Types of Facelift Incisions: What To Expect & Which Is Best For You?
Everyone would want to look young and fresh for ever, but unfortunately, the telltale signs of ageing become unavoidable over time. Lines appear, skin sags, and your once-smooth skin becomes creased and wrinkled.
You may feel like you have lost your edge, confidence, and youth. Luckily, a facelift can help to turn back the clock, restore your youthful appearance, and give you back your confidence.
So if you are considering a facelift, read on to learn about the different types of facelift incisions and what you can expect from each.
Are All Facelift Incisions and Results the Same?
Other types of facial surgery that may be performed in conjunction with a facelift include:
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)
- Otoplasty (ear surgery)
- Brow Lift
- Necklift
Below, we will discuss the different types of facelift incisions, surgical and non-surgical facelifts, and the results you can expect from each:
Surgical Face Lift
A surgical facelift is a type of cosmetic surgery that involves making an incision to access the underlying layers of tissue. This type of facelift is typically more invasive and has a longer recovery time. Recovery from a surgical facelift can take several weeks, and patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort during this time.
However, the results of a surgical facelift are more dramatic and long-lasting than those of a non-surgical facelift. Types of incisions for a surgical facelift include:
Deep Plane Face Lift/SMAS Facelift
The deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that provides a long-term solution for patients with significant facial sagging. This procedure targets the mid-face area, eliminating the look of sagging skin at the base of the chin and jawline.
During the procedure, the surgeon accesses the deep plane below the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). This layer is near the facial muscles responsible for smiling and frowning. Releasing the SMAS layer from the facial skin and deep plane layers allows the surgeon to reposition it. This can help to restore a more youthful appearance to the face and neck.
The recovery process for a deep plane facelift typically takes 3-4 weeks. Patients may experience bruising and swelling in the days following the procedure. One advantage of the deep plane facelift is that it usually results in minimal scarring.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in about an hour. Also known as a “weekend facelift” or a “lunchtime facelift,” this procedure can help address early signs of ageing, such as saggy skin in the lower face and neck area.
During the procedure, your surgeon will make small incisions along your hairline and earlobes and gently lift and reposition the skin and underlying tissue. In some cases, fat may be removed or injected to create a more youthful contour. Finally, the incisions will be closed with sutures. Recovery from a mini facelift is typically quick and easy, with most patients ready to resume their normal activities within a few days.
Traditional Face Lift
A traditional facelift involves incision along the hairline, starting at the temples and extending down in front of the earlobes. In some cases, the incision may also extend behind the ears. This facelift provides a more comprehensive solution for patients with significant facial ageing.
Mid Face Lift
A mid-facelift is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help to turn back the clock on the appearance of ageing. The mid-facelift focuses on correcting sagging in the central area of the face, including the cheeks and eyelids. This type of lift can provide a subtle yet significant improvement in the face’s overall appearance. Good candidates for a mid-facelift are those who notice sagging around the cheeks and eyes but do not have severe sagging in the neck or chin area.
The surgery can be performed using an endoscope, which allows the surgeon to directly view and operate on the layer of tissue above the facial skeleton. Alternatively, surgeons can use the common facelift technique, which involves making small incisions in the skin.
Mid-facelifts typically have a quick recovery time of one to two weeks. During the procedure, the surgeon will lift and reposition the skin and underlying tissues to create a more youthful appearance. In some cases, fat grafting may also be used to add volume to the face.
Read more about the different types of facelifts.
Will A Facelift Make Wrinkles Disappear?
Currently, a facelift is one of the most effective ways to achieve long-lasting wrinkle reduction. Patients with moderate to severe wrinkles have most of the them significantly softened after surgery and some even eliminated.
However, it is essential to remember that a facelift is not a cure-all procedure. It will not make all your wrinkles disappear and prevent new ones from forming. That is why future touch-up procedures, such as non-invasive anti-wrinkle treatments, are suggested for maintaining the results of a facelift.
The specific techniques used during a facelift will depend on the individual’s goals and needs. In most cases, the surgeon will make incisions along the hairline, in front of the ear, and sometimes behind the ear. The location and extent of the incisions required will depend on the patient’s degree of excess skin and fatty tissue.
The plastic surgeon tightens underlying muscles through these incisions and removes excess skin. In some cases, the underlying fat in the cheeks, jawline, and neck may be sculpted or redistributed to create a more youthful appearance. The final results of the surgery will be visible once all of the incisions have healed and any swelling has subsided. However, it is important to remember that a facelift cannot stop the natural process of ageing. So while your wrinkles may disappear, new ones will eventually form.
Non-Surgical Face Lift
A non-surgical facelift is a popular alternative to surgery for those who want to improve the appearance of their face without going under the knife. The procedure uses advanced technologies, such as radiofrequency or ultrasound to heat the deeper layers of skin, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin.
Non-surgical facelifts are typically less expensive than traditional facelifts, and recovery is usually shorter. However, the results are not as dramatic or permanent as with the surgical facelift. Patients who are not ready for surgery, have a limited budget, or have a busy schedule may prefer a temporary, non-surgical facelift.
Which Facelift Incision is Right For You?
An expert in facial plastic surgery will be able to determine the best facelift technique for you based on a number of factors, including your skin type, the amount of loose skin you have, and your cosmetic goals.
Dr. Demetris Stravou is a facial surgeon, expert in a variety of facelift procedures. Dr. Stravou will explain you each procedural step in detail, answering any questions or concerns you may have. He will also share with you insightful information on what to expect after a facelift and how to ensure a smooth and fast recovery process.
To learn more about facelift procedures and find out which one is right for you, call our offices in Nicosia, Limassol, Athens or Sliema today or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stravou.
Dr Stavrou is a board-certified and highly experienced plastic surgeon in Cyprus, Greece and Malta, with a keen interest in informing patients about the latest updates on reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
- University of Athens Medical School
- Residency in Plastic Surgery at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Assistant Professor, St George’s, University of London / Medical School at the University of Nicosia
- Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, UK
- MSc with Distinction in “Wound Healing and Tissue Repair”, University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, U.K
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)
- International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Instructor
- Fellowship in “Advanced Aesthetic Surgery” from the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery – Monash University, Australia
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
- Brow Lift
- Chin Augmentation
- Facelift
- Facial Cancer Treatment
- Neck Lift
- Otoplasty
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
