Advanced technology has broadened the scope of what facelift surgery can achieve, with endoscopic techniques offering enhanced results and minimal recovery. If you are interested in an endoscopic facelift, you may be curious about how its results compare to those of other facelift techniques. This blog will discuss what an endoscopic facelift entails, who it’s best suited for, and how its results compare with those of other popular facelift methods.
Table of Contents
- What Is an Endoscopic Facelift?
- Who Is a Candidate for an Endoscopic Facelift?
- Facelift Results By Technique
- Learn More About Endoscopic Facelift in New York
What Is an Endoscopic Facelift?
An endoscopic facelift is not a minimally invasive facelift. This technique involves inserting a tiny surgical camera (endoscope) through hidden incisions, typically placed within the hairline. The camera provides the surgeon with superior visualization of the deeper facial structures, allowing for increased precision without the need for longer or more invasive incisions.
This technique targets specific areas of the face that exhibit early signs of aging, including the brows and cheeks. However, if you’re looking for tightening of the jawline or removing neck skin laxity, you would be better served by a full facelift. This makes an endoscopic facelift the preferred option for many patients who want visible yet subtle improvement of the cheek contour and brow position without the downtime associated with more invasive techniques or procedures.
Typical results often include a lifted midface with rejuvenated cheek contours, resulting in a smoother, more refreshed appearance that’s elegant and natural-looking. One cannot expect to reduce sagging of the lower eyelids or significantly improved nasolabial folds. Even though the endoscopic facelift can have subtle improvements in those areas, other procedures like lower blepharoplasty can give you the results you want.
Who Is a Candidate for an Endoscopic Facelift?
The ideal candidate for an endoscopic facelift is someone who is experiencing mild to moderate facial sagging, skin laxity, or other moderate signs of aging that non-surgical methods cannot improve. A typical age range for endoscopic facelift candidates is patients in their 30s to 50s, but age is less relevant than the degree of sagging and overall aesthetic goals.
You may be a good candidate for an endoscopic facelift if you are interested in:
- A less invasive treatment of the sagging cheek that does not involve a traditional facelift technique
- A shorter recovery time and minimal scarring
- Subtle rejuvenation to enhance the appearance of the brow and midface
This procedure tends to be especially effective for patients with good skin elasticity who want to restore youthful cheek contours, rather than looking for more profound facial rejuvenation.
Facelift Results By Technique Comparison
Facelift surgery has evolved into a group of procedures that can be adapted to each patient’s unique needs. Below is an overview of how endoscopic facelift results compare with the results of other commonly performed facelift techniques.
SMAS Facelift
The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift has been the standard for the last few decades. It focuses on repositioning and tightening the connective tissue and other facial layers, while also removing excess skin. It’s a technique best suited for mild to moderate sagging in the jawline and neck, making it a suitable procedure for patients in their 30s and 40s. Results often take 10 years off a patient’s appearance. Downtime for initial recovery is usually one to two weeks.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift goes beyond the SMAS layer, repositioning deep facial tissues and releasing facial retaining ligaments, allowing for the most comprehensive and youthful rejuvenation possible. It’s best for patients with more significant aging, jowling, or midface descent who are seeking significant yet natural results. A typical deep plane facelift outcome is a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance that retains natural facial character and expression. Downtime for initial recovery is around one to three weeks.
Endoscopic Facelift
As the least invasive option, the endoscopic facelift is a powerful choice for patients with early sagging of the cheeks, midface, or brow. Results are subtle and elegant, without visible scarring. Downtime is usually one to two weeks, depending on individual healing.
Learn More About the Endoscopic Facelift in New York
If you’d like to learn more about the endoscopic facelift and determine if it suits your goals, it’s best to seek out the expertise of a highly qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Konstantin is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in New York who specializes in facial rejuvenation procedures. To schedule a private consultation, complete our online contact form or call us at (212) 380-3634.