A face lift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a facial plastic surgery that aims to reduce lines, wrinkles, sagging, and looseness in the face and neck. Various types of face lifts exist and can be used depending on the patient’s specific motivations and unique anatomy.
What Is a Facelift?
As we age, our skin tends to lose its elasticity, and the facial muscles weaken. Add to this weight fluctuations, sun exposure, poor lifestyle habits, and other factors, and many people are left with sagging skin, deep creases in underlying tissues, and the formation of jowls.
A facelift procedure is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to rejuvenate the appearance of the face by tightening the underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and repositioning the deep facial tissues to create a more youthful and revitalized look.
Facelifts are highly customizable, so they can be tailored to address specific concerns, such as loose skin on the cheeks, jowls along the jawline (jaw line rejuvenation), or sagging skin on the neck(neck lift).
Different Types of Facelifts
There are many different face lift types focusing the entire face or on the lower face and neck lifts, but here, we’ll be going over seven types that are most common facial rejuvenation procedures.
1. Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift procedures target the deeper facial tissues where soft tissue begins to droop. During this deep plane lifts, plastic surgeons release four ligaments that tether the facial tissues. This allows for the repositioning of the muscles and connective tissue.
The technique results in a natural improvement of the underlying structure of the face. And by addressing the deeper structures, the deep plane facelift can achieve a more comprehensive and long-lasting rejuvenation.
2. Mini Facelift
The mini lift is a less invasive alternative to traditional facelift surgery. This procedure features a smaller incision and involves minimal cutting of the underlying tissue when compared to a full facelift. There are various types of mini face lifts depending on the patient’s situation.
This could be a good option for those with minimal skin laxity who may desire a non surgical facelift but still want lasting results. It’s not good for those with deep wrinkles and severe sagging. For those who only need a small amount of improvement around the eyes and brow, a brow lift may suffice.
3. Ponytail Facelift
The ponytail facelift is a minimally invasive surgical facelift technique that aims to replicate the rejuvenating effects of a traditional facelift without the need for extensive surgery. Small incisions are made around the ears and along the hairline. The ultimate goal is to provide the slightly lifted look that wearing a tight ponytail can provide.
4. Mid Facelift
The mid facelift, or mid cheek lift, specifically targets the area between the upper mouth and the eyes — or the midsection of the face to reduce nasolabial folds. By repositioning the underlying fat pads and tightening the remaining skin here, the mid facelift can restore youthful fullness to the cheeks and improve the overall harmony of the face.
5. Liquid Facelift
The liquid facelift is a non-surgical alternative to traditional facelift surgery. Essentially, injectables are used to rejuvenate the entire face or wherever the patient seeks improvement.
By replenishing lost volume and stimulating collagen production, the liquid facelift can create a more youthful and refreshed appearance with minimal downtime and no incisions. The biggest drawback is that results are not permanent.
6. Nonsurgical Facelift
The nonsurgical facelift encompasses a variety of minimally invasive procedures designed to revitalize the face without the need for invasive surgery. Patients can receive injectables such as dermal fillers or Botox, and sometimes radiofrequency or ultrasound energy devices are used to promote collagen production and tighten the skin. Again, no incisions are required, but results are not permanent.
7. Thread Facelift
Lastly, the thread facelift is a non-surgical procedure that uses dissolvable threads to lift and tighten the skin. This offers immediate results and little to no downtime.
Patients benefit from stimulated collagen production and a firmer, fresher look that still appears natural. It’s a good noninvasive alternative for minimal signs of aging.
FAQ: Face Lift Surgery
What is the best type of facelift to get?
No two facelift patients are the same, which is why booking a consultation appointment with a board certified surgeon is so important prior to surgery. Choosing the best face lift surgeon is essential.
At this appointment, you’ll get the opportunity to discuss your goals and motivations one-on-one with your facial plastic surgeon. You’ll also be able to look at different facelift pictures to get a better idea of which option is right for you. It will all depend on your goals, your natural anatomy, and the techniques that fit best for your situation
How much is face lift surgery?
Facelift cost varies, so please schedule a consultation appointment in order to learn more about the price breakdown and the various influencing factors.
Can men get facelifts?
Certainly. It’s common for men to be interested in creating a more youthful appearance with a facelift procedure.
Both men and women can have sagging facial skin and loose face muscles, as well as wrinkles, lines, and other signs of aging. Facelift procedures are the only type of cosmetic surgery that can achieve permanent results for these issues.
What is the best age to have a facelift?
The best age for facial rejuvenation with a facelift is commonly sought by those in their late 40s to early 50s, with ages spanning from 40 to 60. Younger individuals may choose a mini facelift to address concerns without the commitment of a full procedure.
Book a Consultation With Dr. Galanis
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Galanis performs facial cosmetic surgery at his Beverly Hills practice. To learn more about the types of facelifts available and which surgical facelift would be right for you, please contact us today and set up your consultation appointment.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/facelifts-for-men-are-trending
