Are you thinking about getting a facelift? When you look in the mirror, does your drooping face stare back at you, saying, “fix me?”
Of course, this is only the beginning of the process. Most importantly, you will need to choose a surgeon who can transform your desires into a face that smiles back at you with confidence.
After choosing your plastic surgeon, he/she will present you with clinical options available for your facelift.
Facelift surgery tightens the lower two-thirds of the face, and while it may seem like a “one-size-fits-all” procedure, there are several facelift surgery options.
The Traditional Facelift
Of the handful of facelift surgery options available to customers, most think of the traditional facelift. The traditional facelift targets the mid-face and lower face, addressing concerns like sagging cheeks, nasolabial folds (parentheses lines between the nose and mouth), loose skin, and jowls, to name a few.
With this procedure, the surgeon makes incisions starting at the temples that run down and around the ear. An additional incision may be made beneath the chin if the neck is being addressed — which it usually is.
From here, the underlying tissues are gently lifted and tightened (usually in a vertical manner, but this can vary by patient and surgeon). Loose skin can also be trimmed (if needed); however, it is essential that the skin is not overly tightened, as this can result in an unnatural, wind-tunneled appearance.
Like other facelift surgery options, a traditional facelift is still surgery with risk. Therefore, it is crucial that you choose a reputable surgeon with proven results. Good surgeons have before and after pictures for a reason.
Mid-Face Facelift
Although mid-face facelift surgery is less drastic than the traditional facelift, it can still be complicated. This technique focuses on the middle of the face (namely, the cheeks and surrounding areas).
Patients who choose this option tend to be younger, presenting a lesser degree of visible aging signs.
Plastic surgeons who excel at the mid-face plastic surgery option must have superior incision and stitching skills.
Deep Plane Facelift Surgery
Of all available options, deep plane facelift surgery is the most complex. The primary difference between a deep plane facelift and a traditional facelift is that — in a traditional facelift — the facial skin is separated from the underlying tissues and tightened separately.
In a deep plane facelift, all tissues are tightened together as one unit. This includes the skin, SMAS muscle layer, and facial fat pads. By tightening these tissues together, there is a better chance for very natural results.
So, Is Facelift Surgery for You?
There are many variations of facelift surgery, and chances are you will find the right technique to address your facial aging concerns.
If you are not ready for surgery — or have a lesser degree of visible aging — a non-surgical facelift using injectable treatments may be appropriate. This is often referred to as a liquid facelift. Alternatively, some patients find success with non-surgical skin tightening treatments (including laser and radiofrequency treatments).
