Do You Need a Referral for a Facelift?

A private cosmetic clinic may allow you to request a consultation directly. A hospital or insurer-linked pathway may instead require a referral from a general practitioner or another clinician. The referral route is separate from the surgeon's decision about whether a facelift is appropriate for your goals and health.

During consultation, the surgeon may review facial skin and tissue changes, previous procedures, medicines, smoking or vaping, and medical conditions that affect anaesthesia or wound healing. They should explain alternatives, likely scars, recovery, risks, and follow-up before you decide.

Ask the clinic whether you can self-book, which qualifications the operating surgeon holds, and whether an in-person examination is required. Bring medication and allergy information, details of prior facial procedures, and questions about anaesthesia and aftercare. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice. If the referral is for a medical concern rather than a cosmetic goal, describe the concern clearly to the referring clinician.

Before surgery, obtain medical advice for a new facial lump, non-healing sore, infection, sudden facial weakness, or unexplained swelling. These issues need assessment before elective surgery. After surgery, contact the surgical team urgently for rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty, fever, or vision changes.

Ask: Is a referral needed for this clinic? Who will perform the operation and provide follow-up? Which alternatives fit my concern? Where will scars be placed? What medicines should I discuss before surgery? Which symptoms require urgent review?