Aging has a way of making the skin sag that patients might contemplate undergoing facelift procedures. In a way, this surgery is meant to restore a youthful, healthier look. Technology has significantly changed the world of plastic surgery.
The introduction of injections and implants has made facelift a more comfortable procedure. This development could slowly face traditional facelifts, where muscles are pulled back after making incisions around the scalp.
Choosing the right facelift procedure can be tricky unless you understand how the techniques vary. Besides, the results of a traditional facelift vs. a non-invasive facelift might compel your choice for one procedure over the other. How are the two approaches distinct?
1. Traditional Facelift
This type of plastic surgery has been in existence for several decades; most patients might be familiar with it. Traditional facelift is a cosmetic procedure that aims to reposition the face and neck’s skin and muscles. The process improves the jawline’s appearance.
The surgeon pulls back the skin on the face to get rid of sagging muscles, deep lines, and wrinkles. He can also trim excess skin to give a youthful, fresher and firmer look. The degree of the desired changes determines the complexity of the surgery.
Some surgeons prefer performing endoscopic facelifts, a technology that minimizes incisions. This technology is less painful, and a patient can recover quickly. Patients with the following symptoms qualify for a traditional facelift:
- Loose or sagging jawlines
- Several wrinkles
- Deep creases
- Sagging facial muscles
- Drooping or hooded eyes
Traditional facelift step by step procedure
- First, administer anesthesia. Each surgeon is free to choose what works best; some might combine mild sedatives and anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable. Should you have any concerns, you can voice them to the surgeon.
- Make incisions on the skin near the ear. The surgeon does it carefully so that the natural skin is camouflaged from the side view. A small incision is also made at the chin to tighten any loose muscles in the area.
- The plastic surgeon then pulls the skin’s tissue outward for better access to the underlying muscles and connective tissues. They then move them to a new position and tighten the muscles. Any excess fat can be removed at this point before tightening the tissues.
- The surgeon gently trims away excess skin to avoid tampering with the patient’s new looks. Finally, the physician closes the incisions using fine statutes and staples. The surgeon might apply tissue glue to speed the healing process that can take at least two weeks.
2. Modern facelift
This type of surgery is best for younger patients desiring a glowing, youthful look. It intends to restore a younger look without using anesthesia or incisions. However, the results have a short span of a year or two.
Modern facelift is non-surgical; the surgeon uses facial fillers, implants, and injections to contour the jawline. The physician eliminates wrinkles and fine lines, adding volume to the cheeks. Patients with the following symptoms might resort to modern facelift surgery:
- Appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Loss of volume in cheeks
- Having a defined jawline that cannot be contoured
This surgery follows the traditional procedure, only that there is an introduction of new techniques to give a refined look. These techniques include:
1. SMAS facelift
The surgeon focuses on the lifting technique instead of tightening the skin. They focus on the SMAS layer between skin muscles and fat. This technique allows the surgeon to reposition and tighten muscles in multiple directions. The surgeon can achieve this by manipulating each layer separately and tightening it to a greater degree. Compared to deep plane facelift, SMAS results are more natural and firmer.
2. Full facelift
Though it is more of an extensive procedure, it corrects advanced aging signs. This surgery can be combined with other techniques, such as blepharoplasty, for enhanced results.
3. Mid facelift
This surgery focuses on the middle portion of the face, cheeks, upper jaw, and jowls.
4. Lower facelift
This option is perfect for patients who have concerns about the lower face portion. These include the neck, chin, and jowls.
5. Mini facelift
It is perfect for patients with less complicated concerns. A smaller incision is placed behind the ears to improve the mouth, jowls, and jaw’s appearance.
Does modern facelift surpass traditional techniques?
Yes. Patients looking for less extensive facelift options might opt for any of the modern facelift techniques. These procedures have proven to have longer-lasting effects compared to traditional facelifts. Modern facelift is distinct and surpasses traditional techniques in the following ways:
- It targets specific areas; for instance, lower facelift surgery targets corrections at the lower portion of the face.
- The surgeon uses local anesthesia, implying that a patient can recover within a short period. This is one of the latest discoveries by a couple of cosmetic surgeons; the weekend facelift could be an alternative to traditional surgery. It is safer because the surgeon makes small hidden incisions on the chin using a laser, chin implant, and liposuction to get rid of sagging skin.
- The results appear more natural because there are little or no scars after the surgery. After recovery, patients can notice a firmer and natural look.
- Patients can easily resume their daily schedules without worrying about scarring. Since the surgeon doesn’t use a scalpel, you don’t have to worry about visible scars.
- It is less painful, making it a faster, reliable alternative. Patients might resort to this procedure as it guarantees recovery within a few days.
Modern facelift procedures target specific areas, eliminating the need for a full facelift. Contrary, traditional facelift surgeries target the entire face and can be quite extensive. However, each facelift is distinct; the procedures might vary significantly among various patients.
An impressive and effective facelift procedure is subject to noting the distinct features and the choice of an expert. The search for a qualified surgeon can be overwhelming, yet it determines the effectiveness of a procedure. Andrew Jacono, MD, FACS, is a specialized facelift surgeon you might consider consulting.
