The Facelift Tour

Los Angeles is often described as the facelift capital of the world. In May, Dr Peter Callan travelled there to spend time with some of its most respected facelift surgeons — seeing first-hand how they work, how they assess their patients and how they run their practices.

What was the Facelift Tour and why LA, why now?

I wanted to see what other surgeons in the USA were actually doing in their practice: what techniques they were using, how they assessed their patients, how they ran their practices, and what marketing tools they were using. So in May I went to Los Angeles with my friend and colleague Dr Richard Bloom to spend some time with some of the best.

Our regulations here are stricter and we can’t really copy what they do, but it was good to get their take on what was important.

Who did you spend time with?

I spent time with Ben Talei (pictured above), a leading Beverly Hills facelift surgeon. Ben has been successful for many years and does amazing work, and we have invited him to visit us in Australia next year.

I also visited Babak Azizzadeh, whom I had met here in Australia last year. He is a brilliant surgeon who does a huge amount of facelift work.

In addition, I spent time with Dr Michael Groth, an expert in oculoplastic surgery. I have known and admired Michael for years as an outstanding thinker, highly skilled surgeon and great friend.

What surprised you about how they work?

What surprised me was that the work we do here in Australia is so closely aligned to these great surgeons, probably because we all learn from each other.

I have been on the Faculty of MAFAC (Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course) for 15 years and have run the Triennial Symposium on facelift for the last 10 years with my friend and colleague George Marcells. I have also been on the Faculty of the Triennial Oculoplastic Symposium with Angelo Tsirbas, Ben Burt and Simon Taylor.

Over that period, I and many other Australian surgeons have been privileged to learn from the best in the world and have been fortunate to meet and become friends with many of the world’s great facelift surgeons.

What did you bring home for your Geelong patients?

I returned from Los Angeles rejuvenated and refreshed. While I have made no big changes to what I do, I have adjusted my techniques in a very subtle and nuanced way to take advantage of what I have learned.

It was a great experience and one I want to repeat every year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Australian surgeons use the same facelift techniques as surgeons in the USA?

Largely, yes. As Dr Callan found on his trip, the work of specialist plastic surgeons in Australia is closely aligned with leading American practices. Surgeons in both countries learn from each other through courses, symposiums and long-standing professional relationships.

Are the rules around cosmetic & plastic surgery different in Australia?

Yes. Australian regulations around cosmetic & plastic surgery and its advertising are stricter than in the United States. Requirements such as GP referrals and the standards set by AHPRA are part of how patients are protected here.

Did the trip change how Dr Callan performs facelift surgery?

No major changes. His approach remains the same. The trip led to subtle, nuanced refinements of technique, informed by seeing how other leading facelift surgeon’s work.