38 y/o considering a facelift - are there any alternative options that will leave a less noticeable scar? (photos)

Question

I have been seriously considering facelift . I want a vertical/diagonal cheek lift. I feel like pulling my cheeks up and slightly to the side will make my undereye look better and flatten out area around mouth. I have seen several surgeons and they recommend traditional incision . I would be MORTIFIED to have visible facelift scars at the age of 38! Are there any alternatives? Endoscopic lift or scar in temporal /hairy area? Would temporal incision in the hairline allow to lift lower cheeks?

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

So there are a lot of potential answers and solutions to your question.  In someone who is a bit older, a subperiosteal midface lift would definitely elevate and lateralize your cheeks with a relatively hidden incision.  Fillers can create definition to your lateral cheek which in most cases of younger patients it looks great when not overdone.  Non invasive devices and fillers absolutely will not lift.  The pull that your are placing on your cheek in the photo is probably a bit stronger than a result that you would be able to achieve surgically.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Phenomenal963332, thank you for your question. I would recommend non-surgical treatments  like fillers and the use of technology.  Your skin is too young for a minimal facelift. Fillers are in my opinion a better option so you do not have issues in the long run. Whenever considering any surgical procedure such as a facelift or eyelid surgery, it’s important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can explain all options thoroughly to make informed decisions based on your needs goals and what can be accomplished. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science  Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery Member (SCCP)

Gurkan Kayabasoglu, MD · Answer

Hi dear, According to photos you dont need, classic face and neck lift. We can fix your problems with endoscopic face lift.  Please contact us for more detailed information and consultation

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

hello,
Based on your photos, you could be a candidate for an Endoscopic Brow Lift . This would definitely provide some lift to your cheeks, as well as remove any slight ptosis that you may have in the upper eyelids. The tiny incision is your hairline heals well and none of my patients have ever reported hair loss.

I might also recommend Fat transfer to the upper face. This will also help to accentuate your bone structure in the cheeks.  I think the combination of these two procedures would give you the result you are looking for.  You probably do not necessarily need a Lower Facelift.

Please read my blog post below to learn more about the Facial procedure options.  Thank you for your question.

Ricardo L Rodriguez MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Baltimore, Maryland

Gregory S. Keller, MD, FACS · Answer

I have used this technique for over 30 years, so feel confident, from your pictures, that you would get similar results to what you are showing.  Of course, a consultation is required.  This technique can be performed in several ways, but is tricky to do.  In my experience, only about 5% of surgeons are confident with it.  It is minimally invasive, and, in many people can be performed with local anesthesia.  I've taught to many of my UCLA facial plastic surgery fellows.

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

A mid-facelift can be done through the lower eyelid. This procedure is most effective in improving the nasolabial folds and the corner of the mouth as you demonstrate in your picture. The other option is a subperiosteal lift through the temple incision. Having said that, most of my facelift incisions in front of the ears heal with no visible scarring as you could see, in my pictures. Therefore scaring depends on the technique used and there are ways to improve that scar. See my Instagram page by clicking the link below and notice the lack of scaring in front of the ears.

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

Dear phenomenal,
Thanks for the question. There are many options you may want to think about if you are worried about scarring. Some of those options include morpheus 8, fillers, threads, renuvion. All facelifts will leave the patient with a scar. How you heal is dependant on your body as well as surgical technique. With that said, there are techniques and treatments to make the scars almost invisible, but keep in mind every patient heals differently. I would suggest a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for further information and recommendations.

Mark G. Albert, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. Based on your photos, I would suggest a small incision in the temporal hair in order to lift the cheek. This can be done wide awake using local anesthesia and oral medications to help you relax. Patients do incredibly well with this and it avoids the side effects of general anesthesia.
Mark G. Albert, M.D., F.A.C.S.New York, NY

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

Any time surgery is performed there will be scars. We plan scars strategically around the ear in order to hide them from the untrained eye. The move that you are performing with your finger can only be achieved with a facelift as the deeper tissue must be directly visualized and tightened/lifted.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A mini facelift that lifts your cheeks, jowls and tighten your neck can be performed with minimal scar burden. The scars should be faint when healed and not be an issue if well performed.

38 y/o considering a facelift - are there any alternative options that will leave a less noticeable scar? (photos)

Answers (17)

More Facelift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (17)

More Facelift Questions

Will a endoscopic mid face lift, fat transfer and lower eyelid skin pinch help me correct hollowing and crows feet? (photo)

Is it a good idea to have face & neck lift, eyelid surgery, septorhinoplasty & buccal fat removal together?

What can be done about weak mid-face? (Photo)

How to soften scars and relax very tight muscles after facelift?

After the face and neck lift, a huge "cut" was left on my neck - What went wrong here? (photos)

Am I a candidate for facelift? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS