Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery performed to address the excess skin and sagging in the face and neck. As part of the aging process, the skin loses its elasticity, and the facial and neck tissues may sag or droop creating wrinkles, folds, and loose skin. A facelift or neck lift surgery can reverse that process. Sometimes the lower face and neck lifts are performed simultaneously, and sometimes either can be performed as an isolated surgery.

Candidates for facelift surgery include:

1. Individuals with significant facial sagging or jowls
2. Individuals that have deep creases or folds around the nose and mouth
3. A lack of definition along the jawline
4. Have loose skin and excess fatty deposits in the neck region
5. Are in good overall health and don’t that medical conditions that may contradict a surgical operation

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with facelift surgery, such as infection, scarring, bleeding, nerve injury, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Facelift surgery is considered major surgery therefore it requires proper preparation and recovery. The type of anesthesia used for facelift surgery can vary from local anesthesia only, to oral or intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss the anesthetic options which would be appropriate for your surgery.

Facelift techniques have evolved over the years, and today, there are several different techniques used to perform facelift surgery. The choice of technique depends on the patient’s specific needs, the amount of facial aging, and the experience of the surgeon. There is no specific technique that is used to treat all patients. Here are some of the common facelift techniques:

1. Traditional Facelift: This classic facelift technique involves making incisions along the anterior hairline, extending down around the ear and into the posterior hairline, and sometimes under the chin. The treatment usually involves tightening the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), to address the sagging tissues and reposition them for a more youthful contour. Excess SMAS tissue is either removed or tightened with sutures and excess skin is also trimmed and removed. This technique provides comprehensive rejuvenation for the lower face and neck.
2. Mini Facelift: Sometimes called a short incision facelift or weekend lift, this less invasive technique is ideal for patients with minimal to moderate signs of facial aging. The incision and dissection and confined to the front part of the face and ear. The goal is to lift and tighten the skin of the anterior face and usually involves a simple technique such as suturing to address the SMAS layer. The mini facelift generally has a shorter recovery time compared to a traditional facelift.
3. Deep Plane Facelift: The deep plane facelift is a more extensive dissection of the tissues of the SMAS layer and involves releasing and repositioning the deep ligament attachments. This technique is often used with advanced facial aging, deep folds, and jowling. This approach allows for the rejuvenation of cases that exhibit advanced aging and sagging and may produce longer-lasting results.
4. Thread Lift (suture lift): A thread lift is a non-surgical alternative to surgical facelifts. It involves using sutures (mostly sutures that dissolve) to induce collagen stimulation beneath the skin to reduce wrinkles and tighten the skin. In some cases, there is a slight lifting effect, but the results are limiting, including longevity and the results cannot be compared to a surgical facelift.
5. Mid-Facelift (cheek Lift): This technique focuses on the cheeks or mid-face and provides a re-positioning of the cheeks with a resultant effect on the nasolabial fold (the line that runs along the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth). The incision is in the hairline and sometimes in the mouth. A suture technique or Endotine is used to re-position the cheek in a vertical direction and restore cheek volume. The limited incisions and dissection allow for a quick recovery.
6. Composite Facelift: This technique combines elements of the deep plane facelift with the traditional facelift. It involves repositioning not only the SMAS layer but also the deeper facial tissues to achieve comprehensive rejuvenation. It is particularly useful for patients with significant facial aging.

It’s important to note that a facelift primarily addresses the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. If a patient wishes to address aging concerns in the upper third of the face (forehead, eyebrows, and eyes), they may opt for additional procedures like a brow lift or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).

Remember, though facelift surgery can produce significant improvements in facial appearance, it does not stop the natural aging process. The results typically last for several years, but eventual aging will still occur. Some patients may choose to have additional procedures or non-surgical treatments to maintain their rejuvenated appearance over time.