What Kind Of Facelift Procedures Are There?
Facelift terminology can be confusing. Some terms you may have heard are J-lift, auralyft, or lifestyle lift, among others. In reality, there are as many variations on surgical facelift techniques as there are surgeons that perform them. However, facelifts generally fall into categories: traditional facelifts and short-incision, or short-scar, facelifts.
Extended Deep Plane Facelift or SMAS Facelift
Facelifts have evolved over the years as the procedure has gotten smarter and more effective. The simplest, and earliest, type of facelift is simply moving the skin back and redraping it for a smoother appearance. This original procedure still has value for some people with scarring (e.g. from acne).
The next level of sophistication is to lift a layer of tissue under the skin called the SMAS. The SMAS is a layer of connective tissue and muscle. By lifting and supporting the SMAS, a facelift lasts longer and is even more effective. Neck bands are improved by tightening the platysma muscles in the neck.
The most advanced type of facelifting now is a vertical facelift or extended deep plane facelift where we go deep to the SMAS layer and release tight tissue attachments which otherwise limit lifting the facial tissues. Fat under the platysma muscle in the neck is sculpted, and the muscles are repositioned for a youthful jawline without jowls or sagging. The extended deep plane facelift requires extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, and provides the longest lasting, most elegant results. Our surgeons are recognized as experts in each type of facelift. Trust The Spiegel Center to help you choose the right facelift for you. We'll get the real you back into the mirror.
What Are Short Scar Facelifts?
Short scar or short incision facelifts include mini-lifts, weekend lifts, upper face lifts, neck lifts, and ponytail effect lifts. These are less extensive facelifts, typically only focusing on one part of the face. Some people only have one area that bothers them; for example, you may only want to correct your upper cheeks or your neck, because the rest of your face looks great. A great benefit of short scar facelifts is that they require much less recovery time than a regular facelift in Boston.
The Ponytail Effect
Are you happy with the way your face looks, but just want just a bit of a lift? Do you like how your face appears with a tight ponytail - just somewhat tightened? The Spiegel Center doctors can adjust your face to give you a refreshed natural boost with just a few sutures hidden in the hair above your ears in what’s known as a ponytail effect lift. There are no incisions in front of the ears at all. This simple procedure gives the right patient a fresh, youthful look with minimal downtime. Many patients go back to light activity the next day.
