A facelift, known medically as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the signs of aging on the face or neck. Different types of procedures are used to correct different problems or provide different results. If you are considering cosmetic facial surgery, reviewing before and after facelift photos can help you determine which type of technique is right for you.
A facelift is a very common cosmetic surgery. Each year, more than 130,000 people in the US get one. There are many more options available today compared to decades past, including both surgical and non-surgical techniques, some of which are less invasive and require no more than a trip to the health care provider’s office.
This article explains the different types of procedures and provides before and after photos of women who have had facelifts so you can see how each type of technique affects the appearance of the face.
Choosing the right facelift
The facelift operation is customized to the individual’s needs. Therefore, when starting out, it is always a good idea to schedule consultations with multiple surgeons and ask as many questions as necessary to determine what type of surgical or non-surgical techniques might allow you to effectively achieve your goals.
Types of facelifts
Some common types of facelift surgeries include the following:
- Traditional facelift: Facial muscles and any supporting structures are tightened and excess fat and skin is removed from the calves, neck and face.
- SMAS facelift: Superficial muscle relaxant face lifting system (SMAS) lift the lower two thirds of the face and neck. The latissimus dorsi are part of the SMAS and a platyplastic (neck lift) is often done as part of the procedure.
- Dermal (skin) facelift: This procedure focuses exclusively on removing excess skin, usually on the neck and face.
- Mid-facelift: In this version, the cheek fat is repositioned and the skin is tightened.
When discussing options with your healthcare provider, it’s just as important to have a clear picture of costs and recovery time. If your healthcare provider understands these limitations, they can usually work with you to find a solution that fits your budget without skimping on results. In some cases, newer, non-surgical techniques can be used alongside surgical ones.
What happens during a facelift?
During a facelift procedure, you will receive anesthesia. While you are sedated, the surgeon will make precise incisions, tighten underlying tissues, and remove or redistribute fat to reshape your facial appearance.
When to Consider a Facelift
While there is no best age for a facelift, it is important to realize that your skin loses its elasticity as you age. So surgery in your mid-40s to early 60s will have a better result than a facelift later in life.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that people in their 40s and 50s get a mini facelift. This is a mildly invasive procedure that allows you to maintain a youthful appearance. The changes will be more natural and less dramatic than a facelift that happens in your 60s or later.
Summary
There are a variety of cosmetic surgery options that can be used to refresh the appearance of the face and neck. The procedures and injections used in cosmetic enhancements are constantly changing and improving techniques. These before and after photos are just a sample of the possibilities for cosmetic facial enhancements.
