Vertical Restore Facelift at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Surgeon | Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) |
| AHPRA registration | MED0001654827 |
| Procedure category | Composite facelift (deep plane base + brow lift + blepharoplasty + fat grafting + neck lift) |
| Lifting vector | Vertical (against gravitational descent) |
| Areas treated | Brow and temples, upper and lower eyelids, midface, jowls and jawline, neck |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia in an accredited private hospital |
| Surgical time | 5 to 7 hours |
| Hospital stay | 1 to 2 nights |
| Return to desk work | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Final result visible | 6 to 12 months |
| Longevity | Long-lasting, with individual variation based on age, skin quality and lifestyle |
| Sydney clinics | Bondi Junction (39 Grosvenor Street), Manly (Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade) |
| Surgery performed at | Bondi Junction Private Hospital, Delmar Private Hospital (Dee Why) |
| GP referral | Required (Medical Board and AHPRA requirement) |
| Medicare and private health rebate | Not applicable for cosmetic facelift surgery |
| Indicative cost | Around $45,000 all-inclusive |
What is a Vertical Restore Facelift?
The Vertical Restore Facelift is Dr Turner’s term for a single-stage operation that integrates the techniques required to address facial ageing across all zones. Rather than staging brow surgery, eyelid surgery, midface lifting, jawline correction, neck lift and volume restoration as separate operations, the Vertical Restore approach plans them as one coordinated procedure.
The technique builds on deep plane facelift principles. The retaining ligaments anchoring the SMAS to the facial skeleton are released. The SMAS, fat pads and overlying skin are then repositioned as a single composite unit, with the lifting vector chosen to reverse the vertical direction of soft tissue descent. Volume loss in the midface and temples, which contributes significantly to the visible signs of facial ageing, is addressed by facial fat grafting using the patient’s own fat harvested by liposuction at the time of surgery.
The aim of the Vertical Restore approach is comprehensive correction in one operation, with one recovery period, rather than a staged sequence of smaller procedures over several years.
How the Vertical Lifting Vector Works
Understanding facial ageing helps explain the rationale behind the vertical lift direction.
As the face ages, the retaining ligaments (fibrous bands that anchor the soft tissues to the facial skeleton) attenuate and lengthen. The SMAS and the overlying malar fat pads descend vertically: the malar fat pad slides down off the zygoma, creating hollowness in the upper cheek and deepening the nasolabial fold as tissue accumulates against the fixed upper lip. In the lower face, the descending SMAS carries the buccal fat and subcutaneous tissues over the mandibular border, disrupting the jawline and creating jowls.
This is a vertical displacement of tissue, not a horizontal expansion. A facelift that pulls tissue laterally toward the ear works against the original anatomical position rather than restoring it. The Vertical Restore Facelift instead repositions the released soft tissue composite upward, opposing the direction of gravitational descent.
The result is correction that follows the original anatomical vectors rather than working against them, which is a particular consideration for patients concerned about an artificially tightened or windswept appearance from older facelift techniques.
What is Included in a Vertical Restore Facelift
The Vertical Restore Facelift integrates five surgical components in a single operation:
- Deep plane facelift (midface and lower face). Sub-SMAS dissection with release of the retaining ligaments, allowing vertical repositioning of the malar fat pad, midface, jawline and lower face. This is the structural foundation of the procedure. See deep plane facelift for the underlying technique in detail.
- Brow lift. Repositioning of the outer brow to the upper orbital rim (in women) or at the rim (in men), addressing the brow descent and lateral hooding that contribute to upper-face heaviness.
- Upper and lower blepharoplasty. Removal or repositioning of excess upper-eyelid skin and addressing under-eye fat herniation and lower-eyelid skin laxity. The eyelids are integrated into the facial composite rather than treated as a separate operation.
- Facial fat grafting. Volume restoration to the temples, midface and perioral areas using fat harvested by liposuction. Addresses the volume loss component of ageing that lifting alone does not correct.
