Types of Facelifts

Deep Plane Face Lift- For patients who wish to see a dramatic and natural change, this procedure treats the underlying tissue layers and muscles to provide the longest facial rejuvenation benefit.  During this procedure the underlying tissue layers and muscles in the mid facial region are lifted and repositioned, resulting in improvements in the jaw line and nasolabial folds.  The deep plane lift puts less tension on the facial skin itself.  Incisions, which are carefully hidden, usually begin above the hairline at the temples, follow the natural line in front of the ear, curve behind the earlobe into the crease behind the ear, and into or along the lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin.  In most cases, scars will fade with time and should be scarcely visible.

SMAS Lift -  The SMAS (superficial musculoponeurotic system) is a thin layer of soft tissue on the face that contributes to facial expression. Over time, the SMAS can become lax and sag, contributing to jowls and deepening of the nasolbial folds.  The more common SMAS face lift repositions skin and the underlying muscle of the cheek to correct jowls and skin laxity.  The SMAS lift will allow for a less “pulled” look and longer lasting results than a skin-only facelift.  An extended SMAS lift goes even further towards the nose to help correct lines around the nose and the mouth.  This is the same surgery as the SMAS facelift but with an extended SMAS lift, the SMAS is separated from the underlying structures more extensively towards the nose and upper lip.  This can increase the amount of improvement that is possible in the center of the face, especially the nasolabial area.

Mid Face Lift -  For patients who experience skin fold in the nasolabial area (soft tissue from around the cheekbones),  sagging cheeks, and or facial skin laxity the mid facelift is an ideal procedure. The benefits of a mid facelift include the improvement of nose-to-mouth lines and the roundedness over the cheekbones, restoring a more youthful appearance. The procedure often requires small incisions along the hairline and inside the mouth so that the fatty tissues in the affected areas can be lifted and repositioned.  The procedure uses small cuts in the hairline and the inside of the mouth, so scars are practically nonexistent.