Facelift: Which One Is The Best For You?

Facelift (meloplasty or cervicofacial rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin from a face that maybe be present in the form of wrinkles or excess fat. The result is youthful and smooth skin but this surgery leaves fine scars that are usually hidden by hair.

This surgery is over a hundred years and is growing in demand of the middle-aged and the decrepit. Different types of facelift surgeries are carried out for different needs and age groups.

Suitable for the young and the middle-ages

• Suture facelift: Suture facelift or thread facelifting is the best technique for the middle-aged and younger people. The deformities are sagging and sun damage to the skin. People with thinner and dry skin are not recommended this technique. The result generally lasts around 5-12 years and the skin ages normally even after the surgery.
• Subcutaneous: The skin-only facelift is carried out in this technique. This method is not suitable for grave aging changes and sagging in older people; although it is very simple and suitable for beginners.
• SMAS plication technique: Superficial musculoaponeurotic system or SMAS. This technique is used to manipulate subcutaneous tissue and help in solving the senile changes in the facial skin that also include wrinkles and deep soft tissue sagging simultaneously. The concept of this technique is manipulating a stronger that can hold more skin layers. This technique is beneficial for middle‐aged patients who have thinner skins and moderate to severe laxity. Patients who are obese and have thick skin types are not good candidates for this facelifting technique. It has a short surgery span and quick recovery time.
• Suitable for the old aged individuals: Minimal access cranial suspension (MACS) lift: The skin of the subject is re‐draped in the oblique direction in the traditional face lifting. In this procedure, the horizontal traction is avoided and skins are simultaneously moved vertically with under soft tissues. Liposuction is also performed before starting this lifting technique.

For upper and middle third of the face

Subperiosteal facelift: It is a type of facelift that mainly targets the upper face and middle third of the face. This procedure imparts a vertical lift to soft facial tissues. It allows remodeling of the soft tissue and repositioning them at their bony origin levels. This technique of facelift differs from its counterparts like the SMAS facelift as it directly targets the upper and middle third portion of the patient’s face. Once the procedure is completed, patients will notice a vertical heightening of soft tissue that will allow a doctor to reposition as well as shift the soft tissue into an aesthetic and pleasing shape, right at tissue’s inception point

The facelift procedure does have its limitations and cannot raise sagging eyebrows, deep frown lines on the forehead, or change eyelids and cannot get you rid of the wrinkles around your mouth. After facelift surgery, the subject may experience certain symptoms such are bruising, swelling, pain, and discomfort on the operated region and sometimes skin allergies and reactions.

Before going for a facelift surgery, you need to consult and discuss your current medical status with your medical practitioner which includes your physical health, mental health, current medications (in any), reactions to medications in the past, and any specific allergies. There are non invasive techniques available too, such as face thread lift.

Do not forget that facelift surgery has no effect on the fundamental appearance of the skin and cannot eliminate the aging process. The results might be permanent, skin will not cease to age. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and minimizing daily sunlight exposure will help in maintaining the results of facelift surgery.