A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to restore a youthful appearance to the face. The procedure has come a long way over the years and now offers a variety of options to address specific concerns. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of facelifts available, the benefits they offer, and the results you can expect.
Facelift Types and Procedure Explained
At Dallas Surgical Arts, one of the most common consultations our patients request is a facelift. Facelifts are surgical procedures that can dramatically improve the appearance of your lower face and neck. Dr. Randy Sanovich will recommend a facelift to treat loose or sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and creases in areas such as the nasolabial folds (the lines from the nostrils to corners of the mouth), marionette lines (lines that run from the corner of the mouth to chin) and jowls (lower face region).
Benefits of a Facelift
The benefits of a facelift or midface lift are numerous. These procedures can improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Furthermore, facelifts can also enhance facial symmetry. The results of a facelift or midface lift are long-lasting, with most patients enjoying the benefits for several years. However, it's important to keep in mind that results may vary depending on factors such as age, skin quality, and the extent of the procedure.
In addition to tightening and lifting the skin on your cheeks, jowls, neck, and lower face, you can also expect an improvement in sagging and wrinkles, and increased jawline definition as excess fat is removed during the procedure. Patients may also notice they have a more “open” or “rested” look to the eyes and smoother, less visible nasolabial folds (nose-mouth lines).
Common Types of Facelifts in Dallas
Two common types of facelifts are traditional SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelifts and mini lifts.
Traditional (SMAS) Facelift
A traditional facelift is a procedure that focuses on correcting sagging skin and wrinkles in the lower face, jawline, and neck.
Midface Lift
A midface lift, sometimes called a mini facelift, is ideal for treating pre-jowling and skin laxity.
Deep Plane Lift
Deep plane lifts are designed to correct advanced signs of aging such as drooping, sagging skin, and muscle in the lower third of your face. The procedure involves removing excess fat, tightening loose skin, and repositioning muscles that have become stretched out over time. Board-certified surgeon Dr. Randy Sanovich will reposition the deep tissue to lift and contour without over-tightening the skin, giving patients a natural, rejuvenated look.
Neck Lift
A neck lift is a procedure designed to address sagging skin and wrinkles specifically in the neck area. The procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles, called platysmaplasty.
How a Facelift is Performed
Dr. Randy Sanovich makes small, discrete incisions along the contour of each earlobe, and once healed, the incision sites are fully or almost undetectable. Patients hesitant to undergo a facelift procedure for fear of conspicuous scarring should rest easy. Dr. Sanovich’s technique, the medical-grade skincare products, and the laser procedures offered at Dallas Surgical Arts help to minimize any unwanted appearance at the incision sites. Facial contouring results from a facelift can last for years, making this a common procedure of choice for patients looking for noticeable neck rejuvenation results.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during surgery with no pain or discomfort. The actual time required for your surgery depends on what type of facelift you choose, but it typically can range from 2-4 hours. Afterward, you must avoid strenuous activity until you are fully healed to avoid excessive swelling and tension on your incisions. Patients will experience swelling and bruising around their mouth, however, this usually subsides within a couple of weeks. It is common to experience residual swelling and numbness and both will typically dissipate over time.
Deciding on a Facelift
When you decide on a facelift, it's important to consider your goals. Do you want a more youthful look? Do you have sagging skin that needs to be removed? Or, do you have deep lines around your mouth or eyes that need correction? The answers to these questions will help determine which type of facelift will give you optimal results. Other frequently asked questions about facelifts or midface lifts include concerns about scarring, recovery time, and the cost of the procedure. Dr. Sanovich and the surgical staff are available to answer these questions and provide patients with the information they need to make an informed decision.
Dr. Randy Sanovich is a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon in Dallas who specializes in facelifts and midface lifts. With years of experience, he provides his patients with the best possible results, helping them restore a youthful appearance.
Patients looking for a balanced facial aesthetic may be interested in a facelift. Wondering if you are a candidate? Schedule a consultation with board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Randy Sanovich and call (972) 914-3660 today!