Face Lift Techniques

A face lift is a procedure that everyday becomes more and more popular amongst both men and women. The different face lift techniques are meant to tighten the skin on the face, and create a more radiant and younger looking appearance with firmer facial contours.

There are many face lifts techniques. The different face lift techniques vary based on the face lift surgeon's preferences and the patient's goals. However; most face lift techniques involve an incision hidden near the ears and along the hair line to the back of the head. The face lift technique to be used and the placement of the incisions will depend on the goals of the patient and the condition of their skin.

The different face lift techniques target different problems in a person's face and can help you look younger in one simple procedure. Make a consultation with a Face Lift specialist to know what face lift technique would benefit you the most!

In general, during a face lift procedure, the skin is pulled to readjust facial contours and muscles. Also, the skin is pulled to fit the new contours being created. Then, the excess skin is removed and the incision is closed with surgical sutures and bandaged.

Some face lift techniques target the forehead area while others target the cheeks and neck too. Mini-face lifts target only specific areas where a person show signs of aging.

Patients may also opt for the thread lift technique. This face lift technique involves the use of sanitary string to lift and hold the skin taut rather than the surgical techniques used with a traditional face lift. Another common face lift technique is the mid face lift. This face lift technique is performed using smaller incisions that traditional face lift techniques and uses endoscopic face lift technology.

Discussing your goals and the face lift procedure from start to finish with an experienced face lift surgeon is a great way to decide what face lift technique best suit your needs.

Advances in cosmetic and surgical procedures have made it possible to create several different face lift techniques which address each individual patients needs in a more specific way. The concept of the different face lift techniques remains the same; which is to correct and tighten loose skin and muscles, as well as remove and reposition fatty tissues on the face to give a more youthful appearance.

Face Lift Techniques Overview

However, there are several innovative techniques built upon existing face lift techniques that are designed to achieve the specific results patients are requesting with minimal invasion and shorter downtime.

During a face lift consultation you can address any specific questions regarding the various face lift techniques, recovery and what to expect after with you face lift surgeon. Working with a qualified face lift surgeon will help you to determine which face lift technique will best benefit you.

Some face lift techniques target the forehead area while others target the cheeks and neck. Others, like the Mini-face lift technique, produce fewer scars than more extensive face lift techniques and might be appropriate for those individuals that show signs of aging only in specific areas of the face.

Face Lift Surgery Techniques

Facial surgery itself is not very new as it has been performed for over 100 years. The face lift techniques employed continue to improve over time. Minor face lift techniques can vary by surgeon, but the general principles of a face lift stay the same.

In every face lift, the surgeon will make incisions to disconnect the facial skin from the underlying facial tissue. These incisions are made in front of and behind the ears. Excess skin will be cut off before repositioning the facial skin on the underlying facial tissue. Underlying tissues may be strengthened and supported before incision lines are sutured. Many times in a face lift, excess skin on the neck is removed as well.

It is important to remember that  face lift techniques are unique in that it involves the part of the body that is most tied to our looks: the face. While people may overlook slight differences in the symmetry of other parts of the body, small variations in the face can be quite noticeable. Every face is unique in structure and composition and this includes your own face. A careful and experienced face lift surgeon is important and this is why you need to carefully evaluate any potential doctor carefully with good questions during your consultation.

How Did Face Lift Techniques Evolve Over Time?

Even ancient Egyptians and Romans recorded techniques for giving the face a more youthful appearance, but contemporary face lift techniques have developed over the course of the last century. The first face lift is usually attributed to Eugen Hollander who performed the surgery in Germany in 1901. Face lifts were rare in these times for several reasons. For one, cosmetic surgery was usually considered an unnecessary risk before the discovery of antibiotics. Infection was all too likely and the consequences were dire at that time. Secondly, doctors of the time closely guarded their secrets as they believed riches would soon follow the doctor who discovered the secret to regaining youth.

The first popular face lift technique emerged in the 1920s and didn't change for nearly fifty years. This face lift technique was eventually replaced as the results over time were less than optimal. A man by the name of Skoog advanced face lift surgery in 1974 by changing the suture technique. Near the same time, new understanding for the facial tissue that underlies the skin gave rise to a new face lift technique called the SMAS face lift, which is named after the structures beneath the face it addresses. This face lift technique was steadily refined until the next jump in the 1990s.