- Neck lift. Platysmaplasty (correcting the separation and banding of the platysma muscle) and submental work to address upper-neck laxity and the cervicomental angle.
Not every patient requires every component. Selection of which components to include is decided at consultation based on which facial zones show ageing changes and the degree of change in each.
Vertical Restore Facelift vs Other Facelift Techniques
| Feature | Vertical Restore | Deep Plane | SMAS | Short Scar | Neck Lift Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifting vector | Vertical | Vertical and composite | Lateral or vertical | Lateral (limited) | Vertical (neck) |
| Layers addressed | Skin, SMAS, deep plane, retaining ligaments, platysma, fat compartments | Skin, SMAS, deep plane, retaining ligaments | SMAS (plication or release) | SMAS and skin | Platysma, neck skin |
| Areas treated | Brow, eyelids, midface, jowls, jawline, neck (whole face) | Midface, jowls, jawline (with or without neck) | Lower face, jowls | Lower face, jowls (early changes) | Neck only |
| Includes brow surgery | Yes | Optional | No | No | No |
| Includes eyelid surgery | Yes | Optional | No | No | No |
| Includes fat grafting | Yes | Optional | No | No | No |
| Includes neck lift | Yes | Optional | Limited | No | Yes |
| Surgical time | 5 to 7 hours | 3.5 to 5 hours (4 to 6 with brow) | 2 to 3.5 hours | 2 to 3 hours | 2 to 3 hours |
| Return to desk work | 3 to 4 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks | 2 weeks | 2 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Typical candidate profile | Whole-face changes, prefers single operation | Moderate-to-significant midface descent | Moderate jowling without midface descent | Early lower-face changes, late 30s to early 50s | Isolated neck concerns |
| Indicative cost | Around $45,000 | Around $35,000 (with neck lift) | From around $25,000 | From $25,000 | Lower (varies) |
Who is a Suitable Candidate?
The Vertical Restore Facelift suits patients with ageing changes across multiple facial zones who prefer a single comprehensive operation rather than a staged sequence of smaller procedures. Common considerations at consultation include:
- Multi-zone ageing changes. Brow descent, upper eyelid skin excess, lower eyelid changes, midface descent, jowling and neck laxity all contributing to the overall appearance.
- Preference for single recovery. Patients who would rather have one operation with one recovery period than two or three procedures spaced over several years.
- Age range. Typically late 40s through to 70s, though candidacy depends on anatomy rather than chronological age.
- General health. Suitable for general anaesthesia and the longer surgical duration of a composite procedure. Patients with significant cardiac, respiratory or bleeding-related conditions may not be suitable.
- Smoking status. Non-smoker, or willing to cease nicotine for at least six weeks before and six weeks after surgery.
- Body mass index. Within a range appropriate for major elective surgery.
- Realistic expectations. Understanding that facelift surgery addresses structural changes but does not address skin texture, sun damage, pigmentation or fine surface lines, which may require complementary non-surgical treatment.
- Recovery time available. The longer surgical duration and the broader surgical area require a longer recovery period than a single-zone procedure.
A face-to-face consultation following GP referral is required to determine candidacy. Dr Turner conducts a minimum of two consultations before proceeding with surgery, both personally, with no patient representatives.
Vertical Restore Facelift Recovery Timeline
Recovery from a Vertical Restore Facelift is longer than recovery from a single-zone facelift because the surgical area is broader and the operative time longer. The timeline below is typical; individual recovery varies based on age, general health, technique combinations and adherence to post-operative instructions.
- Days 1 to 2. Hospital stay of 1 to 2 nights. Drains placed and removed at 24 to 48 hours. Head elevation maintained at all times. Mild to moderate discomfort managed with prescribed analgesia.
- Days 3 to 7. Peak swelling and bruising. The face and eyes will look puffy and discoloured. Light walking is encouraged. No bending, lifting or strenuous activity.
- Day 7 to day 14. Sutures removed in staged fashion across two visits. Swelling begins to settle. Most patients feel ready for short outings.
- Weeks 2 to 3. Bruising fades. Many patients begin to feel ready for short social engagements.
