Choosing to have a facelift is a major decision, both financially and medically. You’re changing the way your face looks with an invasive procedure. The recovery time can take weeks to months, depending on the specific work done during your facelift. But is a full facelift always necessary? Some patients only require and will benefit well from a mini facelift, also called a midface lift at Jefferson.

What is a midface lift?

A midface lift is a procedure that focuses on the middle area of the face, generally the triangle area from the corners of the eyes to the corners of the mouth.

The procedure itself is done by making incisions just above each of the ears. Sometimes further incisions in the lower eyelid or inside the mouth may be necessary. The surgeon then lifts the skin upward. The exact amount will vary with each patient. If any scarring occurs, it won’t be visible because all incisions are made in inconspicuous places.

The end result is that the cheek fat sits higher on the cheek than it did before, resulting in a refreshed, more youthful appearance. Other procedures can be done to complement a midface lift, such as: blepharoplasty, fat grafting, Botox, browlift and even injectable fillers. The doctor will make recommendations based on your goals for treatment and on his years of experience as a plastic surgeon. The goal is always to have the best outcome for the patient.

What is a full facelift?

A full facelift is much more involved than the midface lift. However, the full facelift is meant to restore the entire face to its previous younger appearance. This is done by a combination of removing excess skin and fat, then tightening the skin that remains.

The procedure consists of several incisions being made in the temple of the hairline, in front of the ear and under the chin. These incisions will allow the surgeon to remove excess skin and move the remaining skin around until it pulls tight against the facial bones and muscle. The exact methods used will differ from patient to patient. Sutures are used to close most of the incisions. Staples are generally used along the hairline because staples are less likely to damage the hair follicles

What facelift is right for you?

Ever patient is different, so you must consult with one of our highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons. During your initial consultation the doctor will take your medical history, including any previous surgeries, medical conditions, medications and anything else that might affect the outcome of the surgery. It’s important to be upfront with the doctor about your medical history to avoid any complications either during the procedure or during your recovery.

After your medical history is taken, the doctor will discuss your treatment goals and examine your face. Based on your stated goals and his expert opinion, you’ll come up with a treatment plan that will outline what type of facelift is best for you. You’ll also decide if you will benefit from any other procedures during the facelift (like blepharoplasty, for example).

If you’re contemplating plastic surgery, but don’t know where to begin, call us today and we can schedule your consultation. Even if you aren’t a good candidate for plastic surgery, there are many other cosmetic procedures our doctors can perform that will get you looking your very best.