Types of Facelifts: Know Your Options
Nothing reverses time as effectively as a facelift. This surgery addresses sagging skin, fallen tissue, and deep wrinkles in a single procedure, with long-lasting results. Facelifts are also adaptable to each patient’s specific needs, with different types that offer varying degrees of correction. This blog helps you understand which type of facelift is right for you by outlining each surgery and its benefits.
What Are My Options in Facelift Surgery?
Dr. David Pincus is a board-certified plastic surgeon who understands the importance of customizing a patient’s procedures to deliver the most natural outcomes. He offers various types of facelifts, which are described below.
Limited Incision (Mini) Facelift
The limited incision facelift, also known as the short-scar or mini facelift, is the ideal choice for patients with mild aging symptoms, such as early jowling and facial creases. The surgery requires smaller incisions designed for minimal scarring, but also features the most subtle improvements in the mid- and lower face.
A limited incision facelift can be performed under twilight anesthesia and usually requires about one week of recovery time. This facelift targets the skin and superficial tissues to create a smoother appearance, with visible reductions in skin laxity and wrinkles. The results typically last five years or longer, depending on how quickly your skin ages.
Quiet (Lower) Facelift
The quiet facelift is similar to the limited incision facelift, except that the improvements target the lower face. This surgery addresses mild to moderate jowling, nasolabial folds, and loss of definition along the jawline. It can also correct some volume loss in the cheeks. Incisions are small and discreetly placed around the ears or inside the hairline.
Facelift costs vary, but the quiet facelift tends to be less expensive than other types of facelifts, and it requires only about one week of downtime. The results are subtle and natural, gently lifting the skin without stretching it, leaving you refreshed. Results last around five to eight years, depending on your lifestyle and skincare habits.
SMAS (Traditional) Facelift
The traditional facelift is the one most patients think of when they consider facial surgery. SMAS stands for the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a broad term referring to the lower facial structure. This facelift repositions the underlying tissue before trimming away excess skin to create a natural lifting and smoothing effect.
In addition to tightening the skin, the SMAS facelift raises the cheeks and defines the jawline for the most dramatic, long-lasting improvement. Incisions are usually created around the ears and inside the hairline to minimize visible scarring. Recovery can take three to six weeks. However, the results can last 10–15 years.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift is an advanced technique that produces the most long-lasting, natural results. The procedure works deep into the facial tissue and muscle to recontour the face from the inside out. A deep plane facelift addresses sagging cheeks, jowl formation along the jawline, and even the most stubborn creases in the lower face. This type of facelift is often recommended for patients with the most noticeable signs of aging.
Like other facelift surgeries, incisions for this procedure are made around the ears and along the hairline. The procedure may take several hours to complete, depending on the level of correction required. Recovery after a deep plane facelift lasts around three to six weeks. The transformative results can last 10–15 years or longer.
Choosing the Best Type of Facelift for You
With many facelift options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which technique will best fit your needs and goals. As a general rule, patients in their 40s with early signs of aging may achieve satisfying results with a limited-incision or quiet facelift. Patients in their 50s and beyond with significant skin laxity and a sagging midface may achieve better outcomes with SMAS or deep-plane facelifts. Dr. Pincus will take the time at your initial consultation to understand your concerns and goals, helping you choose the ideal facelift technique.
Interested in Facelifts in Smithtown, NY, or Boca Raton, FL?
A facelift is one of the most popular ways to turn back the clock and refresh your appearance. If you would like to learn more about the different types of facelifts in Smithtown, NY, or Boca Raton, FL, complete our online contact form or call (631) 352-3556 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pincus.