Facelift: Q&A

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Type of Facelift Best for a 56-year-old Woman?

I am currently investigating facelift and lower eyelid surgery. I have two doctors that I've narrowed down to perform different types of lifts. One uses a more traditional SMAS type lift (45 degree vector) and the other an ENT Dr. suggested a deep plane lift (60 degree vector). What is your opinion of which lift might be better for a 56-year-old woman with a very saggy neck? Both doctors said they would place a suture under my neck.

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28 Doctor Answers | Asked by Renee B2 in Vancouver, WA.

Doctor Answers (28)
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Choosing between facelift types

The most important goal of a facelift procedure is what the facelift will do for you and your unique anatomy. The most effective way of accomplishing this is through a very experienced surgeon who listens to you, and creates a procedure that maximizes your result. We do not typically perform either the traditional SMAS or the deep plane lifts as they reduce tissue when the SMAS is pulled and then resected. We prefer multivector operations where volume and skin are treated differently, each... more

The surgeon is the most important factor

The most important part of getting a good result from plastic surgery, is the surgeon you choose. Most people choose a board certified plastic surgeon. Having done extensive studies of face lift techniques on identical twins, I can personally state that it is a much more complicated topic than you realize. Your age is not as important a factor as the quality of your skin and the amount of laxity. Don't get too hung up on the type of lift. You're paying your surgeon to apply their... more

Best facelift

I think you are missing the point here. Choose the best surgeon, both by experience and technique. You should not be concerned about the nuances of technique. Many surgeons cannot agree on them so what hope is there for you? Look at their before and after results, ask to speak to their patients and ask how many they do each month. This will give you a great idea where to go without worrying about the specifics of technique. Consider getting the work done under oral... more

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What type of facelift is best for a 56 year old woman? It depends...

Facelifting, and facial cosmetic surgery in general, are true arts. The key to a beautiful, rested, and natural results is not a specific techique, vector, or piece of equipment. Instead, a surgeon with a true sense of the actual aging changes to be addressed, and a good vision of the shape that must be created, will choose from a variety of techniques. I always enter facelift surgery with a specific plan of action to achieve the shape I am seeking. Due to unforseeable... more

Type of facelift recommended

Obviously we don't have a picture to render a more accurate opinion. In general, I am more comfortable with a SMAS lift combined with a platysmal muscle plicaton in the neck. The deep plane lift is not one that I perform. It may be advisable to look at a lot of before and after pictures prior to choosing you surgeon. Also a personal chemistry with your surgeon can be very helpful. All the best, Tal Raine MD FACS

Talmage J. Raine, MD

5 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Facelift

The best type is the type that works. You have to evaluate the before and after photos of the surgeons and see what looks best to you. I would not concern yourself with the type as it is not the type but the surgeon that will get you the results. There are surgeons out there that will argue SMAS elevation vs. SMAS plication vs Deep Plane that they all will achieve the same results in different hands. It all depends on what your surgeon feels comfortable with and what kind of results they... more

The name of the facelift isn't as important as the results that doctor gets

The exact name of the facelift isn't as important as the actual photos of many of that doctor's patients showing what kind of results they get. Each doctor is different and so are their results. Personally, I use a SMAS lift with a directly vertical vector on the SMAS because I believe the cheek tissues descended vertically down, not at 45 or 60 degrees. Since we are both in WA, please check the facelift and cheek and neck lift photos on my web site and see if you think there are... more

The best facelift is one that addresses individual needs

We view facelift as a catch all term for techniques used in cosmetic surgical rejuvenation of facial aging. Indeed chapters and books have been written with various techniques and nuances applied to facial rejuvenation. All techniques can work if applied to each patients unique needs. Sauces comes from artfully matching just what is needed to each individual. The trends in facelift today are away from deep plane procedures, and from extensive surgery on the SMAS as well. The idea had been... more

Face lift options

It sounds like you are being very thorough and seeing several doctors, which is good because the choice of surgeon is more important than the choice of technique. In general, the deep plane version should produce good long-lasting results, though whether the results are better than less invasive approaches has not been proven. The risks of nerve injury may be greater with the deep plane, and there may be more swelling that takes longer to resolve. The vector is something that should be... more

Choosing a Facelift Surgeon

Choosing a Facelift Surgeon can be complicated, but I would suggest a different approach than the one you are using. Deciding on a Surgeon based on which vector is promised should be less important than the results the individual Surgeon obtains. Most experienced Facelift Surgeons have there own specific modification of SMAS, deep plane, or MACS based procedures. I personally feel that initial SMAS/ skin elevation with later bilaminar separation is very effective in... more

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.