When we hear the word facelift many of us would be forgiven for thoughts harking back to the pulled-back and taut images of yesteryears. In fact, when it comes to the facelift, there’s more than one string – or specifically type and technique – to its bow. With facial anatomy, age, skin quality and individual goals all influencing a surgeon’s approach and achievable outcomes. So, what are some common types an experienced cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon might guide you towards in the facelift department?
Deep Plane Lift
If you have heavy nasolabial folds, marionette lines and jowls, a Deep Plane Lift might be in your line of vision. During the procedure, surgeons engage complete release of deep ligaments on the underside of muscles, which allows for repositioning of soft tissue and fat without undue tension on the skin. This gifts a longer-lasting lift with outcomes lasting between 10-to-15years. With minimal wound tension, there are also fewer scar-related issues.
Temporal Lift
Experiencing hooded eyelids and a creased forehead? A browlift – or Temporal Lift – combats ageing in the upper face by reducing the horizontal wrinkles that develop across the forehead and frown lines between the eyes and raising sagging brows that hood the upper eyelids. During surgery, the brow is lifted at the corners of the eye and the scar is hidden and positioned on the scalp (not visibly on the face.) This surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic.
Mid-Facelift
If you’ve lost volume, particularly in the cheek area, are sporting deep nasolabial folds or have pronounced tear troughs, a mid-facelift might be for you. Surgery is focused on restoring and redefining cheek contours, softening nasolabial folds and harmonising the lower eyelid and cheek areas.
Lower-Facelift
For those of us with jowling, deepening marionette lines and a diminishing jawline, a lower facelift– often combine with a neck lift – restores definition and rejuvenates the lower face. A Lower-Facelift is similar to a Deep Plane Lift, but not as invasive. Surgery is performed just below the skin and soft tissues suspended in superficial fascia without any ligament release.
Jowls, marionette lines at the corners of the mouth, neck laxity and sharpening the jawline – without addressing the mid-cheek – are all key addressed. Lower-Facelift surgery is commonly combined with a neck lift to further define the jawline.
At the forefront of any facelift journey, is the experience and knowledge of those performing the surgery.
A cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon will assess how much volume loss your face has, the damage your skin has sustained and the type of asymmetries your face shows, explains Da Vinci Plastic Surgery Clinic’s cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon, Adam Bialostocki. “We’ll also discuss additional volume loss solutions as part of your surgery – which might include dermal fillers or fat transfer – fat grafting.”
