Types of Facelifts (Part 1)

Types of Facelifts (Part 1)

There are several different types of facelift procedures and techniques, offering different cosmetic results, and varying degrees of invasiveness, downtime and recovery.  Different types of facelifts target different areas of the face – and can have varying types and shapes of incisions, and different numbers of tissue layers treated.

In this article Birmingham, Michigan double certified plastic surgeon explains the different general types of Facelift. He will also offer you a consultation in our Birmingham office to understand your needs, answer your questions, and help you choose the type of facelift that is right for you.

The Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane lift facelift is a “full” facelift that is recommended for people with severe facial sagging and laxity, and for those men and women desiring a longer-lasting facelift.

Full, deep plane facelifts involve lifting and separating the skin from the “SMAS” layer below it and releasing and repositioning the muscles used for smiling, frowning, and other facial expressions.

Typically an incision is made along the hairline, from the hair-bearing temple area, the incisions are extended downward along natural creases, proceeding inside the ear, then along the ear lobe, and ending out of sight behind the ears.

After the SMAS is repositioned, excess and loose skin is removed, and the edges are sutured or stapled in place.

The effects of a full facelift can last from 10 to 15 years, and sometimes longer. Because of the extensive nature of a full facelift, the recovery time is longer than other facelift procedures.

The SMAS Facelift

The SMAS facelift affects the superficial top layers of skin and the deeper tissues of the face and neck – and are ideal for men and women with mild laxity, some jowls and mid-face sagging due to aging.

In an SMAS facelift, the plastic surgeon creates an incision at the temple, above the hairline, which extends downward, following the skin’s natural crease in front of the ear, below the ear lobe and then behind your ear.

The plastic surgeon then tightens the SMAS (the muscles used for smiling, frowning, and other facial expressions) using sutures. Any excess skin is then removed and the remaining skin is stitched up.

The SMAS lift differs from a deep plane lift in that no “attachments” underneath the SMAS are released during the process. Though not as long lasting as a full facelift, an SMAS Facelift comes with less recovery time.

Short Scar Facelifts

A “short scar facelift” is just a general term for several facelift techniques that require smaller scars. Short scar lifts, are good options for people in their 40s and 50s with minimal to moderate excess skin, or those who have no visible signs of aging on the neck.

S-shaped and MAC (minimal access cranial suspension) facelifts are both short scar facelifts. Unlike other types of facelifts, short scar facelift incisions do not extend behind the ear. However, the surgeon still re-suspends the tissues that supports the smile lines and jowls, and can tighten a moderate amount of loose skin.

Click HERE to Read Part 2 of “Types of Facelifts”

Top Facelift Surgeon – Birmingham, Mi

If you are considering a facelift Dr. Ali will offer you a discreet, no pressure consultation in his Birmingham surgical office to explain your options, answer all of your questions, and help you select the facelift procedure that is right for you.

He is a double board certified plastic surgeon, and the Birmingham Michigan area’s top facelift doctor. He has helped hundreds of men and women in Birmingham, the greater Detroit area, and Southeast Michigan look younger and more attractive with facelift surgery! And, financing options are also available.

Birmingham Facelift Consultation: 248-335-7200