Considering the many types of facelifts available, it can be daunting to figure out which procedure is best for you. In fact, many patients are good candidates for multiple treatment options! While there is no “right” age to get a facelift, different age groups will have different needs that can be addressed with both surgical and nonsurgical options.
In this blog post, I will cover the different types of facelifts (from least to most invasive) and who might benefit most from them. Keep in mind that we all show our age differently. Your surgeon will examine your unique facial anatomy, listen to your cosmetic goals, and present the most appropriate options for you.
Liquid Facelift
A nonsurgical procedure, the “liquid facelift” achieves temporary facial rejuvenation through a series of strategically placed injections. The treatment involves a wrinkle-relaxing neuromodulator such as BOTOX® and a dermal filler such as JUVEDERM® and Restylane® to smooth fine lines and restore fullness to the face.
This option is suitable for adults of any age, though it is especially popular among men and women in their 30s and 40s. Some patients may not be willing to undergo surgery, while others may not yet feel ready for a more invasive approach. And for those who have already had a facelift? A liquid facelift can make an excellent “top-up” treatment to maintain surgical results.
Endoscopic Midface Lift
A minimally invasive “closed” surgical procedure, this facelift tightens the muscles of the midface (the cheeks, nose, and upper lip) and restores volume and buoyancy to hollow, sagging skin. The incisions are small and artfully hidden, while the endoscope facilitates precise and delicate corrections of the underlying facial structures.
A midface lift only targets one region of the face, making it suitable for patients (typically in their 40s-50s) with drooping skin and wrinkles around the cheeks and mouth. This procedure works best for individuals with mild-to-moderate signs of aging and can also be combined with eyelid surgery to open and refresh the eye area.
Mini Facelift
As we cover in a related blog post, the mini facelift or S-lift targets either the midface or lower face with shorter, more discreet incisions than those used in a traditional facelift. The procedure can be considered a “proactive” type of facelift to address concerns with jowls and jawline definition before they become severe enough for full facelift surgery.
The patients who pursue this procedure are often in their late 30s to 50s and seek to get ahead of more significant facial aging. They may still choose to have a facelift later in life, but the mini facelift will stave off the need for it as long as possible.
Full Facelift
A full (or traditional) facelift is an open surgery procedure that produces the biggest transformations—see for yourself in our before and after photo gallery—but which requires the most extensive downtime and incisions. This procedure targets the lower two-thirds of the face, though some patients add a brow lift for total rejuvenation.
A full facelift targets a layer of tissue fibers and fat cells called the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), which plays a significant role in facial expressions. By manipulating this area, a board-certified plastic surgeon can reshape and reposition the structures of the face for the most natural and beautiful results.
Patients seeking a full facelift generally fall in their 50s-70s and require the most significant alterations to achieve their ideal look. Remember: a facelift has less to do with how old we are than how young we feel in comparison.
Please request a consultation or call us at
(415) 441-1888 to learn more about what facial rejuvenation methods are right for you.
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