In the 1990s, the deep plane and composite rhytidectomy techniques appeared and showed promise of surpassing the SMAS technique. As well, technology advanced the procedures performed in concert with a face lift. Both endoscopic techniques and CO2 lasers pushed innovation in both limiting incisions and refining the incision lines afterward. As face lifts have improved over time, social acceptance continues to improve, increasing demand and further improving face lift techniques.

Face Lift Techniques Description

There are many types of face lift techniques. Each face lift technique targets different problems in a person's face and the technique used is chosen by the face lift surgeon based on the patient's individual needs and goals.

Face Lift can bring benefits to both men and women. The most common face lift techniques available today are:

• Lower (standard) face lift technique
• Mini face lift technique
• Endoscopic face lift technique
• Thread face lift technique
• Mid face lift technique
• Laser face lift technique
• Microcurrent face lift technique

SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) Face Lift Technique

The Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System face lift technique is known as the gold standard in face lift techniques.

This face lift technique builds on existing traditional face lift methods by focusing on the thin underlying connective tissue layer of the skin called the superficial musculoaponeurotic system. BY tightening this foundational tissue the patient is able to achieve a smoother and improved shape without noticeable tension in the skin. This face lift technique works well for people who are most concerned with the folds around the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds).

Subperisteal Lift Face Lift Technique

Some face lift surgeons believe the Subperisteal Lift face lift technique gives patients a more long-lasting face lift, because it works by tightening the deeper tissues of the face. It is believed by some face lift specialists that by releasing the tissues off of the bony layer the elevating and reshaping results will be improved in this face lift technique.

This face lift technique is performed endoscopically (involves a video camera and small instruments), and can cause more swelling and bruising than other face lift techniques.

Most face lift surgeons do not acknowledge a significant difference in results from this face lift technique in comparison with the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System face lift technique.

Deep Plane Face Lift Face Lift Technique

The deep plane system is a more invasive face lift technique. This face lift technique reshapes the whole face including the neck, brow and both upper and lower eyelids.

Deep plane face lifts can affect more of the face area by lifting the skin, facial tissues, muscle and fat all in one continuous section. While this face lift technique can accomplish more, it is considered very invasive and can take more time for recovery and is generally not used frequently when compared to other face lift techniques.

Mid-face Lift Face Lift Technique

The mid-face lift technique, also known as the cheek lift, focuses on the area beginning below the eye to the lower cheek area.

As we age, the area between the lower eyelid, cheek and nasolabial fold descends and cannot always be improved by a regular face lift procedure. The Mid-Face Face Lift technique concentrates on improving the loose skin, fat deposits and tissues of this particular area.

This face lift technique is specifically geared toward the cheek area, and does not address the aging signs of brow, jaw line or neck.

Threadlift or Feather Lift Face Lift Technique

This newly approved face lift technique is considered the least invasive of face lift methods.

The thread face lift technique is a much less expensive and invasive procedure than the traditional face lift techniques. This face lift procedure is designed to reduce early aging signs, like sagging skin around the neck and cheeks, and can be performed with the patient fully conscious. With this face lift technique, threads are pulled through small incisions, lifting and pulling the skin tighter to the face and producing only minimal scarring.

The threadlift face lift technique uses patented self-anchoring polypropylene threads which have been used safely in surgical procedures for decades. These contour threads lift and suspend tissues in the face by self-anchoring threads with barbs that attach to underlying tissues.

This face lift technique is safe and less invasive than other methods, and yields conservative, natural results. Because this is a newly approved face lift technique, it may take several years to determine the long-term results of this type of procedure.

Endoscopic Face Lift Technique

Endoscopic face lift techniques use a thin, long tool that positions a camera inside incisions made to the face, allowing the face lift surgeon to view the tissue and fat that needs to be removed.

The incisions necessary for this face lift technique are much smaller than hairline incisions and result in little to no scarring.

Lower (Standard) Face Lift Technique

The lower face lift technique is used to improve the appearance of the neck and jawline through a procedure that is similar to the traditional face lift technique. However, it targets only the lower third of the face. An incision behind the ears and along the chin is made to remove excess skin in the neck.

