You may have heard some of these terms before: Facelift, Lower Facelift, Mini Facelift, Deep Plane Facelift, Ponytail Lift. What do all of these mean?
The good news is that most of these words describe the same thing – a facelift. The differences are more marketing than anything else, but there are a few terms you should know. First, what is a facelift? Traditionally, a facelift is a surgical procedure to lift the jowls and restore the jawline. As we age, our facial tissues descend. When we are young, we have full cheeks and a sharp jawline. With age that fullness descends into our lower face resulting in hollow cheeks, heavy jowls, and loss of jawline contour. A facelift restores the fullness in the cheeks while lifting the jowls and restoring a youthful jawline.
In almost every case, a facelift is combined with a necklift. So much so that the two are often synonymous. A necklift tightens the neck skin and muscle bands that commonly appear with age. Together, a facelift and necklift can turn back the clock, resulting in a natural, youthful appearance.
Today’s facelift is very different than what you may have seen. Gone are the windswept looks of the 70’s, and the overfilled, overtightened looks of the 90s. Modern facelifts deliver a natural result without looking “done”. The sign of a good facelift is not looking like you had a facelift.
Just as important to consider are other procedures often done at the same time as a facelift and necklift. Examples include upper or lower eyelid surgery, a brow lift, fat grafting to the cheeks and temples, or a lip lift. Every person ages differently and may need different procedures to meet their goals. One goal stands above all others – a safe, natural result.
If you are interested in learning more, please visit our website at DrMarkFisher.com or call our office to set up a consultation.
Photo caption: Before and After Facelift by Dr. Mark Fisher