If you’ve been contemplating getting a facelift, don’t ponder any longer, there’s no time like the present. The 21st century facelift has come a long way since the olden days of worrying about looking “too pulled” or ”too overdone.” The modern facelift is fully updated and well-equipped to suit the facial rejuvenation needs of women and men of all ages in this modern world. With state-of-the-art advancements in surgical techniques, the “gold standard” of facial rejuvenation continues to reign supreme in delivering the most effective anti-aging results… and now it’s better than ever! NEWBEAUTY’s article ”A Guide to 21st Century Facelifts” offers us an in-depth insight into the latest innovations behind this popular plastic surgery procedure.
Facelift Techniques – Then and Now
When considering facial plastic surgery, no other cosmetic procedure can compare to the profound rejuvenating effect of a facelift. This type of surgery improves skin laxity and elasticity, smoothes out deep lines and wrinkles, and restores a more defined facial contour and jawline. It can be said the facelifts of today are much different than the old-fashioned skin-tightening procedures that left much to be desired. The facelifts of the past relied on releasing and stretching the skin to achieve a “lifted” appearance, however the results were often short-lived and created an unnatural, fake ”wind tunnel” look.
The modern facelift employs the latest techniques that leave the face looking natural and lifted without that ”worked on” appearance. Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich, a top NYC facial plastic surgeon and facelift expert, explains that externally, the surgery still utilizes incisions around the ears to pull everything up, but on the inside, it’s different. He says, “we don’t pull just the deeper structure (SMAS); we go deeper underneath to release the ligaments that hold onto the SMAS. This creates a lift with less obvious results, lasting significantly longer.” This technique also allows for substantial facial rejuvenation without changing the patient’s unique facial features.
How Facelifts Have Improved
There are a few other significant changes to the modern facelift that make it so effective. One of those changes is the way a surgeon pulls and lifts the skin. Instead of the outdated horizontal approach of pulling skin back that can create a distorted appearance, today’s plastic surgeons know that a better way is to do a more vertical and upward ”lift.”
The facelift incision placement has also improved. The incisions are discreetly hidden wrapping around the ears, in the hairline (and under the chin, in case of a neck lift). The modified placement means less tension in the skin, which usually results in smoother, smaller and less visible scars. The recovery and healing period is also quicker than it used to be in the past.
Combining a neck lift with a facelift has also become standard for the best overall facial rejuvenation outcome. Of course, different people and faces may have different needs. Younger patients with early signs of facial aging might opt for a mini facelift (without a neck lift) to tighten the muscles and have a more defined jawline. The goal of patients in their 30’s and 40’s is usually to look more refreshed, instead of getting a more dramatic facelift when they’re older. Patients with more advanced facial aging, significant sagging and excess skin in most cases will benefit from a combined face and neck lift procedure.
Types of Facelifts and Which One Is Right For You
The best part of the modern facelift is that it presents a facial rejuvenation solution for men and women of varying ages. With a custom approach, those in their 30’s and 40’s can benefit from a facelift as well as those in their 50’s, 60’s and up. It all starts with a consultation with a qualified facial plastic surgeon to create an individualized surgical plan for optimal results. Unique facial characteristics and features, degree of aging and surgery goals all play an important role in helping your surgeon determine the best facelift technique for you.
What are some of the most commonly requested types of facelifts? The deep-plane facelift is one of the most popular options for its ability to go deeper into the muscle, elevating and repositioning the facial tissues beneath the SMAS as one unit, instead of separate layers. The results are a more natural, long-lasting youthful rejuvenation.
The SMAS facelift is also highly requested among patients. In this type of procedure, the SMAS layer and skin are seperately lifted up and tightened to a more youthful position. The outcome reduces the appearance of jowls, tightens up the neck, and lifts the cheeks.
Other more minimally invasive options include the endoscopic facelift during which a surgeon uses a small camera for additional visualization beneath the skin. The ponytail facelift and mini-facelift are best suited for younger patients that have slight laxity in the lower face.
Additional Procedures
Facelifts can solve a lot of facial aging concerns, but they can’t correct everything. Thankfully, there are many facial rejuvenating procedures that can be beautifully complementary to a facelift. For some patients, fat grafting can be a great option for restoring volume loss in the face. For lifting and opening up the upper, eye area of the face, a brow lift or blepharoplasty can also be good add-on procedures. Laser treatments can improve the texture and quality of the skin for a complete look. The options are plentiful for making us look and feel youthful!
You can read the full article in NEWBEAUTY. Would you like to know more about facelift surgery or other facial rejuvenation procedures? We would be happy to see you for a consultation to guide you through your most pressing beauty questions and concerns. Please contact our Manhattan-based practice to schedule your appointment with New York’s top facial plastic surgeon and facelift expert, Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD.
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