Which Facelift Procedure Should I Choose? Doctor Answers, Tips
Facelift: Q&A
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Which Facelift Procedure Should I Choose?

I am 40+ and interested in getting a facelift. However, browsing through the Internet, I came across so many options that I'm now confused about which one is best for me. Can those who have done a facelift recently please educate my choice. Thanks in advance : )

26 Doctor Answers | Asked by Fern Richardson in Washington
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Facelift surgery

Cosmetic surgery is unlike any other field of surgery. The surgical techniques are performed to achieve the surgeons artistic goals. There are many variations of the facelift. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of the techniques. This is compounded by the individual variations we encounter in the human face. A single operation should never be applied to every face. That being said a skilled, artistic surgeon will be able to adapt their technique or apply the correct technique to... more
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Look for the RIGHT Surgeon, NOT the Procedure or a Trademark Name

If you are in your 40s and considering a facelift it is important to understand your anatomy, aging patterns and desires. Only then an experienced facelift surgeon will be able to recommend options that are right for you. The world of facelift "names" is very confusing, not only to patients but to us facial plastic surgeons alike. It ranges from "non-surgical facelift" to "extreme facelift" and in between there are "2-stitch", "Lifestyle",... more
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Choosing the right facelift technique

There is no single "best" facelift (rhytidectomy) technique. Different surgeons use different techniques based on their training, experience, and the needs of the individual patient. The skill of the surgeon is the most important factor in getting good results. You should consult with a few surgeons before making a decision and take a look at their before/after photos. Also, there are a number of other procedures which can be performed simultaneously and can complement the... more

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Which Facelift procedure should I choose?

The web provides you the initial tools for knowledge BUT you will have to see it to believe. Look at my web site link. Good information for you plus actual surgical video. The real step is when you are ready to go to the next level vs what you are doing in terms of collecting information. You would have to meet with your "potential" surgeon. Make sue you have your questions ready. Normally, for patients that come in from out of town, I do a phone consult first. more
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Pick the surgeon, not the procedure

Don't be misled by the catchy names of procedures-this is only a marketing ploy. Choose an experienced plastic surgeon, and let him tell you the pros and cons of doing things in different ways, based on your specific issues. See live patients of long-term photos, at least one year after surgery.
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Choosing the Best Facelift Procedure for someone in their forties

Advances in Minimal Scar Facelift Surgery: The Lite Lift™ Minimally invasive procedures are the focus of all surgical fields and plastic surgery is no exception. The trend for looking your best has moved towards procedures that have rapid healing times, reduced risk and leave significantly less scarring than traditional methods. More importantly, most patients want a natural, refreshed look without the appearance of having had surgery. The Lite-Lift™, modified facelift procedure,... more
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Choices in Facelifts

The ideal choice for a facelift is dependent upon the individual’s aging characteristics and the type of skin and facial atrophy that you have. I prefer a “Lift & Fill” type of facelift where I fill the central part of your facial compartments which you have lost over the aging process. I also perform deep layer facial tightening with SMAS and skin reshaping. This gives you an optimal, long-lasting result without having the overdone windswept appearance.
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Facelift: The Surgical Experience

It is most important to find a surgeon that you can trust, be sure that the surgeon is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. Try to get a recommendation from someone you know that has had a good result. Be sure to see many before and after photos of actual patients of the surgeon. You should probably see a least three surgeons, before making your decision. Take careful notes for comparison later. When describing what issues bother you the most, see how the surgeon addresses them... more
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Facelift Approach

I perform facelifts, but have not had one. This is a very complicated question to answer, as there are a large variety of facelift approaches. My suggestion as your next step is to do some research and look for doctor’s websites that have photos of your appearance in other patients, and see how the results turned out. You want naturalness, as well as an appropriate amount of improvement in results. We are also happy to evaluate any photos you send to us, as well as to put you in... more
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A full facelift is an excellent procedure with predictably good results. Avoid gimics.

A thorough facelift (different varieties) gives almost always excellent results.  It is no physiologically hard on the patient and convalescence is similar to lesser procedures.  Avoid gimics.
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Choose the Surgeon, not the type of Facelift

It can be very confusing to keep track of the many names and variations that exist for the Facelift procedure today. When the same procedure is called three different things by three different surgeons, it can be very hard to make sense of all your options. I think that the most important thing for you to focus on is how your consultation goes with your surgeon. Of course, it is important to make sure that he/she has all the right credentials, board-certifications, and experience--but it... more
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Facelift Success Formula

The most important decision for facelift success is the surgeon performing the surgery.  There is no absolute procedure for all patients, but most importantly look for a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that can show you a large profile of before and after photographs that illustrate varied approaches with different patient presentations. Most up to date procedures focus on volume restoration with I believe the most successful to be those that elevate facial fat (from the jowl... more
+1

