In the pursuit of maintaining a youthful appearance, many individuals turn to cosmetic procedures to address the signs of aging. Among the most popular and effective options is a facelift, a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the skin on the face and neck. However, it’s essential to understand that not all facelifts are created equal. In this blog post, Dr. Adam Becker, Facial Plastic Surgeon at Triangle Facial Plastic Surgery, addresses the various types of facelifts that he performs on his patients in Raleigh, NC to achieve the most beautiful, natural looking results.
Facelift
The facelift, sometimes referred to as a full-facelift, is the gold standard in facial rejuvenation of the lower face and neck and encompasses a variety of techniques. This procedure targets the cheek, jowl and neck area, addressing sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and repositioning certain areas of facial volume. During surgery, incisions are made along the hairline, extending around the ear. The underlying tissues are then tightened, excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is re-draped for a more youthful appearance.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is a comprehensive surgical technique that Dr. Becker most often uses during facelift surgery. This procedure involves repositioning not only the skin but also a layer of underlying muscle and connective tissues called the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). By lifting and repositioning this deeper layer of the face, a deep plane facelift offers long-lasting results and addresses significant sagging in the mid-face, jowls, and neck. Recovery time may be a bit longer compared to other facelift techniques due to the more comprehensive nature of the procedure.
Mini Facelift
As the name suggests, a mini facelift is a less invasive alternative to the facelift. It focuses on improving the lower portion of the face, particularly the jowl, nasolabial folds and jawline. This procedure involves more limited incisions compared to a full facelift. While it provides a more targeted rejuvenation, a mini facelift is an excellent option for individuals with moderate signs of aging that are more limited to the lower face and who desire a less invasive approach.
Mid-Facelift
The mid-facelift, also called a cheek lift, concentrates on the middle region of the face. It targets sagging cheeks and deep nasolabial folds. The incisions for a mid-facelift are typically made within the hairline. This technique allows the surgeon to lift and reposition the underlying fat and soft tissues, restoring youthful volume and contour to the cheeks and under-eye area.
Each type of facelift mentioned above offers unique benefits and is tailored to address specific areas of concern. Whether you opt for a traditional facelift, a mini facelift, a mid-facelift, or a deep plane facelift, it’s crucial to have a thorough understanding of the procedure, its expected outcomes, and the recovery process. During your consultation with Dr. Becker, he will provide a full exam, listen to your concerns and discuss the options that will best achieve the most natural looking and long-lasting results and restore your confidence so you can put your best face forward. To schedule a consultation or if you have questions, contact us today!
