Facelift: what are the different types of facelifts available?

A facelift is a surgical or minimally invasive procedure designed to rejuvenate appearance by correcting skin sagging and redefining contours. With age, skin loses elasticity, facial muscles droop, and the face can look tired or marked. However, not all facelifts are the same: they differ in technique, treated area, and invasiveness. Understanding these various options helps in choosing the best solution for one's needs and expectations.

1. What is a facelift?

A facial lift aims to:

• Tighten sagging skin.

• Reposition underlying tissues and fat.

• Correct wrinkles and deep lines.

• Improve the facial oval and overall appearance.

Depending on age, skin type, and degree of sagging, the aesthetic surgeon may suggest different facelift techniques.

2. The main types of facelifts

a. Full or traditional facelift

• Addresses the entire face and neck.

• Tightens the skin, repositions muscles, and removes excess skin.

• Offers lasting results (8 to 10 years), but requires general or local anesthesia with sedation.

• Recommended for advanced or overall facial sagging.

b. Mini-facelift (or mid-facelift)

• Targets specific areas such as the cheeks, jawline, or temples.

• Less invasive, shorter scars, faster recovery.

• Ideal for individuals with moderate skin sagging who desire a natural result.

c. Neck Lift

• Specifically targets the neck area to correct sagging and folds.

• Often combined with a facelift for a harmonious result.

• Helps refine the jawline and reduce a double chin.

d. Temporal or Brow Lift

• Addresses sagging in the temples and eyebrows.

• Restores a more open and youthful look to the eyes.

• Scars are discreet, often hidden within the hairline.

e. Mid-Facelift

• Targets the middle of the face: cheekbones, cheeks, and nasolabial folds.

• Repositions tissues and fat to correct sagging cheekbones.

• Often combined with non-surgical treatments (hyaluronic acid, thread lifts).

f. Thread Lift

• A minimally invasive alternative to a surgical facelift.

• Absorbable or permanent threads are inserted under the skin to tighten tissues.

• Provides immediate results and quick recovery, but is less long-lasting than a traditional facelift (1 to 3 years).

g. Endoscopic Lift

• A less invasive technique that uses a camera to guide the repositioning of tissues.

• Allows treatment of specific areas (eyebrows, cheekbones) with reduced scarring.

• Suitable for individuals seeking targeted rejuvenation without major surgery.

3. Criteria for choosing a facelift

The choice depends on:

• Age and sagging skin: the more significant the sagging, the more suitable a full facelift is.

• Area to be treated: full face, mid-face, neck, temples.

• Desired result: subtle and natural or a more noticeable rejuvenation.

• Tolerance for surgery and recovery time.

• Budget: minimally invasive facelifts and thread lifts generally cost less than a full facelift.

4. The benefits of a facelift

• Tightens the skin and redefines facial contours.

• Corrects deep wrinkles and folds.

• Repositions sagging fat and tissues.

• Offers a long-lasting and natural result if performed by an experienced surgeon.

• Improves self-confidence and overall appearance.

5. Risks and precautions

Like any surgical procedure, a facelift carries risks:

• Hematomas, edema, temporary bruising.

• Visible scars in case of poor healing.

• Asymmetry or unsatisfactory results.

• Infection or reaction to anesthesia.

It is essential to consult a qualified surgeon, evaluate expectations, and follow post-operative recommendations.

6. Non-surgical alternatives

For mild sagging or to delay a surgical facelift, several solutions are available:

• Absorbable thread lifts.

• Hyaluronic acid or Botox injections to redefine volumes and contours.

• Focused ultrasound, radiofrequency, or laser to stimulate collagen and firm the skin.

These methods offer temporary results but can be combined with a facelift for an overall effect.

Conclusion

There are several types of facelifts, each adapted to a specific degree of sagging, area, and patient expectations. From a full facelift to a mini-facelift, including thread lifts or endoscopic facelifts, these options allow for natural and targeted rejuvenation.

The choice of technique should be made in consultation with a qualified surgeon, after evaluating needs, age, skin condition, and desired results. Today, a facelift remains one of the most effective procedures to achieve a rested, firmer, and rejuvenated appearance.