Aging is a natural part of life, but not everyone is comfortable with the visible changes that come with it. Wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of volume in the face can affect self-confidence and appearance. For individuals seeking a more youthful and refreshed look, facelift surgery—also known as rhytidectomy—remains one of the most effective and lasting solutions. Understanding the different types of facelift surgery can help in making an informed decision.
Thanks to advancements in cosmetic surgery, facelifts are no longer one-size-fits-all. Surgeons today use a variety of techniques to customize the procedure based on age, skin condition, facial structure, and patient goals.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that reduces signs of aging by tightening the facial skin, lifting sagging tissues, and improving contours of the face and neck. It addresses common concerns such as:
- Loose or sagging skin along the jawline
- Deep creases around the nose and mouth
- Loss of facial volume
- Jowls and double chin
- Wrinkles and folds on the mid-to-lower face
Depending on the patient’s needs, a facelift can target the entire face or focus on specific areas such as the cheeks, jawline, or brow.
Exploring the various types of facelift surgery is essential for anyone considering this procedure.
Types of Facelift Surgery
Traditional (Full) Facelift
The traditional facelift is the most comprehensive form of facelift surgery. It is typically recommended for patients with advanced signs of aging involving the mid-face, lower face, and neck.
Procedure:
The surgeon makes incisions starting at the temples, continuing around the ears, and ending in the lower scalp. The deeper facial tissues (SMAS layer) are repositioned and tightened. Excess skin is trimmed, and the skin is re-draped for a smooth, firm appearance.
Best For:
- Patients aged 50 and above
- Deep wrinkles and sagging skin
- Significant jowling and neck laxity
Results:
This method delivers dramatic and long-lasting results. The outcomes can make patients look 10 to 15 years younger and last up to a decade or more with proper care.
Mini Facelift
The mini facelift, sometimes called a “weekend facelift,” is a less invasive procedure targeting mild to moderate sagging in the lower face and jawline.
Procedure:
Smaller incisions are made around the ears, through which the surgeon tightens and lifts the underlying muscles and skin. Because it involves less dissection, the procedure results in less scarring and quicker recovery.
Best For:
- Patients in their 40s or early 50s
- Early signs of aging
- Mild jowling and skin laxity
Results:
The mini facelift provides natural, subtle improvements. It’s ideal for those who want a refreshed appearance without undergoing full surgery. The results typically last 5 to 7 years.
Mid-Facelift
A mid-facelift focuses on the area between the lower eyelids and the mouth, including the cheeks and nasolabial folds.
Procedure:
Incisions are made either in the hairline or inside the mouth. The surgeon lifts and repositions the cheek fat pads (malar fat) to restore volume and reduce the deep creases that form with age.
Best For:
- Patients with sagging in the cheeks
- Flattened midface contours
- Prominent nasolabial folds
Results:
The mid-facelift restores youthful fullness to the cheeks and smooths the area around the nose and mouth. It is often combined with eyelid surgery or a brow lift for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Lower Facelift
A lower facelift addresses the bottom third of the face, including the jawline, chin, and upper neck. This technique is ideal for correcting jowls and improving the definition of the jaw.
Procedure:
Incisions are made around the ears and possibly under the chin. The surgeon lifts and tightens tissues to remove sagging skin and redefine the jawline.
Best For:
- Jowls and poor jawline definition
- Loose neck skin
- Deep marionette lines
Results:
A lower facelift enhances facial symmetry and restores a cleaner, firmer jawline. It’s commonly performed on its own or as part of a full facelift.
Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)
Although technically not a facelift, a neck lift is often performed alongside or instead of a facelift to correct signs of aging in the neck area.
Procedure:
Incisions are made behind the ears and under the chin. The platysma muscles are tightened, excess fat may be removed, and loose skin is trimmed and repositioned.
Best For:
- “Turkey neck” or loose neck skin
- Excess fat or skin under the chin
- Vertical neck banding
Results:
A neck lift restores a smooth, youthful neck contour and is especially effective when paired with a facelift for full lower-face rejuvenation.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is an advanced technique that lifts both skin and the deeper muscle layers together, resulting in a more natural and longer-lasting outcome.
Procedure:
The surgeon works below the SMAS layer, freeing facial tissues from deeper attachments and repositioning them without excessive skin pulling. This technique addresses volume loss, sagging, and deep wrinkles.
Best For:
- Advanced facial aging
- Patients seeking long-term, natural-looking results
- Loss of cheek volume and deep folds
Results:
The deep plane facelift offers some of the most durable and natural results in facelift surgery. It requires more surgical expertise and typically involves a longer recovery.
SMAS Facelift
The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift targets the muscle and connective tissues beneath the skin. It’s one of the most widely used facelift techniques today.
Procedure:
After making incisions, the surgeon tightens and repositions the SMAS layer along with trimming excess skin. This avoids excessive tension on the skin and results in a more natural appearance.
Best For:
- Moderate to severe facial aging
- Sagging mid and lower face
- Nasolabial folds and jowls
Results:
The SMAS facelift achieves balanced lifting and firming of the facial structure, with results that are longer-lasting than traditional skin-only facelifts.
Choosing the Right Type of Facelift
Selecting the right facelift technique depends on several factors:
- Age and degree of facial aging
- Skin elasticity and texture
- Facial bone structure
- Personal goals and expectations
- Budget and willingness for recovery time
A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the best approach. The surgeon will examine facial anatomy, discuss options, and explain risks and outcomes.
Recovery and Expectations
Recovery varies by procedure. Most facelift surgeries require one to three weeks of downtime. Swelling and bruising are normal and can take a few weeks to subside. Full results often become visible within two to three months.
Long-term outcomes are influenced by lifestyle factors such as smoking, sun exposure, diet, and skincare. While no surgery can permanently stop aging, a good facelift can reset the clock by several years.
Conclusion
Facelift surgery has come a long way from its early days. Today, individuals can choose from a wide variety of procedures tailored to their unique needs, age, and aesthetic goals. Whether it’s a mini facelift for a quick refresh or a deep plane technique for advanced rejuvenation, modern facelift options provide natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Understanding the different types of facelifts helps patients make informed decisions about their cosmetic journey. Consulting with an experienced plastic surgeon is the first step toward restoring a youthful, confident appearance.
If you’re considering a facelift, explore your options carefully, set realistic expectations, and prioritize your health and safety throughout the process.
