A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at reducing the signs of aging on the face and neck. During a facelift, excess facial skin is removed, and the underlying tissues are tightened to create a more youthful appearance. This can address sagging skin, deep creases, and folds, particularly around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Facelifts can be combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or brow lift to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation. It’s important to note that while a facelift can produce significant improvements, it doesn’t stop the aging process entirely, and results may vary from person to person.
What are the different kinds of facelifts?
Facelift techniques have evolved over time, allowing surgeons to customize procedures to address specific concerns and achieve more natural-looking results. Some common types of facelifts include:
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Traditional facelift (SMAS facelift): This is the most common type of facelift surgery. It involves making incisions along the hairline and around the ears to access the deeper layers of the face, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). The SMAS and underlying tissues are then lifted and tightened to improve facial contours and reduce sagging.
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Mini facelift: Also known as a limited-incision facelift or a short scar facelift, this procedure is less invasive than a traditional facelift. It typically involves smaller incisions and focuses on lifting and tightening specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks and jawline. Mini facelifts are often preferred by patients seeking subtle rejuvenation with less downtime.
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Mid facelift: This procedure targets the middle area of the face, including the cheeks and under-eye area. It can help improve the appearance of nasolabial folds (smile lines) and hollowing in the cheeks by lifting and repositioning the underlying tissues.
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Lower facelift: A lower facelift primarily addresses the jawline, jowls, and neck. It focuses on tightening loose skin and muscles in the lower portion of the face to create a more defined jawline and smoother neck contour.
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Deep plane facelift: This advanced technique involves repositioning the deeper layers of facial tissue, including the SMAS and muscles, to achieve more significant and long-lasting results. Deep plane facelifts are often recommended for patients with more advanced signs of aging or significant laxity in the face and neck.
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Thread lift: A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses dissolvable sutures or threads to lift and reposition sagging facial tissues. While it’s not as effective or long-lasting as surgical facelifts, it can provide temporary improvement in facial contours with minimal downtime.
In many cases, people who get a facelift undergo other procedures at the same time as their facelift surgery, including:
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Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift).
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Rhinoplasty (nose job).
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Facial implants.
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Brow lift.
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Liquid facelift with injectable dermal fillers.
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Jawline rejuvenation.
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Chemical peel.
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Laser skin resurfacing.
Who gets facelifts?
Facelifts are typically sought by individuals who are bothered by visible signs of aging in the face and neck and are looking to rejuvenate their appearance. While there’s no specific age range for facelift candidates, most individuals who undergo facelift surgery are in their 40s to 60s. However, some people may opt for a facelift at a younger age if they have genetic predispositions to early facial aging or if they’ve experienced significant weight loss, leading to sagging skin.
Common reasons why people choose to undergo facelift surgery include:
Sagging skin: Loss of skin elasticity over time can lead to sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck, creating a tired or aged appearance.
Deep wrinkles and folds: Wrinkles, creases, and folds can develop as a result of repetitive facial expressions, sun exposure, and the natural aging process. Facelift surgery can help smooth out these lines for a more youthful look.
Jowls: The loss of muscle tone and fat in the lower face can cause the skin to droop below the jawline, resulting in the formation of jowls.
Loss of facial volume: As people age, they may experience a loss of fat and volume in the face, leading to hollowing and a sunken appearance.
Desire for facial rejuvenation: Some individuals simply want to refresh their appearance and regain a more youthful, rested look.
Procedure Details
What happens at a facelift consultation?
Every facelift surgery is specific to the person’s unique face and goals, so it’s important to have a thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon before your surgery. At your facelift consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the following topics:
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Medical History Review: The surgeon will ask about your medical history, including any past surgeries, current medications, and any existing health conditions. This helps them assess your overall health and identify any potential risks associated with the surgery.
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Discussion of Goals: You’ll have a conversation with the surgeon about your expectations and goals for the facelift. This includes discussing which areas of your face you’d like to improve, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, or loss of facial volume.
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Examination: The surgeon will examine your face, paying close attention to the skin elasticity, muscle tone, and bone structure. This helps them determine the extent of the aging process and which techniques will be most effective for achieving the desired results.
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Discussion of Options: Based on your goals and examination, the surgeon will explain the different facelift techniques available and recommend the most suitable approach for you. This may include traditional facelift surgery, mini facelift, or nonsurgical options such as injectables or laser treatments.
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Risks and Benefits: The surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications associated with facelift surgery, as well as the expected outcomes and recovery process. It’s important to have a realistic understanding of what the procedure can and cannot achieve.
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Preoperative Instructions: If you decide to proceed with the facelift, the surgeon will provide you with preoperative instructions, which may include guidelines for medications, skincare, and lifestyle habits leading up to the surgery.
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Cost and Financing: You’ll receive information about the cost of the procedure, including surgeon’s fees, facility fees, and anesthesia fees. The surgeon may also discuss financing options and payment plans if needed.
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Follow-up: Finally, the consultation may conclude with scheduling a follow-up appointment to address any remaining questions or concerns before the surgery date.