There are a lot of facelift methods you’ve probably heard about and it can be confusing to figure out the best one for your particular needs. Our advice? Don’t try to figure out which type of facelift you need because you’re asking the wrong question. A great facelift is not characterized by type, but by customization. The best way to get disappointing results is by looking for a cookie-cutter procedure. A skilled surgeon can produce amazing results with almost any method if he or she customizes the procedure to your individual circumstances.
facelift before and after photo
The right facelift surgery for you is not a matter of reading about incision methods, dissection planes, or vectors of lift, but about finding a reputable surgeon whose results (unretouched before and after photos) you like. You need to be comfortable in your surgeon’s ability both through your research and through an individual consultation. If your potential surgeon says that every facelift procedure is the same or the focus is on how fast the surgery can be performed, it’s time to worry. The best type of facelift is one tailored to meet your needs. Whether it be the deep plane lift, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift, an endoscopic facelift, S-lift, or a MACS lift, the short scar facelift, or another method, the procedure must be customized to your unique features and goals to obtain natural, satisfying results.
How does the Deep Plane Facelift compare to other methods?
As stated above, most any type of facelift can procure excellent results if customized by an experienced facial cosmetic surgeon. The deep plane facelift can be as effective as other methods, but the problem is that this is a riskier procedure and the benefits usually aren’t worth the risk when there are other options available. With the deep plane facelift, there is an increased chance of injury to a facial nerve that can even happen in the best of hands. The chance of these facelift complications are small but if it happens to you, it was 100%. If this happens to you, some of your facial muscles will cease to work properly. Since properly functioning facial muscles are essential to your appearance, your results will not be good. Since there is no clear advantage to the deep lane facelift, why take the risk, even if it’s small? If you are set on receiving this method, you will probably find someone who will perform it for you if you knock on enough doors and have enough money, but may end up regretting your inflexibility.
Can I use a home remedy?
There are a lot of proclamations about so-called miracle cures, like a non-surgical facelifts at home. A useful rule to follow is this: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If someone tells you they can give you a facelift in a bottle, be skeptical. The truth is that moisturizers, so-called facelift creams, and other concoctions are generally a waste of money. If you think about the hyped claims for these products, you’ll realize they don’t make logical sense. There is certainly nothing stopping you from testing out these promises, but don’t expect much from them.
If what you really want is a facelift alternative, seek a personal consultation with an esteemed and qualified facial cosmetic surgeon. A facelift is usually not indicated without the loose “turkey” neck skin, and in many cases a treatment like BOTOX or safe neck liposuction is a good option.
The Bottom Line
Of all cosmetic facial procedures, a facelift is the most powerful. When it comes to something so important and complex, to obtain the best results it’s critical that you allow your physician the flexibility needed to customize your results.
Dr. Steinsapir is a cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles who strives for the most natural, youthful results through minimally invasive procedures with the shortest possible recovery times. He has been a leader in the move toward small-incision facelifts since 1990. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Oculofacial Surgery at UCLA. Your surgery will be in the safety of the Surgery Center at the UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Steinsapir is sought out by individuals both in California and across the nation and world for his expertise in designing individual facelifts and other facial cosmetic procedures. Rather than directing you to a technician, nurse, or assistant, Dr. Steinsapir is personally available to answer your facelift questions, discuss options suitable to your aesthetic needs, and work with you to customize your facelift if your assessment indicates that one is needed. Contact us today for an individual assessment.