Face lift rejuvenates the cheeks, jowls and neck. The improvement occurs because of lifting of the deep tissues (cheek fat and neck muscles) and the skin.
There are numerous variations of the face lift procedures that can be described in 3 general categories: The classical facelift, cheek lifts and neck lifts.
Classical complete face lift and necklift
Classical Face lift surgery rejuvenates the cheeks, jowls and neck.
Inconspicuous incisions tucked within the hairline and against the front and back of the ear give access to lift the deep tissues. The key to a natural looking face lift is to lift the deep tissues. The deep tissues maintain the tension and position. These tissues (muscle and fat) are in surrounded by a strong fascia layer called the SMAS. The SMAS tissues are lifted and then sutured in an elevated more youthful position. The excess skin is then smoothly re-draped and removed without excessive tension.
Cheek lifts
- Mid-face lift
- The mid-face lift uses an incision hidden under the lower lid lashes. This surgery elevates the cheeks and the deep smile line. This also rejuvenates the hollows, fat bulges and excess skin of the lower eyelid. This surgery has little benefit for the jowls and the neck.
- Mini lift
- The minilift is also called a cheek lift or limited-incision face lift. It is based on the principles of the classical face lift but only has an incision in front of the ear but none behind the ear. The minilift smooths the cheek and jowl but has less effect on the neck.
