive operation. A standard Deep Plane Facelift focuses primarily on the lower two-thirds of the face and neck.
Surgical versus Non-Surgical Options
Non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers, thread lifts, and energy-based devices suit patients with early signs of ageing or those seeking maintenance. These options typically provide 6-24 months of improvement depending on the treatment, with minimal downtime. The Vertical Restore Facelift offers substantially more comprehensive correction suited to moderate-to-advanced facial ageing, with results typically lasting 10-15 years. The choice between approaches depends on individual ageing patterns, aesthetic goals, and tolerance for recovery time.
Candidacy Assessment
The Vertical Restore Facelift may be appropriate for individuals experiencing sagging in the midface, jowls, and neck; volume loss in the cheeks and temples; deep nasolabial folds; loss of jawline definition; neck laxity or banding; upper facial heaviness; or upper lip lengthening.
Whilst most patients present between the ages of 45 and 70, there is no strict age requirement. Chronological age matters less than the degree of anatomical change present and overall health status. Suitable candidates demonstrate good general health, are non-smokers (or willing to cease smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery), and hold realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
For patients with less advanced ageing, alternative approaches such as a Short Scar Facelift or Ponytail Facelift may be more appropriate. For patients who have undergone prior facelift surgery with suboptimal outcomes, Revision Facelift Surgery is available. During consultation, Dr Turner assesses these factors to determine candidacy and develop an appropriate surgical plan.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from a Vertical Restore Facelift follows a gradual progression. Swelling and bruising peak around days three to five before beginning to subside, with the first week requiring supportive dressings, head elevation, and limited activity. Most patients return to light activities and sedentary work by weeks two to three, with social activities becoming comfortable around weeks three to four as bruising resolves and the acute post-operative appearance settles. Results become increasingly apparent between 2 and 6 months as residual swelling resolves and incision lines mature, with full results typically appreciated by 6 to 12 months. The comprehensive nature of the Vertical Restore technique means improvement extends across multiple facial zones—from the brow to the neck—integrating harmoniously as healing progresses.
For detailed recovery information, please refer to: Recovery After Facelift Surgery
Risks and Complications
All surgical procedures carry inherent risks that must be understood before proceeding. Most patients experience expected post-operative effects—swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and mild-to-moderate discomfort—which resolve naturally during healing. Potential complications requiring intervention may include haematoma formation (occurring in approximately 2-6% of facelift patients), infection, unfavourable scarring, prolonged altered sensation, or asymmetry. More serious but less common risks include facial nerve injury affecting motor or sensory function (permanent injury occurring in fewer than 1.5% of cases), skin necrosis, and adverse anaesthetic reactions. Dr Turner employs meticulous surgical technique in accredited hospital facilities with experienced anaesthetic support to minimise these risks.
For comprehensive risk information, please refer to: Risks and Complications of Facelift Surgery
Investment Considerations
The Vertical Restore Facelift represents a comprehensive procedure combining multiple surgical components. Costs typically range from $ 40,000 to $70,000+, depending on the specific components included and the individual’s complexity. An accurate quote can only be provided following personal consultation and examination. Medicare does not cover cosmetic procedures.
Conclusion
The Vertical Restore Facelift represents a comprehensive surgical approach to facial ageing, addressing multiple anatomical changes through a coordinated procedure. By combining deep-plane techniques, vertical lifting vectors, and attention to all facial zones from the brow to the neck, this technique aims to achieve harmonious improvement that ages gracefully over time.
At FacePlus Aesthetics, patients receive individualised care throughout their surgical journey—from detailed initial consultation through comprehensive post-operative support.
To discuss whether the Vertical Restore Facelift may be appropriate for your concerns, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
