Many people are surprised to hear that there are actually a few different types of facelifts, and each technique has its own pros and cons. Well before you have this procedure carried out, you might want to spend a little bit of time researching a few of the most popular techniques. With that information, you and your surgeon will be able to decide which technique is going to help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
Traditional Facelifts
Traditional facelifts are still very common, and millions of people undergo that procedure every year. During facelift surgery, the surgeon is going to make small incisions in the hairline near the temples. That incision is then continued around the ears toward the lower scalp. The next step is to gently separate the skin from the underlying muscles so that it can be tightened and adjusted. In some cases, a surgeon will also redistribute or completely remove excess fat to improve the patient’s jawline. This procedure is an ideal option for patients who would like to address multiple age-related issues throughout the middle and lower face.
Mini Facelifts
Within the last few years, mini facelifts have become very popular as well, and most surgeons suggest this treatment when their patients only want to address localized problems around the cheeks. One small incision will be made near each ear as well as under each eyelid, and those incisions can usually be hidden in the natural contours of the patient’s face. To learn more about mini facelifts, you might want to take a quick look at some facelift before and after photos. You must also speak with an experienced cosmetic surgeon to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure. In most cases, this type of lift will only be suggested to younger patients who have good skin elasticity.
Neck Lifts
Neck lifts aren’t typically considered to be facelifts, but they are very similar procedures. This operation allows surgeons to address problems around the neck and jawline. That includes drooping skin, folds of skin, and localized pockets of fat. For a neck lift, a small incision is made just below the chin before the underlying muscles are tightened. The surgeon will then begin the process of removing excess skin and fat. Neck lifts can be carried out as standalone procedures, but many patients combine them with a facelift.
Choosing the Right Procedure
Choosing which procedure is the best option will require a little bit of research and a consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Each of these operations can be used to address very specific issues, so you will need to carefully consider your cosmetic goals. You should also spend some time going over facelift before and after photos to see what types of cosmetic issues can be treated.