Types of Facelifts (Part 2)

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 Part One of this article Birmingham, Michigan double board certified plastic surgeon explained Full Facelifts, SMAS Facelifts and Short Scar (S and MAC) facelifts. 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.

Click HERE to Read Part 1 of “Types of Facelifts”

Endoscopic Facelift

While the endoscopic facelift is much less invasive, and has a much shorter recovery time, this type of facelift is effective only for cheek sagging. Any neck lifting cannot be done endoscopically. Endoscopic facelifts typically do not have the dramatic results, or the longevity, of full or SMAS facelifts (discussed in Part 1).

During the endoscopic facelift procedures, a pencil-shaped probe with a tiny camera attached to it is inserted under the facial skin, to transmit video of the internal facial structures to a monitor screen in the operating room.

Typically, the camera (endoscope) is inserted using three or more small incisions that are usually less than one inch long. These tiny scars can be easily hidden, and fade rapidly over time because they are so small.

Endoscopic facelifts offer the advantage of being able to be performed an outpatient basis, requiring only local or intravenous anesthesia. In addition to less scarring, the smaller incisions result in a much faster recovery – and also offer a lower risk of nerve damage, infection, bleeding or other side effects.

The Midface Facelift or Cheek Lift

The midface facelift or “cheek lift” targets only the middle third of the face. Midface facelifts can improve nose-to-mouth lines (“parentheses” or “puppet lines”) and can also be used to lift sagging cheeks.

Typically, an incision is placed in the hairline and the inside of the mouth. The cosmetic surgeon then lifts and repositions the natural fatty layer over your cheekbones.

An isolated mid-facelift can be also sometimes be performed done endoscopically, or through the lower eyelid when eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is done.

The midface facelift or “cheek lift” provides a more subtle freshening-up of the appearance, with minimal risk and less downtime than full facelifts or SMAS facelifts.

Stem Cell Facelift (not a true facelift)

While new “stem cell facelifts” are making the news, this procedure is in fact not actually a facelift at all. The so-called “stem cell facelift” involves fat injections (“augmentation”) into areas of the face to add volume.

Facelift surgery lifts the skin and connective tissue (and removes excess skin) to treat facial sagging. In a stem cell facelift, on the other hand, fat and stem cells are injected into the face to contour and fill in the cheeks, under-eye hollows, lips and other areas of the face.

In this process fat cells (and the stem cells within them) are harvested by liposuction from other areas on the body (such as tummy, buttocks, and thighs). These fat cells are then processed and injected into the facial lines, folds and hollows to create plumping.

Fat augmentation can be performed by Dr. Ali on its own – or in addition to the lifting and tightening performed with other actual facelift procedures. While there is little downtime or risk with fat augmentation (“stem cell facelift”) it cannot correct severe or even moderate laxity and dropping.

Lifestyle Lifts & Thread Lifts (not recommended)

Some men and women are still curious about facelift techniques they may have heard about in commercials – such as “Lifestyle Lift” or “Thread Lifts.” These fly-by-night, trendy procedures are no longer performed by experienced and reputable plastic surgeons.

Though “fast and easy” with minimal downtime, these procedures had many limitations, often offered poor results, and any cosmetic benefits did not last very long. You can read more about these inferior facelift procedures in our article HERE.

Click HERE to Read Part 1 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.

Dr. Ali 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.

…