The face is one part of the body where the earliest signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin, begin to show. With our faces being the first thing other people see when they look at us, it only makes sense to want to keep them looking youthful and firm.
If you have decided to undergo a facelift, you may already know that there are different types, all with unique techniques and procedures. In this article, we’ll discuss 5 top facelift techniques, their effects, and under which circumstances they are best used. So, here are some of the different facelift techniques performed by Dr. Ivo:
Traditional (SMAS) Facelift
The traditional facelift, also known as a full or SMAS facelift, is an all-encompassing facial procedure that involves tightening the face, jawline, chin and neck. This technique is best for people with advanced signs of facial ageing. During this procedure, a deeply invasive lifting technique is employed, involving pulling the SMAS tissue layers found between the facial fat and muscles.
The effect of this procedure includes the complete eradication of saggy skin, droopy jowls, wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of ageing in the face. This procedure typically takes about 3-4 hours to finish, and its effects are long-term, lasting for as much as a decade. However, it requires a longer recovery period than other facelift techniques.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift, also known as S-lift, is a facelift technique that involves the tightening of the skin and muscles around the middle and lower face. This procedure treats many signs of facial ageing, including saggy cheeks and neck, droopy jowls, wrinkles, and fine lines. It is ideal for people experiencing only mild to moderate facial ageing signs.
A mini facelift typically features a smaller incision than a traditional facelift and is less invasive, its results less prominent than that of a full facelift. This surgery could take about 2 hours. It offers long-term results and requires a shorter recovery period. However, it does not deal with wrinkles in the upper face or sagginess in the lower neck.
Mid Facelift
Also known as a cheek lift, a mid-facelift only focuses on tightening saggy cheeks and restoring them to a perky position. Although the procedure is similar to a mini facelift, it offers less prominent results that do not include the jawline and neck. This makes it great for people who are only looking to improve the look of their cheekbones and have no problems with other parts of their face and neck.
This procedure takes about 2 hours to finish and involves pulling the SMAS tissue and removing excess skin. It has a short recovery time, and the results can last mid or long-term.
Liquid Facelift
A liquid facelift is a non-surgical facelift that involves the injection of dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid, hydroxyapatite, or lactic acid calcium into the face to give it a younger and tighter look. This procedure can considerably reverse mild signs of facial ageing, such as wrinkles and deep and fine lines. It also helps to fill up and contour the cheeks, lips and chin.
A liquid facelift requires no incisions and would only take about half an hour or less to be completed. It is way cheaper than many other facelift techniques, but its results will only last for the short term (less than a year). Since this procedure does not remove excess skin, it is not advisable for people with moderate to severe signs of ageing.
Forehead Lift
As the name implies, a forehead lift is a facelift technique that focuses on tightening the skin around your forehead, brows and eyelids. This facelift technique is usually paired with other techniques, as none focus on the upper face. It is, therefore, great for people with wrinkles, deep lines or folds in their foreheads, and drooping eyelids.
During a forehead lift, an incision is created along the forehead to pull up the subcutaneous tissue as well as remove excess skin. The effects of this include firmer eyelids and eyes that are more alert, providing the entire face with a revamped, fresh look.
Conclusion
Whatever your facelift needs are, you will likely find facelift techniques that can get you the results that you seek amongst the ones discussed above. Before deciding on the one to go for, it is highly advisable to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can assess the current state of your face and educate you on the best option.
