3 Types of Facelifts to Take Years Off Your Appearance

If you’re thinking about a facelift, you know this surgical procedure can give you a younger, healthier appearance. But did you know that ‘facelift’ refers to a group of procedures, not one type of surgery? 

At OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare with offices in San Diego, Temecula, and Encinitas, California, board-certified plastic surgeon James J. Chao, MD, has the expertise needed to help you select the right type of facelift for your goals.  

Keep reading to learn about three types of facelifts and which one might be the best fit for your needs.    

1. The mini-facelift 

A less invasive version of a traditional facelift, a mini or “skin-only” facelift is sometimes called an “S” lift because of the shape of the incision. This type of surgery targets sagging and aging skin on the face, without involving your neck. 

The mini-facelift focuses on repositioning the soft tissues of your face to address issues like deeper nasolabial folds (marionette lines) and saggy skin. Although it isn’t as permanent as more involved facelifts, you get remarkable results with less downtime. 

Who should consider a mini-facelift?

This type of facelift could be for you if you have moderate facial aging and want a refreshed appearance without the need for a full facelift or neck lift. It’s especially effective for patients whose skin still has some resilience and with deep nasolabial folds.

2. The minimal access cranial suspension (MACS) facelift

The MACS facelift is a surgical technique designed to rejuvenate the lower two-thirds of your face using less invasive incisions. During the surgery, Dr. Chao makes two small cuts in the hairlines just above your ears, then extends them inside the natural crease in the front of the ear. 

Through these incisions, he repositions the soft tissue layers of your face, lifting and suspending the tissues instead of removing or extensively repositioning your skin. Dr. Chao then uses sutures to anchor these changes to more stable structures higher on your face or scalp, giving it the name “cranial suspension.” 

During the surgery, Dr. Chao also corrects the layer of tissue that covers, surrounds, and attaches to the deeper contours of your face and neck, which helps rejuvenate and firm your lower face and neck. 

Overall, an MACS offers several advantages, including smaller incisions and fewer scars, a faster recovery (two to three weeks), and natural-looking results that avoid the overly tightened skin some facelifts provide. 

Who should consider a MACS facelift?

This type of facelift could be right for you if you have moderate sagging in your lower face and neck and want natural results with a shorter recovery time. It isn’t a good choice for patients with severe skin laxity (looseness) or with severe signs of aging.  

3. The deep-plane facelift

A deep-place facelift is designed to address the most pronounced facial aging. It involves repositioning and securing the deeper layers of your facial tissues, including the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS), which includes the fat in your cheeks. 

The deep-plane facelift allows Dr. Chao to make a more substantial correction of facial sagging and loose skin by targeting the structures that lie beneath these deeper layers. By adjusting these layers, Dr. Chao can restore volume to your cheeks and midface, improve the skin around the lower face and jaw, and rejuvenate your neck. 

Because it addresses the structural aspects of facial aging, the deep-plane facelift provides longer-lasting results than less invasive procedures. However, it requires a longer recovery time with more swelling and bruising and the risk of facial nerve damage is higher. 

Who should consider a deep-plane facelift?

This more involved facelift is best for patients with significant facial aging who are looking for a dramatic rejuvenation. It’s particularly effective for patients seeking to address:

• Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
• Jowling or the loss of a defined jawline
• Midface sagging, including the cheeks 

If you have mild-to-moderate signs of aging, a different type of facelift could be right for you. 

Deciding on the right facelift for you

To learn which type of facelift is right for you, it’s best to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation, like Dr. Chao and the team at OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare. 

Everyone’s face is unique, not just in appearance but also in how it ages. Factors like skin texture, elasticity, facial structure, and the extent of aging all play significant roles in determining the most effective facelift technique for you.

Dr. Chao provides a personalized assessment that takes these variables into account, ensuring that the facelift procedure you choose aligns with your aesthetic goals and the unique nuances of your facial aging.

To learn which type of facelift is right for you, schedule a consultation at the OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare nearest you in Southern California.