Types of Facelifts

• December 17, 2024
• Mr Mrinal Supriya

Last updated on December 3, 2024

Facelift procedures have evolved significantly over the years, offering more options tailored to individual needs. Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a dramatic rejuvenation, understanding the different types of facelifts available can help you make an informed decision.

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift stands out for its innovative approach, as it addresses the underlying facial structures rather than just the skin. This technique is considered one of the most effective ways to achieve a naturally youthful and long-lasting result.

• What is a deep plane facelift: This procedure lifts and repositions the deep layers of facial SMAS, Platysma and soft tissues. By targeting the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) and the ligaments holding facial tissues in place, it helps restore volume to the cheeks, redefine the jawline, and smooth nasolabial folds.
• Benefits:
  • Corrects significant sagging and deep facial creases
    
  • Provides a natural, refreshed look without the overly tight operated appearance
    
  • Results last significantly longer compared to other facelift types.
• Recovery: Since this is an extensive surgical procedure, patients typically experience swelling and bruising for several weeks, with most returning to normal activities within 4-6 weeks.
• Ideal candidates: Healthy Individuals with pronounced ageing signs in the midface, such as deep lines, drooping cheeks, jowls and loose tissue in the neck.

SMAS Facelift

The SMAS facelift is one of the most commonly offered surgical facelift techniques in the UK. It  improves the lower two-thirds of the face, focusing on tightening and lifting the SMAS layer.

• What is a SMAS facelift: The procedure tightens the SMAS layer with stitches to improve sagging skin around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. 

• Benefits:
  • Improves sagging around the jawline and neck, reducing the appearance of jowls
    
  • Surgery is quicker and involves less extensive dissection
    
  • Addresses sagging skin
• Recovery: Recovery time for a SMAS facelift is typically 2-4 weeks. Swelling and bruising are common, but most patients feel comfortable returning to public activities after two weeks.
• Ideal candidates: Suitable for individuals experiencing mild signs of ageing in the lower face and neck who want a subtle improvement, quicker surgery and rapid recovery.

Mini Facelift

The mini facelift is a less invasive facelift option designed for those who want to address the early signs of ageing without a lengthy recovery period. It is often referred to as the “weekend facelift” due to its shorter recovery time.

• Procedure details: The mini facelift focuses on lifting the lower part of the face, targeting the jawline and upper neck. It involves smaller incisions around the ears, making it less invasive than a traditional facelift.
• Benefits:
  • Shorter surgery time and faster recovery compared to a full facelift
    
  • Minimal scarring, often hidden within the natural creases around the ears
    
  • Ideal for treating mild sagging and early signs of ageing
• Recovery: Most patients recover within 1-2 weeks and experience minimal discomfort. Bruising and swelling subside quickly, and the results can last, depending on the individual.
• Ideal candidates: Younger patients in their early 30s to early 40s who are beginning to see sagging skin but do not require a full facelift.

Ponytail Facelift

The ponytail facelift is inspired by the effect a ponytail has on lifting and tightening facial skin. It’s a more modern and minimally invasive option that appeals to younger patients.

• What is a ponytail facelift: This procedure subtly lifts the skin around the upper face, temples, and jawline. The incisions are small and typically hidden within the hairline, ensuring minimal scarring.
• Benefits:
  • Provides a subtle lift to the brows and cheeks, creating a refreshed look
    
  • Minimal scarring and a faster recovery time
    
  • Suitable for those who want to avoid traditional facelift surgery
• Recovery: Patients can usually resume normal activities within a week, with minimal bruising and swelling.
• Ideal candidates: Younger individuals or those with mild skin laxity looking for a quick and discreet way to rejuvenate their appearance.

Liquid Facelift

A liquid facelift is a popular non-surgical facelift option that uses dermal fillers and injectables to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours.

• What is a liquid facelift: Using hyaluronic acid-based fillers and sometimes botulinum toxin (Botox), this procedure adds volume to areas like the cheeks, temples, and jawline. It also smooths wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.
• Benefits:
  • Non-invasive with no incisions or scars
    
  • Immediate results with little to no downtime
    
  • Customisable treatment for specific areas of concern
• Longevity: Results are temporary, lasting between 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used.
• Ideal candidates: Individuals with mild  volume loss or those not ready for surgical intervention.

Composite deep plane  Facelift Surgery

Mr Supriya’s preferred facelift technique is an option for addressing moderate to advanced signs of ageing. It is often combined with other procedures like a lip lift, brow lift or neck lift for a full rejuvenation.

• Procedure details: The surgery involves making incisions around the hairline and ears to lift and tighten the SMAS, Platysma and  deeper tissues. Excess skin is removed, and the underlying muscles are adjusted for a smoother, youthful appearance.
• Benefits:
  • Dramatic and long-lasting results, often lasting beyond a decade
    
  • Addresses significant sagging and deep wrinkles across the face and neck
    
  • Can be customised with other facial rejuvenation procedures for a complete transformation.
  • Natural result without the typical tight operated unnatural look.
• Recovery: Recovery can take 4-6 weeks, with swelling and bruising gradually subsiding. Full results are visible after several months.
• Ideal candidates: Medially fit People with advanced signs of ageing who desire a significant and long-lasting natural looking improvement.

How to schedule a consultation

To schedule a consultation to discuss a rhinoplasty procedure, you can either call us on 07590817036, book online via our website, schedule a video consultation or visit us at one of our clinics in London, Milton Keynes, or Northampton.

FAQs

What is the difference between a SMAS facelift and a deep plane facelift? 

The SMAS facelift is a common facelift procedure that focuses on tightening the superficial muscular aponeurotic system, which enhances the jawline and reduces sagging in the neck area. In contrast, a deep plane facelift goes deeper, repositioning both the SMAS and Platysma and underlying tissues by removing their anchoring ligaments, resulting in a more natural and more youthful appearance. This method is especially effective for patients with significant sagging or volume loss, offering longer-lasting outcomes compared to other facial rejuvenation procedures.

How does a mini facelift differ from a traditional facelift?

A mini facelift is a less invasive cosmetic surgery option that addresses sagging in the lower face and jawline through smaller incisions, leading to a quicker recovery time. It is ideal for younger individuals with early signs of ageing. On the other hand, a traditional facelift is a comprehensive facelift procedure that targets advanced sagging and loose skin across the face and neck. It provides more dramatic and long-lasting results, suitable for those experiencing significant ageing.

Can a liquid facelift replace a surgical facelift?

A liquid facelift, which is a nonsurgical facelift, uses dermal fillers and injectables to restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. While it delivers immediate and non-invasive results, it cannot replicate the longevity or effectiveness of surgical plastic surgery procedures like a traditional or deep plane facelift. A surgical facelift addresses loose skin and repositions facial tissues for a more permanent and transformative result.

What is the recovery time for a mini facelift compared to a traditional facelift?

The recovery period for a mini facelift is relatively short, with most patients resuming normal activities within 1-2 weeks. This facial rejuvenation procedure results in minimal swelling and bruising. Conversely, a traditional facelift, which is a more invasive cosmetic surgery, requires 4-6 weeks of recovery. Swelling and bruising are more noticeable initially, and full healing may take several months. Both procedures effectively address loose skin and aim to deliver a more youthful appearance, but the extent of improvement and downtime varies significantly.