A facelift is one of the most effective procedures for reversing visible signs of aging and restoring a more youthful appearance. However, not all facelifts are the same—there are different techniques designed to address varying levels of skin laxity, sagging, and facial volume loss. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Galiano offers a range of facelift options tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Understanding the different types can help you determine which approach is best for your aesthetic goals.
Mini Facelift: Subtle Enhancement with Less Downtime
Mini facelift, sometimes called a short-scar facelift, is a less invasive procedure designed for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, particularly along the jawline and lower face. It focuses on lifting and tightening sagging skin with smaller incisions, usually placed around the ears and hairline. This technique repositions the underlying tissue but does not involve extensive muscle tightening, making it a great option for patients in their late 30s to 50s who want a refreshed look without undergoing a full facelift.
Traditional Facelift: Comprehensive Rejuvenation
A full facelift, or a SMAS facelift, is the gold standard for patients with significant facial aging. This technique lifts and tightens the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), the deeper layer of facial muscles and tissues, to provide longer-lasting and more dramatic results. It addresses sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck, making it an excellent option for patients in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who want a more youthful and contoured facial structure.
Deep Plane Facelift: Advanced, Natural-Looking Results
For those seeking the most natural and long-lasting results, a deep plane facelift is an advanced option that repositions deeper facial structures rather than just pulling the skin. This technique is particularly effective for lifting sagging cheeks and reducing deeper nasolabial folds (laugh lines). Because it releases and repositions ligaments at a deeper level, the outcome is a softer, more natural rejuvenation without a “pulled” look. While recovery may take slightly longer than a traditional facelift, the results are exceptionally long-lasting.
Neck Lift with Facelift: Addressing Jawline & Neck Aging
A facelift alone primarily targets the mid-to-lower face, but many patients also experience neck laxity, jowls, and excess skin beneath the chin. Combining a neck lift with a facelift provides a more balanced, youthful look by tightening neck muscles, removing excess fat, and enhancing jawline definition. This combination is particularly beneficial for patients with moderate to severe sagging in both the lower face and neck.
Which Facelift Is Right for You?
The best type of facelift depends on several factors, including your age, skin elasticity, facial structure, and desired level of rejuvenation. During a consultation, Dr. Galiano evaluates each patient’s concerns and goals to recommend the most effective approach. Whether you’re looking for subtle enhancement or dramatic transformation, his expertise produces a natural, refreshed result. To learn more, contact our Chicago office at 312-926-4382.
