The desire to maintain a youthful appearance is a common aspiration for many. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, leading to sagging, drooping, and the formation of wrinkles.
One solution for these aging signs is a facelift, a surgical procedure that can restore a more youthful look to the face.
The choice of facelift procedure will depend on several factors, including your specific aging concerns, overall health, and aesthetic goals.
What’s the Concept of a Facelift?
A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure meant to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. The procedure addresses sagging skin, weakened facial muscles, and soft tissue descent, leading to a more rejuvenated facial appearance.
It can lift excess loose skin on the lower face, improve a “turkey neck,” tighten underlying muscle and tissue, and reduce deep wrinkles. The effects of a facelift can last for several years, and it can take up to 10 years off of your appearance.
How Many Types of Facelift Are There?
Facelift methods vary based on the incision approach, target zones, and level of invasiveness. There are several types of facelifts, each designed to address specific areas of the face and deliver unique results. Here, we discuss some of the most common types of facelifts.
Full Facelift (Traditional Facelift)
The traditional facelift, also known as a full facelift, is a comprehensive rejuvenation procedure addressing advanced aging signs on the lower face and neck. It involves making incisions along the hairline, letting the surgeon lift and tighten underlying tissues, and removing excess skin.
Mini Facelift
Mini facelifts, also known as the weekend facelift or S-lift, are less invasive options that target mild to moderate signs of aging in the lower face. These procedures involve smaller incisions and a quicker recovery time, making them an excellent option for patients in their 30s to early 50s.
Deep Plane Facelift
Deep plane facelifts are more invasive, going deeper than the SMAS to address deeper facial tissues and muscles. This facelift type is particularly beneficial for patients with severe signs of aging, such as deep wrinkles and sagging skin.
Midface Lift (Cheek Lift)
The mid-facelift focuses on the areas between the eyes and mouth, like the cheeks and nose. This procedure is ideal for people who have sagging cheeks or deep nasolabial folds and have mild signs of aging in the neck or along the jawline.
Liquid Facelift (Non-Surgical Facelift)
Non-surgical facelifts, on the other hand, include the liquid facelift and thread lift. A liquid facelift is a non-invasive facelift that uses injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid or collagen to add volume to the face and reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and folds.
The thread lift, also known as a non-surgical nose job, uses biocompatible threads to lift and tighten the skin, providing a more youthful appearance without the need for surgery.
Which Type of Facelift Surgery Produces the Most Natural Result?
Determining the type of facelift surgery that produces the most natural result is a complex process that depends on a variety of factors. These factors include facial anatomy, the extent of aging, personal goals, and the surgeon’s expertise. Among the various types of facelifts, many experienced facelift surgeons believe that the deep plane facelift provides the most natural-looking results.
This surgical technique dives into the deeper layers, addressing the deep tissues and muscles of the face for optimal rejuvenation. The deep plane facelift is especially effective at improving the look of deep creases and nasolabial folds, which are the lines from the nose to the mouth corners.
However, it’s important to note that the success of a deep plane facelift, or any type of facelift, largely depends on the skill and experience of the facial plastic surgeon. An experienced surgeon will have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and will be able to tailor the procedure to the patient’s unique facial features and bone structure, ensuring a natural appearance post-surgery.
How to Choose the Best Facelift for You
Choosing the best facelift for you involves careful consideration of your aesthetic goals, the extent of your facial aging, your overall health, and your willingness to undergo cosmetic surgery. It’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your individual needs and recommend the most suitable procedure.
During the consultation, you should discuss your concerns, expectations, and the potential risks and benefits of each facelift type. This will help you make an informed decision about which facelift procedure is the best choice for you.
The Potential Risks and Complications of Facelift Surgery
Like any surgery, facelift surgery has potential risks and complications. These can include infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve damage, and complications related to anesthesia. Skin necrosis, a rare but serious complication, is particularly increased among smokers.
Other possible side effects include pixie ear deformity due to improper reattachment of the earlobe. Numbness is common after a facelift but typically reduces over the first 3–6 months post-surgery. It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon during your consultation to make an informed decision about your procedure.
The Longevity of Facelift Results
The results from a facelift can last up to 10–15 years, making it a long-term solution for facial aging. However, the aging process continues despite a facelift procedure, and factors such as sun exposure and skincare habits can affect the longevity of the results. A secondary facelift, also known as a revision facelift, may be performed to maintain or enhance the results of the initial procedure.
Combining Facelifts with Other Procedures
Facelifts can be combined with other surgical procedures to provide the most youthful and rejuvenated results. For example, skin resurfacing procedures can be performed at the same time as a facelift to correct skin complexion issues such as fine lines, sun damage, melasma, and blemishes.
If desired, patients may undergo other procedures, such as blepharoplasty, neck liposuction, fat grafting, or other surgeries, in combination with a facelift.
How the Naderi Center Approaches Facelifts
The Naderi Center for Plastic Surgery and Dermatology prides itself on its commitment to excellence and safety in all procedures, including facelift surgery.
The center’s board-certified physicians are experts in their respective fields, ensuring minimal risk and optimal results for patients. The center offers a range of facelift procedures, from traditional facelifts to less invasive procedures like the mini facelift and the liquid facelift.
Each patient’s procedure is tailored to their individual needs, aesthetic goals, and the extent of their facial aging, ensuring a natural, long-lasting, and refreshed appearance. Schedule a consultation today an achieve your desired aesthetics.