Difference between concept Facelift and traditional facelift.

Basically, the traditional facelift involves making incisions around the ear (hidden in the lines) and up into the hairline.  The other concept facelifts and variants thereof use less scars, but the results typically don't last as long as compared to the traditional techniques.  I usually use the SMAS plication technique of traditional facelifts with results that can last 5-10 years.  Visit with several plastic surgeons to see with whom you feel most comfortable.  You can also ask to look at before and after photos and even talk to previous patients of that plastic surgeon to see what it's like from the patient perspective.
Thank you for your question!
Dr. Schreiber, Baltimore plastic surgeon

Facial plastic surgery is an art, at least for those who have dedicated their careers to it. It is expected that you will get differing opinions from different surgeons. What is important is that what you see is aligned with what your surgeon sees. They should take the time to explain to you how your face has aged and gotten to the point that you are considering a surgical procedure. Make sure that your consulting surgeons perform a wide variety of facial rejuvenation procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical. If one surgeon always uses the same facelift approach, then you may be getting a biased opinion.  I recommend seeing a board certified facial plastic surgeon who performs these on a regular basis and will take the time to explain what should be done and why the procedures and approach will benefit you.
When it comes to facelifts, very often, the terminology can get confusing for patients. It's important to have an open discussion during the consultation as well as the preoperative visit about the treatment options and the approach that your surgeon is going to use. I also recommend that patients research the information to feel comfortable with the treatment plan. 
In order to make a facelift look natural, there are many details that need to be taken into account when your surgeon is planning his or her approach, such as the condition of your skin, presence and direction of any skin wrinkles, the direction of muscle laxity, the amount of volume loss, and the change in position of your facial volume to name a few.  A facelift should be tailored to each patient's unique aging pattern.  It's best to discuss these concerns prior to your procedure. Procedures that I frequently combine with a  facelift or neck lift include fat transfer, upper/lower blepharoplasty, CO2 fractional laser resurfacing, and brow lift.  Depending on what your goals are, you do not have to do all of these procedures to achieve an excellent result.  If your main concern is wrinkling of the skin in the midface, a CO2 fractional laser may be enough.  If there is volume loss, the fillers or fat transfer should be discussed. In experienced hands, these can all be done safely under local anesthesia without compromising results.  Some surgeons will prefer general anesthesia based on their experience. 
In order to be able to tighten the muscles in a facelift, an incision will have to be placed in front of the ear. The length of the incision can vary based on the type of  facelift being done. At your consultation,  you should discuss the type of incision that your surgeon plans on using. They should be able to show you pictures of their patients' incisions at different stages of the healing process.  As with any procedure, the experience of your surgeon is very important. Every surgeon has their own way of doing a facelift(i.e. deep plane, modified deep plane, SMAS imbrication, SMAS plication, etc), and neck lift (platysmaplasty). These are very effective and time tested approaches. However, what works for one surgeon may not work for another. Also, the procedure that is performed should be tailored to each patient. Your surgeon's experience is probably one of the most important factors in getting the best result from the procedure that is being done. Look at plenty of before and after photos. Discuss your concern as well as the results that you are expecting to achieve with your surgeon. As always, it's important to do your research before having a procedure done. Make sure that your surgeon is board certified in the field that involves the surgery you are planning on having.  In your, case it's also important to see someone who performs a wide variety of facelifts regularly...preferably every week. The surgeon you end up choosing will want to achieve the best result possible for you. I recommend that you start by going back and discussing your concerns with the surgeon who performed your procedure.    

Far more important than the technique is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let them explain why one technique may be better than another.  See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for you.  Always insist on a board certified plastic surgeon.

