Different Types of Facelifts
An internet search will reveal a lot of information on facelift procedures, but which opinion can you trust? With all of this information overload, you may be more confused than when you began your search! Thankfully, Dr. Kadz has decades of experience performing facelift procedures, and we want to pass our knowledge on to you! In 2017 alone, there were over 125,000 facelifts performed, and each was unique to the patient.
Factors such as your surgeon, your desired look, and your facial structure all affect the type of facelift you need. The facelift procedure, however, will likely fall into one of the four types:
• Deep Plane Facelift
• SMAS Lift
• Endoscopic Lift
• Featherlift
SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) Lift
The SMAS Lift repositions the soft tissue, known as the SMAS, on your face that contributes to facial expression. The procedure repositions skin and the underlying muscle of the cheek to correct jowls and skin laxity. The SMAS Lift will provide you a less “pulled” look and longer lasting results than a skin-only facelift.
Ideal Candidate: This surgery may be ideal for you if you want to remove facial imperfections such as sagging skin and excessive wrinkling.
Facial Area: Mid face (eyes and cheeks) and lower face (smile lines, jawline, chin, and neck).
Incisions: Carefully hidden. Usually begin above the hairline at the temples, follow the natural line in front of the ear, curve behind the earlobe into the crease behind the ear, and into or along the lower scalp. In the case of a neck lift, a small incision is made under the chin (the scar will become barely visible with time).
Deep Plane Lift
A more comprehensive technique, the Deep Plane Lift is ideal if you wish to see a more dramatic and natural change with longer facial rejuvenation results. This procedure lifts and repositions the SMAS layer and muscles by separating the skin from the SMAS layer, and then entering the “deep plane” underneath both. This separation allows for an overall repositioning of the skin and SMAS layer while releasing tension and removing any excess skin.
Ideal Candidate: If you’re looking for a long-lasting fix for excessive skin, wrinkling, and lax muscles.
Facial Area: Mid face and lower face.
Incisions: See SMAS Lift.
Endoscopic Lift
The most invasive yet effective procedure is the Endoscopic Lift. While similar to the Deep Plane Lift, it goes even deeper, targeting the tissues just above your facial bones. The surgeon will insert a microscopic camera (an endoscope) into one of three, small incisions for a view of your facial structure while using surgical tools in the other two incisions to lift lax muscle and remove misplaced fat.
Ideal Candidate: This is ideal if you do not have large amounts of excess skin but want to remove facial imperfections (misplaced fats and droopy muscle).
Facial Area: Mid face and lower face.
Incisions: Three or more inch-long incisions are made above the hairline or behind the ear, making the procedure virtually scarless.
Featherlift
The Thread Facelift, or Featherlift, is the least invasive and the quickest procedure. Tiny stitches are used to lift your underlying muscles, typically taking one to two hours.
Ideal Candidate: This is ideal for minor changes in appearance, especially in the beginning stages of aging.
Facial Area: Cheeks, jawline, and neck.
Incisions: Tiny incisions are made for the stitches, making scarring almost invisible.
These options provide a brief overview of different facelift procedures; but only a board-certified physician can tell you which option is right for you. You can contact our office today to set up your very own consultation. Bruce B. Kadz, M.D., F.A.C.S. is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. With over 20 years experience performing a full spectrum of aesthetic plastic surgery, he delivers the most optimal results based on each individual patient’s desires.
