There are many variations on facelift procedures. They differ by the type of incision, the area of the face affect, how invasive the procedure is, and how many tissue layers they treat.
Choosing the Right Facelift Procedure for Your Needs
Selecting the best facelift procedure depends on several factors, including age, skin elasticity, the extent of sagging, and desired results.
For younger individuals in their 30s or 40s, non-surgical options like a thread lift or minimally invasive procedures like an endoscopic facelift may provide subtle yet effective results. Those in their 40s or 50s who are beginning to see moderate sagging in the cheeks and jawline may benefit from a short scar facelift or mid-facelift.
However, for patients in their 50s and older with significant jowling, deep facial folds, and neck sagging, a SMAS facelift or deep plane facelift may be the most effective option. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial to determining the most suitable approach for your specific needs.
Short Scar Facelift
This type of lift is better for younger people in their 40s with minimal excess and sagging or someone who wants to minimize scarring. It has a small incision and does not extend behind the ear like a traditional facelift. There is less swelling, bruising and recovery time associated with this lift, but it may not be able to lift sagging skin the lower face and neck. Costs run $5,000 to $10,000.
Endoscopic Facelift
This lift is also ideal for younger people will less sagging. This lift uses an endoscope and very small incisions, which also means less risk of nerve damage, bruising and bleeding. In addition, it can be done as an outpatient procedure. This is not effective in sagging necks, only for cheek sagging. Costs are $5,000-$10,000.
Mid-Facelift
This facelift utilizes small incision inside the mouth and at the hairline to lift the fatty tissue over the cheek bones. A mid-facelift is useful for laugh lines and sagging cheeks. This provides more subtle results and is useful for people between age 40 and 50. The cost is $6,000-$10,000.
Thread Lift
This type of lift is considered non-surgical. Tiny suture barbs act as hooks to gather skin upwards and tighten skin. The suture remains in place, providing the facelift. No incisions, no recovery, and the thread lift is done under local anesthesia. A thread lift is good for people in their 30s or 40s that have minimal sagging, and costs $1,500 to $5,000.
SMAS Lift
The traditional facelift, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) lift affected only the superficial layers of skin and the deeper tissues of the face and neck. It is considered the gold standard in facelifts for its safety and efficacy in correcting sagging skin and deep facial folds. In this facelift, an incision is made at the temple (above the hairline) and extended downward along the creases of your skin.
The surgeon then lifts the skin, removes the excess and secures it in place with sutures. This type of lift takes more time to perform than the above mentioned lifts, requires a longer recovery time period, but is more effective for patients age 45 and older with neck laxity, sagging and jowling. The effects will also last you longer. This type of facelift will run you around $10,000 to $15,000.
Deep Plane Lift
This lift goes deeper than the SMAS and requires an incision along the hairline. This lift is more extensive than an SMAS but is necessary for older people with severe facial sagging and laxity. This lift lasts a long time and provides dramatic effects, but is expensive at $10,000 to $16,000 and there are more risks associated with this lift, including nerve damage and bleeding.
Facelift Recovery: What to Expect
Recovery time varies depending on the type of facelift performed. Minimally invasive facelifts, such as the short scar facelift and thread lift, typically have shorter recovery times of about one to two weeks, with minimal swelling and bruising.
More invasive procedures, like the SMAS facelift or deep plane facelift, require two to four weeks of recovery, with visible swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort.
Patients should avoid strenuous activities and follow their surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, including sleeping with their head elevated, using cold compresses to reduce swelling, and attending follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
The longevity of facelift results depends on the type of procedure and individual factors like skin quality, lifestyle, and genetics.
Non-surgical facelifts like thread lifts may last one to three years, while minimally invasive lifts, such as the mid-facelift or short scar facelift, typically last five to seven years.
More comprehensive procedures, like the SMAS facelift and deep plane facelift, can offer long-lasting results of 10 to 15 years.
Maintaining results through proper skincare, a healthy diet, sun protection, and non-invasive touch-up treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and laser resurfacing can help prolong the youthful appearance achieved through surgery.