Mini Face Lift Technique

Mini Face Lifts also known as "Weekend Face Lifts"

The mini face lift is much like the full face lift however it focuses more on specific areas of the face examples such as the folds around the nose, or the wrinkles around the lips. By using the smaller incisions the face lift surgeon lifts and removes the facial tissues and pulls the muscles tighter. Then, the face lift surgeon carefully repositions the skin by using small sutures.

The mini face lift is also called the "weekend face lift" because the procedure itself is quicker and the healing time is much faster than a full face lift.

Sometimes patients will need mini face lifts instead of a full face lift. Mini face lifts help reduce the sagging around the cheeks, the jaw line and the neck removing the excess skin and the wrinkles. Mini Face Lifts are less invasive then a full face lift and require less downtime. Mini face lift also costs less than a full face lift and are a good option for people who don't have excessive sagging skin and only require minimal correction.

Mini Face Lift Technique Options

A Mini Face Lift can be performed either endoscopically or non-endoscopically.

During the endoscopic technique the face lift surgeon inserts surgical instruments through small incisions made around specific locations; the instruments help remove excess fat and reshape the muscles in this location. With the endoscopic technique the face lift surgeon can watch the procedure via a small camera that is inserted in the skin.

During the non-endoscopic technique, the face lift surgeon pulls the skin over and exposes the area to be treated. Non-endoscopic techniques require a more extensive incision than then endoscopic technique.

Difference between a Mini Face Lift and a Full Face Lift

A full face lift will help sagging skin, wrinkles and age spots on the entire face. A Face Lift literally pulls up the entire face and removes wrinkles on the entire area of the face. A full face lift can also lift the brows and forehead. Mini face lifts are used on specific locations on the face and help remove saggy skin, wrinkles and age spots only from that area. Mini face lifts do not lift the eye brows or the forehead.

Surgical Face Lift Technique

Surgical face lift is a solution for anyone that is looking for a way to permanently take care of the wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots. By having a surgical face lift it will make your face look and feel more youthful.

As people age their facial muscles loosen and their skin becomes less elastic, you start seeing more wrinkles and saggy skin. Having a surgical face lift will tighten and pull together the sagging skin, wrinkled skin, and loosen muscles. A surgical face lift can lift the whole face or certain areas of the face such as, eye brow area, lower face, and the neck.

The most common face lift techniques involve an incision that runs along your hairline behind the ears, allowing sagging fat and skin to be removed before reattaching and tightening the skin to the face with stitches or staples. The incision is generally made behind the hairline to hide any scarring. Patients with strong facial bone structure typically have the best results with this face lift technique.

Surgical Face Lift: The Different Techniques

Having a surgical face lift can help your skin appear younger and make your overall appearance youthful. Surgical face lift means to surgically make the face lift up and tighten the skin and muscles. The face lift surgeons can use different techniques while performing the surgical face lift.

At the consultation the doctor and the patient will go over which surgical face lift technique is best for that patient.

Surgical Face Lift: The Traditional Surgical Face Lift:

In this surgical face lift the surgeon makes a surgical cut in the hairline near the temple, then follows the hairline down and goes in front of the ear, then follows the natural ear line down the ear and goes behind the ears. The surgeon will then move to the side of the face and start at the temple and work its way down in front of the ear and finish behind the ear. The doctor may also cut under the chin if the patient wants to lift a sagging jawline.

After the face lift surgeon has made the incisions the next part of the surgical face lift is to carefully separate the skin from the tissue. After the tissue and the skin are separated the face lift surgeon will remove or reposition the fat, in the surgical face lift the surgeon removes the fat so the face looks youthful, but sometimes repositions the fat to help make the whole face even and reduces the wrinkles.

After the fat is removed or put in its position, the surgeon will then tighten the muscles in the face to give the appearance of a more youthful face. Next in the surgical face lift procedure the surgeon will lift the skin and put it back around the face and trim off any extra skin.

When the skin is trimmed off the surgeon will then stitch the skin back in place, in this surgical face lift procedure many doctors use dissolvable stitches.

This surgical face lift is the traditional way of having a face lift. After getting out of the surgery your face and head will be wrapped in bandages. Also, with the surgical face lift the doctors will put draining tubes behind the patient's ears so that they can drain out all the fluids, the tubes will be out within two days of surgery.