There are several different types of facelift techniques that are currently performed by facelift surgeons. The most important factor is that the technique that is used by a facial surgeon will create a youthful, natural with long lasting result. An ideal facelift result includes in part not having anyone assume you have had a face lift procedure.  I think a patient that desires improved appearance but wants a natural, non-operated result will have to communicate this to his or her prospective surgeon but also seek out an experienced facelift surgeon that prefers to achieve these types of results.  Experience is the key in facial rejuvenation. Vectors of facial tightening vary from patient to patient. For a 45- 50-year-old patient, I would not apply the same vector and tension that I normally apply to a 70-year-old face. In addition, direction of vectors must be modified during secondary or tertiary facelift to avoid artificial look.  I have performed well over 3000 face and neck lifts and published a specific technique that describe the rotational angles and amount of tension that must be applied during SMAS plication to avoid over or under tightening.  A well-performed neck lift during facial rejuvenation is the paramount in a youthful-appearing face. I apply gradual tension on my SMAS as follow: starting at temple area there is only 20-30% tension on muscle plication, once at the jawlines the muscle is tightened 100%. This prevent pulled looked at the corner of mouth. In neck area the muscle must be tighten with greater tension than 100%, depending on the neck laxity.  Look at the doctor’s before and after pictures, a talented and experienced facelift surgeon will have a smooth and well-contoured neck that enhances the facelift results.  The face ages through a combination of changes including volume loss, skin changes, and soft tissue drooping.  When facial rejuvenation is desired all of these changes must be addressed.  Therefore, fat grafting, a facelift, and skin resurfacing frequently must be combined to accomplish a natural result.

The first thing to understand is the difference between marketing jargon and what we, as Surgeons, view as innovations in technique.  In my opinion, the first step in your process should be in choosing an experienced facelift Surgeon who devotes a significant portion of his/her practice to the aging face.  Your Surgeon should be familiar with and employ a variety of facelift techniques and be able to convince you of the rational for using said techniques, combined with a catalog of great results. There is certainly no advantage to choosing the "Concept" facelift over the points listed above.

Every facelift is somewhat unique, depending on individual facial anatomy. There are many names that some surgeons make up simply for marketing reasons.  An experienced and talented facelift surgeon with address each element of facial aging with appropriate surgical maneuvers.  Seek out a facelift specialist with a great reputation and  an excellent track record of consistent results.  

There are sometimes very strange names used by "innovators" of new and special" surgical technique to increase marketing visibility. There are numerous variations in face lift used by an experienced plastic surgeon to address specific individual needs of the patient but it can all be placed under one mane, face lift. Much more important than a name of procedure is surgeon's expertise and skill. Good luck.

A concept facelift appears to be as others have stated here a marketing term. If you consult with surgeons who perform this, ask them what steps are unique compared to a traditional facelift. If you get a second consult you can compare techniques.The most important thing is to find a board certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon who regularly performs facial work, has a good reputation and you can converse with and trust.

Hi.  To me that basically is a marketing strategy where someone has branded their facelift as a "Concept" facelift.  There was a company that is now out of business that branded their facelifts as a "Lifestyle Lift", which was largely a marketing strategy to attract potential patients.  The reality is that there is no "magic bullet" for a facelift.  A facelift typically means a facelift and necklift done together, as those two areas typically age together and therefore should be corrected together.  If someone has severe aging of the face and neck, then more will need to be done to correct that, and if someone has more mild aging of the face and neck, then a more minimal approach may be used.  What that means in my practice is that I customize each facelift/necklift to that particular patient.  I have just chosen not to call it some "fancy", branded, trade-marked name.  And, in general, if a procedure of this type is offering very little downtime, then it will likely provide more minimal improvement.  I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon with good experience in this area to go over your options with you in detail.Good luck and take care,Dr. Howell

cgross140. Sometimes researching cosmetic surgery on the web can be confusing and misleading. Some surgeons try to stand out by calling any particular facelift procedure by a name which possibly makes it stand out or appear different.  There are different types or techniques of facelift surgery, but they are fairly standard. While doing research, the most important subject to explore is your board-certified plastic surgeon’s credentials and experience. Best of luck.