- Weeks 3 to 4. Most patients return to desk-based work. Mineral makeup may be used to camouflage residual discolouration.
- Weeks 4 to 6. Visible bruising resolves. Light exercise (walking, gentle gym work) resumed with surgeon approval. Social activities resume.
- Month 3. Most of the swelling has settled. The result begins to look closer to the final outcome.
- Months 6 to 12. Final tissue settling, scar maturation and the long-term result become apparent. The full benefit of the fat grafting component takes the longest to settle as transferred fat establishes its blood supply.
Risks and Complications
All surgery carries risk. The Vertical Restore Facelift, being a longer composite operation, carries the cumulative risks of each component procedure. Risks discussed at consultation include:
- Haematoma. A collection of blood beneath the skin, most common in the first 24 hours. May require return to theatre for evacuation.
- Facial nerve injury. Temporary or, less commonly, permanent weakness of the muscles of facial expression. Risk relates to the depth of dissection and individual anatomy.
- Wound healing complications. Increased in patients who smoke or have poorly controlled medical conditions such as diabetes.
- Infection. Uncommon in clean facial surgery but possible.
- Scarring. Incisions heal over months. Hypertrophic or keloid scarring is uncommon but possible.
- Asymmetry. No two sides of any face are identical pre-operatively, and minor asymmetry may persist after surgery.
- Eyelid-specific complications. Dry eye, lagophthalmos (incomplete eyelid closure), ectropion (lower-lid malposition) and chemosis are recognised risks of blepharoplasty components.
- Fat grafting complications. Variable take of transferred fat (some resorption is expected), contour irregularities and, rarely, fat cysts.
- Hair loss near incisions. Usually temporary.
- Sensory changes. Numbness around the ears, cheeks, scalp and neck is normal in the early post-operative period and typically improves over months.
- Anaesthetic risks. Standard risks of general anaesthesia, increased modestly by the longer operative time.
Risk is reduced by smoking cessation, optimisation of general health, careful surgical technique, accredited private hospital setting and structured follow-up. Detailed risk discussion is part of every consultation.
Vertical Restore Facelift Cost in Sydney
The indicative cost of a Vertical Restore Facelift in Sydney with Dr Turner is around $45,000 all-inclusive. This figure reflects the composite nature of the procedure (deep plane facelift, brow lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty, fat grafting and neck lift performed as a single operation) and covers the surgeon, assistant surgeon, anaesthetist, accredited private hospital fee, garments and standard post-operative care.
Final fees are quoted after consultation based on the specific component procedures selected and surgical time required. Medicare and private health insurance rebates do not apply for cosmetic facelift surgery. A consultation fee applies.
A complete cost breakdown including each fee component is available in the Facelift Cost Sydney 2026 guide.
Consultations in Bondi Junction and Manly
Vertical Restore Facelift consultations with Dr Scott J Turner are available at two Sydney locations.
The Bondi Junction clinic is located at 39 Grosvenor Street, a short distance from Bondi Junction station and Westfield. The Manly clinic is located in Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade, close to Manly Wharf.
Dr Turner conducts a minimum of two consultations before proceeding with surgery. All consultations are conducted personally by Dr Turner, with no patient representatives. A GP referral is required before booking, in line with Medical Board and AHPRA requirements introduced for cosmetic surgery in Australia.
To request a consultation, contact the practice on (02) 9387 3900 or [email protected], or visit the contact us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Vertical Restore Facelift?
A Vertical Restore Facelift, also called a vertical facelift, is a comprehensive single-stage operation that addresses ageing changes across the upper face, midface, lower face and neck in one procedure. It combines deep plane facelift technique with brow lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty, facial fat grafting and a formal neck lift. The lifting vector is aligned vertically against the direction of gravitational soft tissue descent rather than laterally toward the ears. Dr Scott J Turner performs the Vertical Restore Facelift at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why.
