Facelift procedure types - what are my best options? (Photo)

You've got beautiful facial structure, and I am sure your surgeon is excited to help you achieve your facial rejuvenation goals! It is completely understandable to be nervous, and rather than focus more on the specific technique or combination that will be employed, find a skilled surgeon whom you trust and feel a connection with and discuss your goals.
But to actually answer your question, if you want to address both the jowling and your mid-face volume deficit, you will need a procedure that lifts the SMAS and fat grafting. When done correctly, this is a powerful combination for a refreshed appearance.

You should not have this much anxiety about a facelift procedure. They are generally very safe and you should look great and heal well within 7-10 days. I believe SMAS facelift techniques yield natural results with good longevity.

Deciding on the type of procedure that you think will help you is less important than choosing the right Surgeon who will choose the correct procedure to address your concerns. In my hands, a deep plane facelift offers the best, most natural, and longest lasting results for my patients. Go and see a few Surgeons, look at their results and make your decision based on the results you see, the way that the staff treat you, and whether you find the Surgeon credible. It's always better to see a Surgeon focusing on Faces.

Yes, all the different terminology can be quite confusing. The most important thing to do is to see multiple experienced surgeons, look at his or her photos, and get a feel of what the best procedure would be and how you feel about him or her personally. Make sure the credentials are in order, he or she has hospital privileges, as well as significant experience in facelift surgery with the photos to back it up. I would recommend having a deep plane facelift performed as that gives the longest result and look very natural when performed well.

If you listen to nothing else, listen to this.
If you want to do a shorter procedure with less anesthesia and less downtime, you will need something else in the future or be unhappy with the results longterm.
If you want this to be the only time you ever need something done to rejuvenate your face and neck, go to a surgeon who performs true extended deep plane facelift. This is a procedure that will keep you looking younger and more refreshed than your peers for decades.
So many patients are so worried about doing too much that they do too little, or have shortcut surgery. Then I see them for revision surgery years later and it's more expensive, recovery is more challenging, and now they've had two operations.
I tell my deep plane facelift patients to give me two good weeks of rest and recovery. By week three they are looking better than they have in many years, and by 2 months they are photo ready. People do great.

Your picture does not show your neck or your lower face so it is hard to provide any guidance. You should not be worried about the technique as long as your plastic surgeon is experienced in that particular technique if it is the best option for you. This is the conversation that you will have at your consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon.

It's completely understandable to feel nervous and overwhelmed when considering a facelift, especially with the various types available and the prospect of surgery.

Each type of facelift you mentioned – SMAS, MAC, endoscopic, deep plane, mini deep plane, and mini lift – has its own advantages and targets different aspects of facial aging. Generally, the newer deep plane techniques tend to provide more long-lasting results compared to shorter scar or minimal manipulation techniques like the SMAS plication or mini lifts. These deep plane methods address not just the skin and underlying layers laterally, but also structures more medially such as the nasolabial folds and jowling, which can lead to more significant and enduring improvements in skin laxity and aging changes.

Regarding your concerns about recovery, it's important to remember that while post-surgical images might appear daunting, these represent just a phase in the healing process. The introduction of new technologies such as lightstim and laser therapies can indeed help reduce scarring, swelling, bruising, and pain, which can lead to a more comfortable and expedited recovery.

I encourage you to focus on choosing the right surgeon for your procedure. Look for someone with extensive experience in facelift surgeries, especially in the technique that aligns best with your goals. A skilled and experienced surgeon can not only provide a safer surgical experience but can also tailor the procedure to your specific needs, ensuring a rewarding outcome.

It's also important to have a thorough consultation where you can discuss all your concerns, understand the different options, and get a realistic idea of what to expect in terms of results and recovery. This will help alleviate some of your fears and prepare you mentally and physically for the procedure.

Remember, while the decision to undergo a facelift is significant, it can also be a very positive and transformative experience when done for the right reasons and with the right professional guidance.

Wishing you the best in your journey towards rejuvenation.

Most facelifts have more similarities than diffferences. The fancy word speak means very little. The important factor is your choice of surgeon. Forget all that other stuff

Hello, hope you are well. Thank you for submitting your questions and photo. Based on what can be assessed in the photo you have attached, a deep plane facelift would offer you the best result. There are many advantages to this approach, but suffice it to say that a greater and more comprehensive lift with a natural appearance can be achieved versus the other options you listed. I'm not sure why you included the reference to a chronic wound dressing, but there are technologies that can be offered to help with recovery after a facelift (e.g. hyperbaric oxygen). Good luck!
Best,Dr. Tower

I recommend an in person consultation or at least a virtual consult for initial screening. Depending on your candidacy, treatment for the aging skin, descent of the facial fat compartments, and lax neck/SMAS would be ideal. I recommend a Board-Certified Craniofacial Plastic Surgeon who is an expert at treating the face and neck for best results.