Taylor made facelift

There are multiple options to treat the aging face and not one procedure is the answer. Depending on your problems the procedure should be made to fit your problems. Without a good examination and at least some pictures it is hard to tell what you would need. You should seek an evaluation by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
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How to decide if a facelift is right for you

There are many types of facelifts described which can become quite confusing to many patients.  What's most important for you to know, is what bothers you most about your face.  Jowling, loose neck skin, neck bands, and/or submental fat.  Next, it's critical to find a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable, can trust, and can have a candid conversation regarding your expectations and what he or she might be able to achieve.  Your surgeon should be able to... more
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Facelift options

Don't go so much with an "operation," find a great plastic surgeon with great,natural results.  That is the key
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Goals of a good facelift

Rather than focusing on researching the various techniques, focus on researching and finding a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience. Then focus on communicating your goals (describing the look you want to achieve) with your plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons approach the face lift procedure in a variety of ways and it's their job to help you determine which of those techniques will help you get the natural, refreshed look you're after. Watch the video... more
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THE MANY TECHNIQUES OF A FACELIFT

Facelifts are described by many names  and techniques.  In my opinion the majority of plastic surgeons in the U.S. perform some variation of a "short scar" or "traditional scar " access and then tightening of the muscle layer (SMAS).  Very few plastic surgeons perform "deep plane tightening of the muscles and you want to avoid surgeons who perform skin only facelifts. Dr. ES
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Choosing a Facelift Procedure

As you have seen, "facelift" is a generic term with many variations. Don't pick the proceure but find an experienced facial rejuvenation surgeon to discuss alternative techniques so you can achieve your goals and satisfy your expectations. See results in patients who look like you but have had different procedures.  
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Facelift for patient in their 40s

In general the younger patients have less loose skin then older patients and therefore require more of a muscle tightening procedure then a skin procedure.  The average age of my Facelift patient is 48 which means there are many people in their early 40's having this procedure done.  A modified deep plane Facelift is my preferred technique for these people as it gives the most natural and long lasting results.   
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It's not the "facelift" technique but the surgeon that matters most

You should not try to sort out the confusion about what technique is best.  Spend your time finding the best surgeon, one whose photos and work you greatly admire, and ask them what can be done for you.  Then let them do what they do best.  
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First, check what you need to improve before facelift

First of all, look in the mirror and try to see what specific areas you would like to improve. Second is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. These two essential steps will allow you to have a proper analysis of what you want and what you need. Hope that helps.
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Which Facelift procedure should I choose?

As a non-Plastic surgeon you do not have the anatomical background, the knowledge of history and the experience to evaluate which procedure may be best for you. For THE BEST result, I would advise you to see several Plastic surgeons (www.PlasticSurgery.org) with your list of facial items you wish you could improve upon. Ask each one of them what they would suggest and how long the recovery would be. Be aware that MINI procedures would deliver MINI results but would not necessarily cost mini... more
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You might not even need a facelift, or possible a mini face lift

Most patients in their early 40s only need a mini-facelift or possibly just fillers and botox (sometimes referred to as a liquid facelift). If you have alot of loose skin and/or recent large volume weight loss, then you might need a more extensive procedure. Everybody's different though, so I suggest you go on a few consultations and talk to different doctors to get their opinions and see what makes sense to you.
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Find a surgeon you trust

It is better to find a surgeon who you can trust who has done thousands of facelifts. A mini lift will give mini results. It is important to make sure that at 40 years of age you are ready for a full face/neck lift and, if not, wait until the appropriate time to do so. Make sure that you look at many before-and-after photos in the surgeon’s photo gallery to know the extent of his or her expertise.
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Facial Rejuvenation Surgery

Surgical treatment of facial aging changes must be carefully individualized to match each patient's aesthetic needs and desires. No two 'facelifts', by necessity, are the same. In helping a patient to make decisions about plastic surgery for facial rejuvenation, I always examine and assess how each aesthetic area or 'unit' of the face contributes to an individual's overall appearance: the brows and eyelids, the cheeks or 'midface', the lower face and chin, and... more
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One size does not fit all, especially in the area of facial rejuvenation.

With many so many new miracle lifting procedures being advertised, it is extremely important not to get sidetracked by marketing terms. The facelift is the most personalized aesthetic surgery procedure I perform. One size does not fit all, especially in the area of facial rejuvenation. Many people ask me about "mini" facelifts and the latest procedures they have seen or read about. They say they don't feel ready to have a full facelift. I understand completely. Here is what you... more
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