Different Types Of Facelifts: What You Need to Know

Disclaimer: Results vary and are illustrated as a guide only.

With the many types of facelifts to choose from, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking a subtle or a dramatic change, understanding the different types of facelifts, how they work, their benefits, and who they’re ideal for can  help you navigate the various procedures available. Here are some popular facelift surgery techniques:

• Traditional Facelift

How it Works: A traditional facelift involves making incisions around the hairline, ears, and sometimes under the chin. The surgeon then lifts and repositions the underlying tissues, removes excess skin, and re-drapes the skin over the newly contoured face.

Benefits and Considerations: This procedure provides comprehensive improvement for the face and neck, effectively addressing deep creases, sagging skin, and jowls. However, it involves a longer recovery time and may develop more noticeable scars compared to less invasive options.

Ideal For: Individuals with significant signs of ageing, such as deep wrinkles and loose skin around the face and neck, looking for dramatic and long-lasting results.

• Short Scar Facelift (Mini Facelift)

How it Works: The mini facelift involves shorter incisions, typically around the ears. The surgeon tightens the underlying tissues and removes excess skin to provide a refreshed appearance with less invasive techniques.

Benefits and Considerations: This procedure offers shorter recovery times and less scarring compared to traditional facelifts. However, the results are less dramatic and may not be as long-lasting.

Ideal For: Ideal for younger patients in their late 30s to early 50s with early signs of ageing, such as mild to moderate skin laxity.

• High SMAS Facelift

How it Works: The High SMAS facelift focuses on the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS), a deeper layer of facial muscles and tissues. The surgeon repositions the SMAS layer higher on the face, which provides a more natural and longer-lasting lift compared to traditional techniques.

Benefits and Considerations: This method offers durable and natural-looking results with a moderate recovery time. However, it is a more complex procedure requiring a skilled surgeon, which can increase costs.

Ideal For: Suitable for individuals seeking a more substantial lift with long-lasting results, particularly those with moderate to severe facial sagging.

• Deep Plane Facelift

How it Works: The deep plane facelift targets the deeper layers of facial muscles and tissues. The surgeon repositions the muscles and fat pads to achieve a natural, long-lasting lift, addressing both mid-face and lower face sagging.

Benefits and Considerations: This technique provides more natural results with less tension on the skin, reducing the risk of a “pulled” look. Recovery may be longer due to the more extensive nature of the surgery.

Ideal For: Patients with moderate to severe facial sagging, particularly those looking for a natural appearance and longer-lasting results without the tightness associated with traditional facelifts.

• Ponytail Facelift

How it Works: Named for the way it mimics the tight pull of a high ponytail, this facelift uses incisions hidden in the hairline to lift and tighten the upper and midface areas. The result is a subtle and natural-looking change.

Benefits and Considerations: This technique offers minimal scarring and a shorter recovery time. However, it is less effective for those with significant skin sagging or deep wrinkles.

Ideal For: Best suited for younger individuals or those with mild to moderate signs of ageing seeking a subtle lift without extensive surgery.

• Thread Lift

How it Works: A thread lift uses temporary sutures to lift the skin. The threads, made from biocompatible materials, are inserted under the skin and then pulled tight to lift and secure the skin in a more youthful position.

Benefits and Considerations: This minimally invasive procedure offers immediate results with minimal downtime. The effects are less dramatic and shorter-lived compared to surgical facelifts, typically lasting one to two years.

Ideal For: Individuals with early signs of ageing who prefer a quick, minimally invasive procedure with temporary results.

• Liquid Facelift

How it Works: A liquid facelift uses fillers and anti-wrinkle injections to lift and contour the face. The fillers add volume to hollow areas, while anti-wrinkle helps minimise wrinkles.

Benefits and Considerations: This non-surgical option provides immediate results with no downtime. However, the effects are temporary, usually lasting between six months to two years, depending on the products used.

Ideal For: People with early to moderate signs of ageing who want a non-invasive option with minimal recovery time.

Choosing a Facelift Procedure

Choosing the right type of facelift depends on various factors, including age, the extent of ageing signs, desired results, and recovery time. Consulting with your GP and a qualified plastic surgeon can help determine the best option tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic goals.

At Artiste Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of facelift techniques to ensure you receive a customised approach that meets your needs and aesthetic goals. Our board-certified and highly experienced surgeons, led by Dr Jack Zoumaras, are dedicated to providing natural-looking results. Book a consultation today. 

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.