How does a Vertical Restore Facelift differ from a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift is the structural technique used in the lower face and midface, releasing the retaining ligaments and lifting the SMAS and fat pads as a single composite. A Vertical Restore Facelift uses that same deep plane technique as its base, but extends the operation to include brow lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty, facial fat grafting and a formal neck lift in the same procedure. The Vertical Restore Facelift suits patients with ageing changes across multiple facial zones; a deep plane facelift alone suits patients whose concerns are concentrated in the midface and lower face. Selection between the two is made at consultation based on facial anatomy.
Who is a suitable candidate for a Vertical Restore Facelift?
Suitability depends on the degree of ageing change across the brow, eyelids, midface, jowls, jawline and neck, skin quality, general health, body mass index, smoking status, realistic expectations and recovery time available. Patients typically range from their late 40s to their 70s, though candidacy depends on anatomy rather than chronological age. The Vertical Restore Facelift suits patients who prefer a single comprehensive operation over a staged sequence of smaller procedures. Candidacy is determined at consultation following a GP referral.
How long does Vertical Restore Facelift surgery take?
Vertical Restore Facelift surgery takes 5 to 7 hours under general anaesthesia in an accredited private hospital. The duration reflects the composite nature of the procedure, integrating deep plane facelift, brow lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty, facial fat grafting and neck lift in a single operation. A hospital stay of 1 to 2 nights is standard.
What is the recovery timeline for a Vertical Restore Facelift?
Recovery progresses in stages. Days 1 to 2 involve drain management and rest. Days 3 to 7 show the peak of swelling and bruising. Sutures are removed in stages between day 7 and day 14. Most patients return to desk-based work between weeks 3 and 4. Visible bruising typically resolves by weeks 4 to 6 with the assistance of mineral makeup. Most swelling settles by month 3. Final tissue settling, scar maturation and the full benefit of the fat grafting component continue over 6 to 12 months. Recovery from a Vertical Restore Facelift is longer than recovery from a single-zone facelift because the surgical area is broader.
How long do Vertical Restore Facelift results last?
Vertical Restore Facelift results are long-lasting. The technique repositions deeper, more stable structural layers rather than relying on skin tension alone, which contributes to durability. Individual longevity varies based on age at surgery, skin quality, sun exposure, weight stability, general health and lifestyle factors. Ongoing ageing of the face continues after surgery; the procedure does not stop the ageing process but addresses the structural changes present at the time of surgery.
What does Vertical Restore Facelift surgery cost in Sydney?
The indicative cost of a Vertical Restore Facelift in Sydney with Dr Turner is around $45,000 all-inclusive. This covers the surgeon, assistant surgeon, anaesthetist, accredited private hospital fee, garments and standard post-operative care. The fee reflects the composite nature of the procedure (deep plane facelift, brow lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty, fat grafting and neck lift performed as a single operation). Final fees are quoted after consultation. Medicare and private health insurance rebates do not apply for cosmetic facelift surgery. A consultation fee applies.
Where does Dr Scott J Turner perform Vertical Restore Facelift surgery?
Dr Scott J Turner consults from two Sydney clinics, Bondi Junction (39 Grosvenor Street) and Manly (Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade). Vertical Restore Facelift surgery is performed at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why, both accredited Sydney private hospitals. Dr Turner also consults from Brisbane (Herstellen Clinic, Spring Hill) and Canberra (Campbell), with surgery performed in Sydney for patients travelling from interstate due to the technical complexity of the procedure.
Related Guides
Compare facelift techniques: Facelift Surgery Sydney (the hub covering all eight techniques), Deep Plane Facelift, SMAS Facelift, Short Scar Facelift, Lower Facelift, Endoscopic Facelift, Ponytail Facelift and Revision Facelift.
Component and complementary procedures: Facial Fat Transfer, Buccal Fat Removal, Lip Lift Surgery.
Reading more: What is a Vertical Restore Facelift (technique explainer), Difference Between Vertical Restore and Deep Plane Facelift Surgery, Facelift Cost Sydney 2026, Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Timeline and Is a Deep Plane Facelift Worth It.
