Is a deep vertical facelift possible? I just read about vertical facelifts that are not permanent.

A "vertical" facelift describes the vector of pull/tightening of the facelift. A "deep plane" facelift describes the anatomic planes of dissection and surgery. So, a deep plane facelift with a vertical vector can be performed. There are many types of facelifts, and different vectors of tightening, so it is best to consult with your surgeon about which would be best for you.  

Thank you for your question!  We get this question quite often in our office, and the brief answer would be that any procedure that you are considering having done should be tailored to your anatomy and your needs.  That being said, it is also important that any procedure you have be well done and have longevity, if you are going to invest the recovery time and expense.  A deep plane facelift addresses both the loose skin and jowling of the face and neck, in addition to the deeper tissue of the face called the SMAS.  This technique, in the correctly selected patients, will provide a natural and long-lasting result.  While a minimal incision facelift can certainly improve the appearance of the face, the results typically do not last as long.  In addition, you will need a certain amount of recovery time, even with a minimal incision facelift.To even better answer the question of what type of procedure is best for you, I would consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation procedures.  Here you will be able to review before and after photographs, and discuss your goals for surgery. I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

There is a tremendous amount of confusion concerning types of facelifts and longevity of facelifts.  Much of this is secondary to marketing. Recent studies of different facelift techniques show no significant difference in outcomes and longevity.  I recommend you visit a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss what particular procedure is best for you.

I'm not sure what you are referring to in regards to a vertical facelift. The gold standard in facelifting in a SMAS facelift, and there are various techniques for this. Most people need a vertical and posterior vector in their soft tissue redraping. In any case, regardless of technique, there aren't very many differences in the outcome. In the end, it is the experience of the surgeon that is most important.

There was a large study done in plastic surgery comparing different facelift techniques for the quality of effect and longevity. There were no real differences in either how good the facelift looked or how long it lasted. the authors concluded that a well done facelift using a technique appropriate for the patient's anatomy was the key to a good facelift, not the specific type of technique. In general, any procedure that is quick and minimalistic in nature will not offer the same benefit or longevity as one that addresses all of the issues of aging in your face.

Hello and thank you for your question. There are many different types of facelifts.  The best technique for you will depend on your anatomy.  If good technique is used,
a facelift can be done with minimal scarring and can result in a natural look, not
over-done look, with rejuvenation of your face.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. The most important aspect
is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Hi Petra,
Terrific question. 
The key to longevity in facelift surgery, is to have a procedure that is particularly tailored to your individual anatomical needs. Some patients will need more of a vertical lift than other. But you could imagine that if a person has more laxity in a different direction, such as diagonal, then not only will a vertical lift not last long but won't look very good even from the start.
So there's no one technique that is best for everybody. Rather, make sure that you pursue a procedure that works with your particular needs.
Good luck

Most facelifts combine some vertical as well as some horizontal vector force. The plane of dissection has really not been shown to have significant difference in results/duration as long as the tough SMAS layer holds all the tension (as opposed to the skin)
A facelift should last forever as far as always having the benefit of it as opposed to not having it.The issue is that no mere mortal has found a way to stop time & gravity. Those forces continue to act independently of any surgery. Surgery can turn back the clock, but can not stop it.

Thank you for your question!  This is a question that I get quite often.  There are many different ways and approaches to facelifts that produce great results.   What matters more, though, is that the surgeon that you do choose is extremely competent at facelift surgery and does a technique that he/she is comfortable with and provides natural and long-lasting results.  This can likely be judged by assessing their before and after photos and ensuring that you like their work and aesthetic.  If done correctly, the incisions were be hidden within creases and barely perceptible.  I hope this helps and best wishes!

 A full set of facial and neck photographs are required to make a determination about being a candidate for the procedure. In our practice, we perform a high-SMAS lower face and neck lift.  This procedure accomplishes a comprehensive facial and neck rejuvenation which includes tightening loose facial and neck skin, tightening loose facial and neck muscles, lifting the jowls, tightening the SMAS, and removing fatty deposits above and below the platysma muscle in addition to a platysma-plasty.  A purely vertical facelift will usually gives a very unnatural result. For more information  and many  before-and-after examples, please see the link and the video below