FACELIFT

As we age, the skin around our neck, jaw, and cheekbones begins to lose its elasticity. Wrinkles, frown lines, and sagging skin threaten to completely distort our profile. Even with exercise, proper hydration and vitamins, and medical-grade skincare, these effects are difficult to combat without the assistance of a facelift and other cosmetic surgeries. There are several different types of facelifts available to patients. Your surgeon will be able to build a customized treatment plan during your consultation that fits your needs perfectly.

Benefits of a Facelift Procedure

• Tighten sagging skin
• Re-contour neck and jawline
• Invisible scars
• Very manageable down-time
• Long-term results

Different Types of Facelifts

Mini

A mini facelift is for patients who need lift in the lower region of their face, without requiring the manipulation of tightening underlying muscle structure. A mini facelift will address loose skin in the jowls or under the chin. This is completed by your surgeon carefully tightening the surface skin and layer of fatty tissue directly beneath. For more information on a mini facelift, visit our page.

Mid or Ponytail Facelift

A mid facelift is also called a cheek lift or ponytail facelift, and addresses primarily the middle section of the face, without being as extensive as a full facelift (or SMAS facelift). This procedure tightens skin and elevates your cheek fat pads but will not address loose skin in the lower jowls or neck.

SMAS Facelift

A SMAS Facelift surgery involves tightening of the surface skin, fatty tissue, and the muscle structure known as the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) to remedy extensive laxity. This is a full facelift.

During a SMAS facelift, your surgeon will raise your skin off the muscle layer, which is then lifted and tightened before the skin is re-draped onto the deeper tissues and any excess or loose skin is removed to restore natural contour and expression.

Deep Plane

With a deep plane facelift, the skin and SMAS are lifted and tightened together, as one comprehensive unit. This is another type of full facelift.

Patient reviews of the deep plane say the results are more natural-looking and longer-lasting, but studies have found no major differences between the two techniques in patients under the age of 70, even when comparing the results over a 10-year period.

If an individual has thick facial skin and a very full face, a deep plane lift may provide better support. To customize the procedure to the specific patient, your surgeon will tailor their facelift technique depending on the width and shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, and fat distribution.

During the deep plane facelift, your surgeon will often release certain retaining ligaments in the face to better mobilize and elevate the cheeks and jowls.

Liquid Facelift (Non-surgical)

A liquid facelift is a facial rejuvenation that is achieved with the use of dermal filler. A filler can be used to enhance contour and restore volume after loss due to aging. Filler is often used in combination with other non-surgical treatments such as the HALO laser to achieve good results. This type of lift is temporary, lasting 6 months-2 years depending on the type of filler and placement.

Lunchtime Facelift (Non-surgical)

A lunchtime facelift is a non-surgical treatment also known as a thread facelift. This type of facelift is common in patients that are looking for a no-downtime, budget-friendly treatment for minor skin laxity. This type of lift is temporary, lasting about 1-3 years.

Facelift Recovery

The recovery timeline for facelifts typically lasts 1-2 weeks. This does NOT mean that you are on bed rest for this amount of time. In fact, most patients are back to their normal routine in just a couple of days. However, we do give the timeline of 1-2 weeks to allow for visible bruising and swelling to subside. As facelift procedures are often combined with laser resurfacing treatments, this timeline also allows for that recovery.

Swelling & Bruising

A feeling of heaviness with moderate swelling and bruising is common after facial surgery and can take 2-3 weeks to resolve. After any surgery, the areas addressed may appear different due to swelling and will even out with time. Keep any bruised areas and your incision out of the sun or tanning bed as the exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation. Severe swelling and bruising should be brought to attention as soon as possible. Drainage of thin, reddish fluid is normal until the incisions seal which can take 24-72 hours.

Incision care

You can remove any gauze bandages and shower the morning after surgery. Most sutures will absorb on their own; non-absorbable ones will be removed in the office after 5-7 days for facial surgery (neck lifts, facelifts).

Numbness

Numbness occurs after the surgery when small sensory nerves to the skin are interrupted; the sensation gradually returns as the nerve endings heal, usually within three to six months depending on the extent of surgery, and age.

Scars

The incision initially will be reddened and raised. Over the course of 8-12 months, the scar will fade and flatten. We recommend using the Biocorneum silicone scar gel to assist in the healing process of your scars. This is included with every surgery.

Curious?

Are you curious about facelifts and wondering if this procedure may be the right one for your needs? Would you like to ask some questions, learn more about our process, or check on pricing? Request a consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons via the form below or by calling our office at 704-655-8988.

Benefits of a Facelift Procedure

Different Types of Facelifts

Mini

A mini facelift is for patients who need lift in the lower region of their face, without requiring the manipulation of tightening underlying muscle structure. A mini facelift will address loose skin in the jowls or under the chin. This is completed by your surgeon carefully tightening the surface skin and layer of fatty tissue directly beneath. For more information on a mini facelift, visit our page.

Mid or Ponytail Facelift

A mid facelift is also called a cheek lift or ponytail facelift, and addresses primarily the middle section of the face, without being as extensive as a full facelift (or SMAS facelift). This procedure tightens skin and elevates your cheek fat pads but will not address loose skin in the lower jowls or neck.

SMAS Facelift

A SMAS Facelift surgery involves tightening of the surface skin, fatty tissue, and the muscle structure known as the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) to remedy extensive laxity. This is a full facelift.

During a SMAS facelift, your surgeon will raise your skin off the muscle layer, which is then lifted and tightened before the skin is re-draped onto the deeper tissues and any excess or loose skin is removed to restore natural contour and expression.

Deep Plane

With a deep plane facelift, the skin and SMAS are lifted and tightened together, as one comprehensive unit. This is another type of full facelift.

Patient reviews of the deep plane say the results are more natural-looking and longer-lasting, but studies have found no major differences between the two techniques in patients under the age of 70, even when comparing the results over a 10-year period.

If an individual has thick facial skin and a very full face, a deep plane lift may provide better support. To customize the procedure to the specific patient, your surgeon will tailor their facelift technique depending on the width and shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, and fat distribution.

During the deep plane facelift, your surgeon will often release certain retaining ligaments in the face to better mobilize and elevate the cheeks and jowls.

Liquid Facelift (Non-surgical)

A liquid facelift is a facial rejuvenation that is achieved with the use of dermal filler. A filler can be used to enhance contour and restore volume after loss due to aging. Filler is often used in combination with other non-surgical treatments such as the HALO laser to achieve good results. This type of lift is temporary, lasting 6 months-2 years depending on the type of filler and placement.

Lunchtime Facelift (Non-surgical)

A lunchtime facelift is a non-surgical treatment also known as a thread facelift. This type of facelift is common in patients that are looking for a no-downtime, budget-friendly treatment for minor skin laxity. This type of lift is temporary, lasting about 1-3 years.

Facelift Recovery

The recovery timeline for facelifts typically lasts 1-2 weeks. This does NOT mean that you are on bed rest for this amount of time. In fact, most patients are back to their normal routine in just a couple of days. However, we do give the timeline of 1-2 weeks to allow for visible bruising and swelling to subside. As facelift procedures are often combined with laser resurfacing treatments, this timeline also allows for that recovery.

Swelling & Bruising

A feeling of heaviness with moderate swelling and bruising is common after facial surgery and can take 2-3 weeks to resolve. After any surgery, the areas addressed may appear different due to swelling and will even out with time. Keep any bruised areas and your incision out of the sun or tanning bed as the exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation. Severe swelling and bruising should be brought to attention as soon as possible. Drainage of thin, reddish fluid is normal until the incisions seal which can take 24-72 hours.

Incision care

You can remove any gauze bandages and shower the morning after surgery. Most sutures will absorb on their own; non-absorbable ones will be removed in the office after 5-7 days for facial surgery (neck lifts, facelifts).

Numbness

Numbness occurs after the surgery when small sensory nerves to the skin are interrupted; the sensation gradually returns as the nerve endings heal, usually within three to six months depending on the extent of surgery, and age.

Scars

The incision initially will be reddened and raised. Over the course of 8-12 months, the scar will fade and flatten. We recommend using the Biocorneum silicone scar gel to assist in the healing process of your scars. This is included with every surgery.

Curious?

Are you curious about facelifts and wondering if this procedure may be the right one for your needs? Would you like to ask some questions, learn more about our process, or check on pricing? Request a consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons via the form below or by calling our office at 704-655-8988.