Surgical Face Lift: Minimal Access Cranial Suspension

This surgical face lift procedure has shorter incisions than what the tradition face lift had. The incisions are made by the temple and in front of the ears. When the surgeon makes these cuts he or she will remove the fat that is around the muscles and the muscles get tightened, but in this surgical procedure the doctor will use permanent stitches. In other surgical procedures the stitches either get removed or are dissolvable.

This picture shows where the incisions will be for this specific surgical face lift procedure.

Surgical Face Lift: Keyhole surgery

Another surgical face lift procedure is called the keyhole surgery. In this surgical face lift procedure the surgeon makes tiny cuts into the skin. In this surgical face lift procedure the surgeon uses a narrow, flexible tube that has a telescopic camera on the end of it and puts this tube like object into the incision. This camera tool is called endoscope. During this surgical face lift procedure the surgeon does the entire procedure by looking at the pictures that are sent from the endoscope. When the surgeon puts the endoscope into the incision the camera takes pictures and the doctor can see the pictures from a monitor and this monitor helps the doctor perform this surgical face lift procedure.

With this surgical face lift procedure there are smaller scars, but this surgical face lift procedure is mostly common for the upper face or brow lift procedure. By having this procedure there will be a shorter recovery time because the incisions are so much smaller.

Determining The Right Face Lift Technique For You

The type of face lift you undergo will depend on your face lift surgeon and the method he or she is most experienced performing and your individual case. During consultation, you can find out about your face lift surgeon's preferred face lift technique and the specific benefits and risks of the procedure.

Face Lift Guide is committed to helping patients find facial plastic surgeons in their area. If you feel that you are a good candidate for a face lift or want to know more about this procedure, schedule a consultation with a face lift surgeon. Find a face lift surgeon near you using our face lift surgeon locator!

What Risks are Associated With Face Lift Techniques?

Surgery does offer a number of risks, including  a face lift, which make it important to choose a good face lift surgeon. These risks include:

Bleeding - Bleeding or hematoma is rare in the majority of procedures, but a more likely complication than others. Because of bleeding risks during a face lift, the face lift surgeon will have you discontinue any substances or activities that increase the chances of hematoma. These include aspirin, blood-thinning medications and certain supplements. Smoking can also cause bleeding risks and should be stopped two to three months before face lift surgery. Hematoma can be prevented by a careful surgeon during the face lift surgery and can also be corrected after surgery if it occurs.

Infection - Infection is a risk any time the body is opened surgically and face lifts are no exception. Your face lift surgeon will typically prescribe antibiotics to take after face lift surgery. These should be taken with careful adherence to your doctor's recommendations.

Scarring - Scarring is a risk that occurs with any incision. Face lift scars are not very visible and kept to a minimum, but they will still always be there. For this reason, the face lift surgeon usually keeps scars near the ear in places that are not very visible and easily covered by the hair or sideburns.

Surgical deformities - Imperfect surgery results are possible and another reason you should take great care in choosing a good surgeon for your face lift. One of these deformities is often called "pixie ear" and is a deformity in the earlobe caused the too much tension left on the ear when the skin is sutured into place during a face lift. As well, men's sideburns can also be left irregular if the face lift surgeon is not careful with the amount of pressure left on the skin near the ears. Take care if choosing a face lift surgeon and use the directory of doctor's on our site to help in finding multiple options.

Psychological risks - A patient suffering from depression before a face lift or any other plastic surgery can often carry that depression into the recovery period. Patients normally get down or discouraged at times during the challenges of the healing process, but  this can be especially troublesome for those with mental health concerns that need to be addressed before pursuing cosmetic surgery. A good surgeon will help the patient recognize if a face lift is not right for them or if they will find it extremely difficult to have a healthy perspective about the results.

How Should I Choose a Face Lift Doctor?

It is important to investigate face lift techniques and talk with your face lift surgeon about what's right for you during consultation.  Minor face lift techniques can vary from surgeon to surgeon and the greater experience the face lift surgeon has going in, the better he or she will be able to respond to the unique needs of your face.

Remember, every person has a unique face. The face lift surgeon directory on this site is here to aid you in finding a great surgeon in your area. Feel free to browse it and contact face lift surgeons you find here.