Dr. Houtan Chaboki
Facelift surgery, medically known as rhytidectomy, is designed to refresh the face and neck by lifting and tightening sagging skin and underlying tissues. This procedure can effectively address common signs of aging such as drooping cheeks, jowls, "turkey neck," and double chins. Many people begin considering facial rejuvenation surgery after reaching the age of forty. There are several types of facelifts available, each with its own set of benefits and considerations.
Also referred to as a full facelift, this comprehensive procedure targets both the upper and lower regions of the face. Surgeons make incisions along the hairline, under the chin, and around the ears to lift and tighten the skin and muscles of the face and neck. Fat transfer techniques may also be used to enhance facial volume and contours.
A neck lift specifically targets the neck area to address sagging skin, a weak chin structure, excess fat, and muscle laxity. It can be performed on its own or in combination with a facelift. For younger patients under forty, isolated neck lifts might include neck liposuction and chin augmentation to improve the jawline and neck contour.
Focusing on the central portion of the face, the midface lift targets areas like the cheeks and lower eyelids. It helps lift and tighten the cheeks, reduce nasolabial folds (the lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth), and restore volume to the midface region. This procedure is often combined with other facelift surgeries for a more balanced rejuvenation.
The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift tightens the layer of muscle beneath the skin. This technique focuses on the lower face and neck, with incisions made around the ears and under the chin. By repositioning the deeper facial structures, the SMAS facelift offers more natural and longer-lasting results compared to skin-only facelifts.
An advanced technique, the deep plane facelift involves lifting and repositioning the deep tissues of the face, including muscles and fat pads. It provides more extensive and longer-lasting results compared to traditional and SMAS facelifts but requires a higher level of surgical skill and experience. This method is effective in addressing significant sagging and can produce a more youthful appearance.
Known as a limited-incision facelift, the mini facelift is less invasive than the traditional method and is often chosen by younger patients or those with minimal skin laxity. It involves smaller incisions around the ears and focuses on elevating the middle and lower parts of the face.
While nonsurgical cosmetic treatments like dermal fillers and skin tightening procedures are available, they cannot fully replace a surgical facelift when it comes to correcting significant skin laxity and sagging tissues. Nonsurgical options may offer temporary improvements but are not as effective for substantial rejuvenation.
