Types of Facelift

As the popularity of facelifts has grown, so have the types of facelifts. Because each person ages in his or her own unique way, new techniques have arisen to enable surgeons to address each patient’s distinctive needs.

Unfortunately, this breadth of knowledge can be daunting for patients. If you are overwhelmed by the variety of facelifts, Dr. Kimberly A. Henry can offer expert advice and premier plastic surgery in San Francisco. She can explain your options and is skilled in tailoring facelift and rejuvenating techniques to her patient’s unique needs.

For starters, here’s a primer on major facelift categories:

Lower Facelifts

• Traditional / SMAS Facelift
• The SMAS facelift (superficial musculoaponeurotic system facelift) targets the lower face and neck. It involves lifting the top layers of skin and deeper tissues of the face and neck, called the SMAS. The procedure tightens underlying facial structures and removes excess skin, smoothing it to eliminate facial creases. This is the gold standard of facelifts and is ideal for patients with neck laxity, some jowling, and facial sagging in the lower third of the face.
• Deep Plane Facelift
• The Deep Plane Facelift is a modification of the traditional facelift. It addresses even deeper tissue layers. The treatment makes dramatic changes in the mid-face area, including the cheeks and nasal folds, as well as the jaw line and chin. Older people with severe facial sagging are good candidates.

Mid-Face Lift

The mid-facelift targets only the middle of the face to improve sagging around the nose, eyes, and corners of the mouth as well as cheek sagging.  The mid-facelift offers a subtle freshening, correcting under-eye bags, hollowness in upper cheeks, and prominent nasal folds. Sometimes a mid-face lift is combined with a traditional facelift.

Full Facelift

The full facelift is a combination of a lower facelift, mid facelift, and brow lift, rejuvenating the face from forehead to neck.

Mini Facelift

The mini facelift goes by a number of names: the weekend facelift, the s-lift, and limited-incision facelift. It rejuvenates the lower face and upper neck. It is ideal for patients who have modest jowls or needs to “freshen up” the jaw line.

Endoscopic Facelift

Endoscopic facelifts refer to all facelifts performed using an endoscope, a pencil-shaped probe with a tiny camera. The probe is inserted via small incisions and sends video images of internal facial structures, allowing the surgeon to adjust them. The small incisions mean less risk of nerve damage, smaller scars, and quicker recovery.

Many types of facelifts can be done with an endoscope, including mid- and mini-facelifts. An endoscope is also ideal for targeting problem spots, such as frown lines and nose-to-mouth creases.

Things to Consider

If you are considering a facelift, don’t be confused by the variety of techniques, focus instead on the results you desire. A skilled plastic surgeon has the experience and artistry to select the right combination of rejuvenation techniques to address your needs.

If you need more information, please call so we can address your concerns and tailor a custom treatment.