There are several different techniques to perform a face lift that all have a slightly different impact on the results the patient enjoys
. It is best to find a surgeon that is comfortable with many of these techniques so they can provide you with the procedure that they believe best fits your needs.
The SMAS Rhytidectomy utilizes the superficial musculoaponeurotic system which is a thin under layer of connective tissue beneath the skin and muscle. The incision to reach this tissue starts around the temple area and curves back under and behind the ears. This method allows adjustments to a patient's appearance without noticeably tightening the skin. This technique is considered very effective and much less invasive than other procedures. This technique is most effective on the nasolabial folds or wrinkles around the nose and mouth.
A procedure that couldn't be more different from the SMAS technique above is the deep plane face lift. This is a very invasive procedure that involves taking all of the facial layers of skin, muscle and fat up at once. This kind of method allows a plastic surgeon to reshape a patient's features in a more radical fashion; however, recovery time is much longer for such an invasive technique. Also, morbidity rates are higher for this procedure which is why it is very rarely employed today
The mid-rhytidectomy mainly focuses on the cheek area of the patient from the lower eyelids to the nasolabial folds. Ignoring the brow area and the lower jaw line, the mid-face lift is another method that rids the patient of nasolabial folds and sagging cheeks. The lower rhytidectomy tightens the skin around the jaw line and neck instead. These two techniques can often use similar incisions called S incisions in front of each ear. Sometimes a complete rhytidectomy involves the lower, mid and upper facial areas, but a browplasty is utilized for the upper facial area.
Finally, the least invasive procedure is the feather or thread lift. Using polypropylene thread that easily anchors on one end and raises tissue on the other end with a small barb. These threads can be inserted endoscopically and are extremely noninvasive. In fact, this kind of surgery can be adjusted periodically with just as little trauma as the initial surgery. The threads need only be adjusted again once in a while to keep the facial skin free of wrinkles.
Only an experienced surgeon can tell you who face lift technique is best for your facial features and your needs. It is best to educate yourself about the various options you have and then have a good consultation with a surgeon that can provide any of the potential procedures you may require to reach your cosmetic goals.