Facelift

Facelift surgery is a procedure that aims to improve the appearance of aging in the face and neck. There are various types of facelift surgeries available, and it is important to speak with a surgeon to determine which one will be most suitable for you. This procedure is commonly performed to address visual signs of aging in the face.

What is a facelift (rhytidectomy)?

Facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of aging in the face and neck by altering the skin, fat, and muscle. This may involve repositioning or removing these tissues to address visible signs of aging. The procedure is often performed to rejuvenate the appearance of the face and neck.

Signs of aging that a facelift can restore include:

• Sagging or loose skin on the face
• Deep creases or wrinkles between the nose and mouth
• A lack of facial fat or facial fat that has descended
• Drooping skin on the cheeks or jawline (commonly referred to as jowls)
• Excess fat and loose skin in the neck that gives the appearance of a double chin.

Facelift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that is intended to improve the appearance of the face by addressing sagging skin, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. It is important to note that facelift surgery cannot completely change your appearance or halt the aging process. It is also not effective for treating superficial wrinkles, sun damage, or uneven skin tone. The results of facelift surgery will vary depending on the individual’s facial anatomy and their specific goals for the procedure.

What are the different kinds of facelifts?
There are many kinds of facelift surgeries depending on which areas of the face and neck are targeted. Types of facelift surgeries include:

• Traditional facelift: A traditional facelift involves making incisions around the ears, hairline, and under the chin. During the procedure, the surgeon will separate the skin from the underlying tissues and tighten the muscles and other supporting structures of the face and neck. Excess fat may be removed from the neck and jowls if necessary. The skin is then repositioned over the face in a natural manner and any excess skin is removed. This type of facelift is typically recommended for individuals who wish to address moderate to severe signs of facial aging and desire significant improvement.
• SMAS facelift (SMAS rhytidectomy): A SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift is a surgical procedure that focuses on the lower two-thirds of the face. It involves tightening the muscles and removing excess skin and/or fat from the cheeks and lower face. A SMAS facelift is a variation of a traditional facelift and is often used to address sagging and other signs of aging in these areas.
• Deep plane facelift: During a deep plane facelift surgery, the surgeon lifts the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), fat, and skin as a single unit. This type of facelift generally addresses multiple areas of the face at the same time, and may be used to address sagging and other signs of aging throughout the face.
• Mid-facelift: A mid-facelift is a surgical procedure that focuses on the cheek area of the face. It involves repositioning the fat in the cheeks and tightening the skin in this area to improve the appearance of sagging and other signs of aging. This procedure may be used in combination with other facelift techniques or as a standalone treatment.
• Mini-facelift: A mini-facelift is a type of surgery that targets the lower face and neck area. It is a less invasive and quicker procedure than other facelift surgeries, and is typically recommended for individuals who are younger and have only mild to moderate signs of sagging in the lower face. The goal of a mini-facelift is to lift and tighten the skin in this area to improve the appearance of aging.
• Cutaneous (skin) facelift: A cutaneous facelift, also known as a skin-only facelift, is a surgical procedure that involves tightening and lifting the skin in the neck and lower face area. This type of facelift does not involve any alterations to the underlying muscles or other tissue structures, and is typically used to address sagging and other visible signs of aging in these areas.

In many cases, people who get a facelift undergo other procedures at the same time as their facelift surgery, including:

• Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift)
• Rhinoplasty (nose job)
• Facial implants
• Brow lift
• Liquid facelift with injectable dermal fillers
• Jawline rejuvenation
• Chemical peel
• Laser skin resurfacing