Even as nonsurgical skin tightening treatments, the latest fillers, and BOTOX® Cosmetic continue to dominate headlines in the beauty world, there has been a resurgence of facial plastic surgery procedures, especially facelift. My Los Angeles patients choose facelift for the natural, yet remarkable results that newer surgical techniques achieve.
In the 1980s and 1990s, women and men concerned about sagging facial skin had only one option—a facelift. This was true even for patients with minimal skin laxity. Unfortunately, the traditional “skin-only” techniques used by plastic surgeons tended to produce an unnaturally tight, pulled appearance, often with visible scars.
Today, plastic surgeons use facelift surgery techniques that emphasize repositioning the tissue and muscle below the skin. Instead of cookie-cutter facelifts, I tailor my techniques to the individual needs of each patient. In this blog post, I’ll explain why modern facelifts create results that look natural and why combining surgery with nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedures may be the optimal treatment plan.
Facelift Popularity
Nearly 30 percent more people underwent facelift surgery in 2015 compared to 1997, according to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). The increased popularity continues in more recent years, with the number of facelifts performed in 2018 up b 1.5% over 2014.
Facelift Techniques
Unlike 20 years ago, a tight facelift is no longer desirable (or even acceptable). The goal of a facelift today is not to stretch the skin or erase every little flaw, but instead to turn back the clock by reducing the appearance of jowls and elevating saggy cheeks. It’s often combined with a neck lift because the lower face and neck typically show similar signs of aging.
I specialize in performing multiple facelift techniques so I can adapt the procedure for each patient. These techniques include:
Mini Facelift
Younger patients, usually in their 40s or early 50s, can often benefit from a mini facelift. This technique focuses more on minimizing wrinkles in the cheeks and is less useful for reducing jowls or improving the neck’s appearance.
Short Scar
As its name indicates, this technique involves making a shorter incision than what’s used for a full facelift. I lift the facial muscles and reposition fat for a more youthful appearance, using minimal tension to tighten the skin. This is especially effective for patients concerned about sagging cheeks and jowls.
Full Incision
For patients in their late 50s or older who are getting their first facelifts, a full incision facelift is usually needed to produce the desired results. Also called a traditional facelift (but better!), this technique tightens muscles that cause neck bands and addresses jowls and cheeks, as well. The procedure concludes with draping the skin carefully using minimal tension to rejuvenate the face without a windswept appearance.
I’m proud of the results my facelift patients enjoy, and I encourage you to look at our gallery of before-and-after photos to see these outcomes for yourself. If you’re thinking about getting a facelift and are looking for a plastic surgery practice in the Los Angeles area, you can contact us using the online form to request a consultation. Or call us at (310) 300-1779 to schedule an appointment.
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